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5 Skincare Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthy, Radiant Complexion
Are you giving your skin the TLC it needs to stay healthy and radiant? While you’ve likely developed a skincare routine, you may be neglecting some important parts that are crucial to the health and appearance of your complexion. Not to worry— I’ve detailed some of the major skincare do’s and don’ts to help you establish smart habits.
DO: Lather Up with Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days
It’s common knowledge that the sun’s UV rays are hazardous for your skin. Not only can excessive sun exposure lead to skin cancer and other skin diseases, but also it ages your skin. Unless you’re going to stay indoors forever, the best protection you have against sun damage is sunscreen. While you may already be using a daily moisturizer or foundation with SPF, you may not be applying it on cloudy or cold days. Regardless of the weather, you should be using a product containing a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 all year long. When applying sunscreen, don’t forget your face, hands, ears, lips and chest.
DON’T: Skip Your Nightly Skincare Routine
How often do you get into bed without removing your makeup and cleansing and moisturizing your face? Skipping your nightly skincare routine is a bad habit to fall into and will likely result in clogged pores, dryness, dark spots, redness, inflammation, and premature aging.
After removing your makeup, wash your face with a cleanser, designed for your skin type, and lukewarm water. This will wash away excess makeup, as well as dirt, pollution and oils. Next, apply an anti-aging serum and/or wrinkle cream to your face, neck and chest, followed by a thick moisturizer and an eye cream. The skin under your eyes is very sensitive and delicate, and an eye cream will help combat fine lines and puffiness, while helping the skin maintain its suppleness.
DO: Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet influences all parts and systems of your body, and your skin is no exception. Some foods contain powerhouse ingredients that promote soft, supple and radiant skin. For instance, vitamin C promotes the production of collagen and helps blemishes heal properly; while vitamin E protects the skin from cell damage, and selenium defends against sun damage and age spots. On the flip side, processed, fried and other unhealthy foods can cause blemishes and promote skin aging.
DON’T: Pop Your Pimples
We’re all guilty of this one, but it’s a bad habit that needs to be nixed. Popping pimples can lead to redness, swelling and even scarring. And, when you pop a pimple, you’re affecting the surrounding skin with bacteria, only causing more breakouts. Rather than popping your pimple, use a warm washcloth apply pressure to the breakout area, and then pat the skin dry. If it’s ready to pop, the pimple will be drained by the pressure.
DO: Pamper Yourself
A facial can do wonders for your skin and stress level, and you don’t have to go to a high-end salon to get one. You can give yourself the spa treatment at home to promote healthy skin and a relaxed mind. Remove all your makeup, cleanse your face, and exfoliate. Then, apply your DIY face mask, designed for your skin type or specific skin issue, to target any problem areas. For instance, a moisturizing mask is ideal for dry skin, while a clay-based mask is good for targeting blemishes. As you let your face mask set in, enjoy some soothing music and relax. Then, rinse off the mask and apply your moisturizer and spot treatments.
These are a few essential tips for keeping your skin healthy and beautiful. When using any products, remember to use ones that are formulated for your skin type. If you’re unsure of your skin type, talk to a skincare specialist to find out what types of products you should be using.
