There are those women who seem to have perfect skin, which makes you want to stare at it with a combination of envy and admiration. However, smooth and flawless skin doesn’t just happen. You need to care for it and create good habits in order to keep it looking nice and radiant. Here are some of those habits.
Remove your makeup before bedtime
Although you might be completely exhausted at the end of the day and you just want to crawl into bed, never go to sleep without removing your makeup. If left on your face during the night, makeup will clog your pores, which will prevent your skin from breathing. Clogged pores disturb your natural skin pH balance, leading to acne, pimples and blackheads. Plus, the dirt can quickly accumulate on your face, allowing bacteria into your skin and causing inflammation. Use gentle face wash to remove makeup and clean your face. However, if you don’t have the time, you can use micellar water on a cotton pad, which doesn’t require rinsing and is a quick solution to your problem.
Cleanse your face
You should always be picky about skin products, especially when they’re for your face. Washing your face with a plain soap just won’t do, so use a cleanser for your exact skin type. Some cleansers wash away your skin’s natural oils along with the dirt, leaving it dry, so don’t hesitate to spend a bit more money on first-rate facial products if you want premium care for your skin. You should wash your face at least once a day, in the evening, unless you have oily skin, in which case you can use it in the morning as well. Apply the cleanser on your damp skin and leave working for 15 seconds or so, to thoroughly remove all the dirt or makeup from your face.
Use quality skin products
Once you cleanse your face, use a moisturizer, preferably after showering, while your skin is still somewhat damp. The moisturizer should also be in accordance with your skin type, and you should apply it daily, since it won’t only hydrate your skin and keep it soft, but it may also help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Also, consider investing in a quality product with antioxidant properties, such as NeoStrata bionic face serum. Vitamins A, C and E in these products help fight pigmentation and could leave your skin looking healthier and younger. Exfoliate once or twice a week and if you use lotions, opt for the ones without heavy fragrances.
Be careful with what touches your face
Anything that touches your face should be clean, starting with your hands. You should avoid picking at your face altogether, or touching it when you’re outside and your hands aren’t completely clean. You should disinfect your phone, since it can be full of germs. Clean it and don’t press it too close to your face when using it. Your pillowcase can soak in any saliva or dirt, returning them directly to your face, so flip your pillow every few days and change your pillowcase weekly. Don’t use makeup past its expiration date and wash your face brushes once or twice a month.
Apply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen while on vacation, when the sun is strong or you’re heading to the beach isn’t enough. You should use sunscreen every day, whole year round, with an SPF of 15 or higher, depending on the weather and the climate you live in. Daily exposure to UV light can cause skin to toughen, lose its elasticity or get sun spots. Avoid this by wearing sunscreen whenever you go out, and reapplying it every two hours or so. Also, wearing sunglasses might not only protect your eyes, but also the sensitive skin around your eyes from the negative effects of UV light.
Keep your lifestyle healthy
The way you treat your body will show on your skin, so do your best to maintain a healthy diet, full of nutrients and antioxidants. Salmon, dark green vegetables, blueberries and green tea might help slow down skin aging. Exercising regularly can also improve your skin complexion by enhancing your circulation and oxygen capacity. Drink plenty of water, about eight glasses a day. Don’t wait until you get thirsty, since by then you’re already dehydrated. And, above all, get enough of restful and uninterrupted sleep. Eight hours would be perfect to give your skin enough time to repair during the night.
If you care for your skin properly, your mirror will show you the results in a short while. However, if you have any doubts or questions about skincare, or you notice some irregularities that worry you, talk to your dermatologist for advice.