Feel good, look good. The skin is the largest organ in our body, and it's important to keep it hydrated and well nourished. Having a consistent skincare routine will not only help your skin look great but will also help you feel like you’re taking care of yourself.
1. Wash your hands before you wash your face.
According to the CDC, it’s important towash our handsto prevent infections and illness. Bacteria, viruses and allergens can transfer from your fingertips to your skin. So before you touch your face, make sure you wash your hands.
2. Don’t wash your face with hot water.
Hot water can irritate your skin and take off the natural oils that are essential for it to remain healthy. Use lukewarm water to remove scrubs and cleansers.
3. Use a cleanser designed for your skin type.
Using a cleanser that’s appropriate for your skin type can make a big difference in the way your skin feels and looks. Try to build a routine to cleanse your skin in the morning and at night before going to bed, just like brushing your teeth. Avoid harsh, ordinary soaps that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, choose gentle cleansers: dermatologist-tested and sulfate-free.
For dry skin, select products with ingredients that help soften and moisturize like aloe vera and chamomile. If your skin is oilier, pick ingredients that leave the skin feeling refreshed like a juicy orange and grapefruit.
After a few days, notice how your skin feels and adjust from there. Who knows? You may start to feel healthier after the first day. And that’s how you know it’s a good habit.
4. Hydrate your skin and use sunscreen daily.
Having to use two products in the daytime can get complicated. This is why using a daytime moisturizer with an already broad-spectrum sunscreen in it is perfect for daily use. Not only will it hydrate your skin, but it will also help protect it from harsh UV light. If you feel that you need extra moisture, include a daily serum underneath your daytime moisturizer.
When shopping for a serum, look for products with hemp seed oil that are known for their conditioning properties. Hemp is known as the wonder plant because of its hydrating and moisturizing properties.
5. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times weekly.
When we’re young, the body automatically sheds the skin of accumulated skin cells, but as we age, that process slows down. Right now, thousands of dead skin cells are collecting on your skin’s surface. Let’s send them on their way.
It’s vital to scrub your face at least 2 to 3 times a week to help prevent blackheads and whiteheads from appearing. Plus, manual exfoliation can reveal healthier, brighter-looking skin in minutes. It even helps you maximize the benefits of your skincare products. By removing the dead skin cells, you are removing a barrier that prevents your skincare products from penetrating, and thus, can make your skincare products work better.
Look for products that are gentle but have powerful exfoliating ingredients like blueberry, pomegranate and bamboo seeds. These types of ingredients can help achieve soft, smooth skin without harming it. Exfoliate often and reap the benefits now.
6. Drink enough water.
We all know the importance of drinking water, but it's especially vital for maintaining our skin's health. When the skin is adequately hydrated, it looks smooth and has a radiant glow. To kickstart a hydration routine, set up a water station at work or bring a large bottle of water for your desk so you’ll remember to hydrate throughout the day.
7. Use a clay mask to help draw out impurities.
Masking can be a great ally in the battle against skin impurities and an overproduction of oil. It’s not something you need to do every day, but once or twice a week or so can provide wonderful benefits to your skin.
Bentonite clay is my favorite because it is known for its absorbing and toning properties. It will remove oil, dirt and impurities, which helps prevent pore clogging – a leading cause of breakouts. A good clay mask can help diminish the appearance of pore size, too.
Too complicated? Here Are 3 Basic Skincare Tips
For an easy yet thorough entry point to great skincare, grab these three skincare products and start your self-care today:
- A cleanser geared for your particular type of skin
- A moisturizer with sunscreen (SFP) to protect against harmful UV rays
- A scrub to exfoliate your skin
