With a countless number of products flooding the markets, the will to have great skin is quite natural. The question often crosses the mind, ‘Which one do I use?’ However, before understanding which products to use, it is important to know ‘What to do?’ to keep the skin healthy. Let’s explore some of the basics to keep the skin healthy—just a small quick guide.
1. CLEANSE GENTLY
Cleansing is the basic building block of any skincare routine. The initial step towards healthy skin is a clean canvas. Use a mild cleanser that suits your skin type to cleanse your face. The cleanser should be sulfate-free and, gentle on your skin. Cleanse your face twice a day – once in the morning after you wake up, and once before going to bed. Cleansing removes the buildup, dirt, makeup, and excess oils from your face without stripping your skin of its moisture.
2. HYDRATE
Drink water! The remedy we have heard for many of the health issues. It’s necessary to stay hydrated to maintain the skin health. Drinking water helps to keep your skin plump and young. Depending on the weather, adjust or change the intake of water. For instance, in the summer you need to increase the water intake as there’s excess water loss due to dehydration.
3. SUN PROTECTION
‘Protect your skin from the sun’, is something we have been hearing repeatedly. UV rays from the sun break down the collagen in your skin and damage it. To shield your skin from the sun, apply a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. This helps in premature and photoaging and reduces the chances of sunburns. Regardless of the weather conditions, sun protection is essential indoors and outdoors as well!
4. LOCK IN THE MOISTURE
Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to moisturize your skin. If you have an oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer, but don’t skip moisturizing! They help to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier and prevent dryness of the skin. They lock in the skin’s moisture and keep the skin soft and supple.
5. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells and promotes new cell growth that gives a better skin complexion. Use a good quality exfoliant to exfoliate your skin. Ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acid work best as exfoliants. As good as it sounds, avoid over-exfoliating your skin. This can damage your skin’s natural barrier. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week, nothing more than that.
Chemical exfoliation is a skincare technique that plays a vital role in maintaining optimal skin health. In this, chemical peels are used to exfoliate the skin. To ensure the right exfoliation for your skin, consult a dermatologist. This will maximize the benefits and maintain a healthy barrier.
6. A BALANCED DIET
Eating right is the key. Your diet is closely linked to and affects the health of your skin. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. These components help repair the skin and fight skin inflammations and irritations. Include fruits, minerals, healthy fats, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins in your diet. These foods provide essential nutrients and can contribute to glowing skin.
7. ADEQUATE SLEEP
When we sleep, our skin heals and regenerates. So, a good quality sleep every day is essential to maintain good skin health. If you’re sleep-deprived, you can develop under-eye dark circles and dull skin. Try getting a good quality pillowcase to minimize the friction between the pillow case you’re your skin and your hair.
8. AVOID HARSH INGREDIENTS
Always check the ingredients before applying them. Avoid skincare products that have harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol. There are high chance they can irritate your skin. This can further lead to breakouts and redness. Look for non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic skincare products.
9. CONSISTENT SKINCARE ROUTINE
Developing a good skincare routine is not enough. Consistency is the key. Sticking to your skincare routine just for a couple of days won’t be effective. You need to give at least a few weeks of time to your products to work on your skin. Instant skin transformation is rare. It is a gradual process which takes its own time. So, stay consistent!
10. PAY ATTENTION!
Don’t ignore your skin. Pay close attention to how your skin reacts to different products and different methods. If you notice that some products are harsh on your skin, replace them. If there are any other abnormalities in your skin like breakouts, get them treated by a dermatologist. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different skincare routines to find out which one suits you best. Make sure you take advice from a professional too!
11. STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress not only takes a toll on our mental health but also messes up our skin too! Chronic stress has a higher possibility of affecting skin health. Reduce your stress by practicing yoga, meditation, and other stress-relieving techniques. Do the things you love; they can help reduce stress and its effect on the skin.
12. HANDS OFF YOUR FACE!
Throughout the day your hands touch many things. This means – Touching countless germs and bacteria. Now, you wouldn’t want to touch your face with those hands. Touching your face with dirty hands transfers all those bacteria and germs to your face and will most likely lead to breakouts. Make sure you wash your hands clean before touching your face.
Each one of us has a unique skin. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to achieve a radiant and healthy skin. Achieving healthy skin is a slow and gradual process where every individual experiences a different timeline according to their skin type and the consistency in the skincare routine. Be patient pay attention to how your skin reacts to different products and methods and change the routine accordingly. After all, consistency is the key secret to healthy skin!