Sometimes life can get so busy that we forget to breathe and make ourselves a priority. The stress of being on top of everything can take a toll on our skin and nothing looks worse than tired, dull skin. If you want to look and feel your best, you have to find time to follow a skincare routine.
1. Cleanse (daily, morning and night)
No matter how tired you feel at night, never go to bed with your makeup on. Use a gentle makeup remover and make sure you don’t rub or pull your skin. You should cleanse even if you don’t use makeup, in order to get rid of the daily grime accumulated on your skin. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and massage it into your face and neck in a circular motion. Gently wipe it away with a damp washcloth. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry gently with a soft towel.
2. Tone (daily, morning and night)
A toner is a must-have in a good skincare routine. It does so many wonderful things for your skin, you certainly don’t want to miss out! Among other things, it balances your skin’s pH, helps keep pores clear, prevents blackheads and minor pimples from forming, it moisturizes and removes traces of makeup.
3. Moisturize (daily, morning and night)
Moisturizers are definitely a must, especially during the cold weather. For day time, use a lightweight cream that contains moisturizing, anti-aging oils, like Pomegranate, Argan, Red Raspberry, Meadowfoam, Rosehip, which will nourish aging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by replenishing and protecting skin’s moisture barrier. Certain plant extracts like Centella Asiatica, Rosehip, Gingko Biloba, Sea Buckthorn will enhance the cream’s ability to moisturize and revitalize complexion, promote elasticity and protect the skin against the abuse of the elements. For maximum hydration, choose a cream that contains Hyaluronic Acid (ideally in its salt form, Sodium Hyaluronate, which is more easily absorbed by the skin). Hyaluronic Acid/Sodium Hyaluronate is the most effective moisturizer ever discovered and has the remarkable capacity to attract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture. Its moisture-binding characteristic is exceptionally important for aging skin, which loses the ability to retain a balanced amount of moisture. Your skin will look and feel healthier, younger, firmer and more radiant.
At night, apply a rich cream or an oil serum after cleansing and toning. According to researchers at the University of California-Irvine, new skin cells grow faster while you sleep, so a good evening facial routine should be a high priority. Look for products that contain Avocado, Macadamia, Jojoba, Tamanu, Sacha Inchi oils, Shea or Mango Butter, which will feed and repair your skin while you sleep.
4. Exfoliate (weekly)
Exfoliation is a way to clean deeply, get rid of dead skin cells, and refine the texture of the skin, bringing your complexion to life and stimulating cellular regeneration. It is recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week. If you have sensitive skin, you can exfoliate once every two weeks to start off. Make sure you choose a face scrub that’s not too harsh on your skin and apply it gently with circular movements on your wet face, then rinse well with lukewarm water.
5. Apply a facial mask (weekly)
A facial mask goes hand in hand with exfoliation. For best results, use a mask every time you exfoliate. Spread the mask evenly over your face, leave on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse well. You don’t have to buy expensive masks, you can use ingredients easily found in your kitchen: yogurt, honey, avocado, bananas, strawberries, cucumbers etc.
Recap:
Daily skincare routine: Cleanse — Tone — Moisturize
Weekly skincare routine: Cleanse — Exfoliate — Apply mask — Tone — Moisturize
Having a good, consistent skincare routine is essential if you want to look your best, but it’s also important to remember that clear skin comes from within and what you eat, drink and how much you sleep can make all the difference.
6. Hydrate
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of fluids like water and unsweetened teas. Reduce the amount of caffeinated, sugary drinks, and alcohol beverages, as these are known to dehydrate your body and your skin.
7. Eat healthy
Certain foods can have a negative effect on your skin. Try to avoid dairy, salty and sugary foods, greasy and processed foods. Eat foods high in Omega-3 fatty acid, like flax seeds or walnuts, essential for increasing your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture.
8. Sleep
Try to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night. Use a silk pillowcase, and change it every other day (daily if you have acne). Silk glides easily on your skin and prevents creasing and wrinkles. It is also easier on hair, helping avoid breakage.
9. Do not touch your face!
Constantly touching and picking at your skin can spread bacteria, cause breakouts and lead to scarring and an increase in wrinkles. Keep your fingers away from your face! It may also help you avoid getting sick.
10. Have fun!
A happy attitude and a grateful heart work wonders for your skin. Enjoy life, love your family and friends, and live in the moment! Happiness shows on your skin.
Here’s to a healthy, beautiful you!
