The best way to ensure that your skin stays glowing and radiant all day, every day, is to make sure that you are properly taking care of it. No matter how young or old you are, there are simple steps you can take to achieve and maintain great skin for life – here are 3 simple tips that even the busiest people can apply every day.
1) Drink plenty of water
Water is critical for your overall health, and being dehydrated can lead to a dull complexion. If you’re feeling exhausted or looking tired, it might be time to down some H2O! In addition to helping keep your skin hydrated, water also helps flush out toxins that could be irritating sensitive skin and causing breakouts. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day for best results—and don’t forget about adding lemon juice (which contains citric acid) to help you flush toxins out of your system and in turn your skin. According to nutritionist Rachael Hartley, drinking more water will do wonders for your skin because your body needs to function properly in order for it to give off healthy-looking radiance.
2) Moisturise
The best way to maintain good skin is to keep it hydrated. The first step toward healthy, glowing skin is applying a moisturiser to your face and neck after you shower every day. And don’t be shy about using moisturiser with sunscreen during daylight hours. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free products; if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, try creamier formulas that contain emollients like shea butter or ceramides. You can also use an oil-based moisturiser on dry areas of your body such as knees and elbows (but not on oily areas). A handy tip: moisturising before bed will give your skin some time to absorb all those hydrating ingredients while you sleep.
3) Cleanse
Soap, makeup, pollution and all of life’s stresses leave our skin in need of a deep clean. And if you want a truly radiant complexion, do it twice a day—your beauty regimen doesn’t have to be complicated. Before bed and after your morning shower or bath, apply an oil-free cleanser to your face with gentle upward strokes; rinse off with warm water. If you wear makeup, use a separate remover to get rid of it before cleansing. If dryness is an issue for you, look for products that contain hyaluronic acid (it attracts moisture from the air) or add a few drops of facial oil into your daily routine. Be sure to keep it simple by choosing one type of moisturizer for both day and night. If you experience breakouts, choose an oil-free product made with salicylic acid (or benzoyl peroxide), which can help fight bacteria on contact. Apply SPF: The sun is so hard on our skin, which is why experts recommend applying SPF every single day—even when it’s cloudy out!
Everything in moderation
Skincare is serious business, but if you focus on truly caring for your skin, instead of obsessing over its appearance, you’ll be able to see and feel better results. Focus on living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep; these steps will help give your skin some much-needed glow from within.
