You’ve heard it time and time again, “love the skin you’re in”. Summer is around the corner, and if your complexion isn’t as healthy as you want it to look, loving the skin you’re in can feel impossible. In order to get clearer skin, you need to start taking some time for yourself and practice some self-care.
Exfoliate
The road to clearer skin for the summer is paved with an exfoliator. In order to show off brighter and clearer skin, you have to first get rid of all the dead skin cells that comprise the top layer of your skin. Exfoliating also makes it more difficult for oil and dirt to build up and cause breakouts. If you have skin that is prone to acne, use an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid.
Routine
As with any self-care, it is always more effective if you do it regularly. The best way to make sure you don’t overlook what you need to do is to maintain a routine. If you are able to get yourself in the habit of taking care of your skin, soon it will be second nature. Exfoliating once a week should be part of your routine to keep your skin glowing.
As tempting as it may be, don’t pick your face! When you pick at blemishes, not only do you cause them to become angry and inflamed, you risk introducing bacteria from your fingers which could cause an infection. As if that doesn’t sound awful enough, you can also create scars that can be a lot more unsightly than a pesky blemish.
Make sure you wash your face regularly and always remove your makeup before going to bed. Not removing your makeup before going to bed leaves dirt and oil in your pores, causing them to block and resulting in breakouts.
Don’t forget to get adequate sleep; it’s not called beauty sleep for no reason. When you sleep, your cells have the opportunity to rejuvenate. When you are well-rested, at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, you will find your skin has the opportunity to repair itself, and the end result is glowing skin.
Hydrate
When considering your complexion, one thing that is often overlooked is how hydrated you are. Not only is water vital to so many internal functions, but being properly hydrated can also give you glowing skin. When you drink ample amounts of water, your skin will naturally be healthier, clearer, and smoother. Not to mention, drinking plenty of water will help to keep breakouts at bay.
There is no one thing that will keep your skin from being less than radiant; achieving and maintaining a beautiful complexion has many components. Besides the importance of drinking enough water, you also have to consider the foods you eat. Do your best to steer clear of sugary snacks and processed foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a wise choice for overall health and how well you eat (or don’t) can influence the appearance of your skin.
Hydration doesn’t only happen on the inside. In addition to drinking water, be sure to use a daily moisturizer. If you don’t yet know, identify what type of skin you have and choose an appropriate moisturizer. Don’t think because you have oily skin that you can skip this step. Not moisturizing oily skin can increase your chances of breaking out. With the right moisturizer, you can help your skin stay soft, supple, and look and feel younger.
Since summer is only a blink away, take the time to invest in yourself with a healthy skincare routine, and put your best face forward.