Having radiant, healthy skin is like a dream come true for most people. Yet, taking care of your skin is no rocket science. All you need to do is know your skin type, form a daily skincare routine, and choose the right products.
Daily skincare routine guidelines
Regardless of your skin type, a daily skincare routine is the best way to maintain healthy skin. In fact, with a regular skincare routine, you can improve skin conditions such as dark spots, scarring, and acne.
So, what exactly should you do daily to take care of your skin?
1. Cleansing
You should wash your face at least twice daily; in the morning and before bed. Washing removes the buildup of residue on your skin.
Cleansing is particularly important if you wear make-up. Use a pH neutral cleaner specially formulated for a gentle clean. You do not want to remove the natural oils of your skin.
Remember, the eye contour is a sensitive area with fragile and delicate skin. Removing make-up in this area using regular make-up remover can be challenging. You should consider using eye make-up remover oil.
Pro tip: Wash with warm water and rinse with cold water.
2. Moisturize
After cleaning your face, use a moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, you need to moisturize. Why? The dermis has a water content of about 70% while the epidermis has a water content of about 15%. Moisturizing helps maintain the optimal moisture content of your skin. Like cleansing, you should moisturize in the morning and before you sleep.
Your skin type determines the type of moisturizer to use. People with dry skin benefit more from cream-based moisturizers. Light-weight, non-comedogenic, gel-based moisturizer is what you should use if you have oily skin.
3. Protect your skin from the sun
Exposure to radiation from the sun causes freckles, age spots, wrinkles, color changes, benign growths, and increases the risk of skin cancer. You need to protect your skin from the sun using a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.
Sunscreen takes a while to activate. Therefore, apply it at least 15 minutes before stepping into the sun.
4. Healthy diet
A healthy diet nourishes your skin. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains help maintain radiant skin. Similarly, recent studies show that low-carb diets with low content of unsaturated fats reduce acne.
Another critical aspect of healthy skin is hydration. Drink the daily recommended amount of water (2 liters) daily to keep your skin hydrated.
Additional rules for taking care of your skin
Combine the daily skincare routine with the following guidelines:
1. Use products specific to your skin type
Is your skin type dry, oily, or normal? Using the wrong product brings or worsens skin problems such as acne and scarring.
It helps to patch test new products, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply the product on a discreet area of your skin, like the inner arm, then wait for at least 48 hours to see if your skin will react to the product.
2. Weekly exfoliation
Exfoliate at least once a week. Exfoliation helps in removing dead skin cells, dirt, and debris, which clog your skin pores. A good exfoliation product purifies and smoothens the skin without altering the natural balance of your skin.
3. Careful shaving
Before shaving, lubricate the skin using shaving cream or gel. That is especially true if you have sensitive skin. After shaving use quality after-shave lotion. These two products (after-shave and shaving cream) reduce the risk of nicks and cuts, skin irritation, razor burn.
For people with sensitive skin, the choice of razor or shaver is essential. Check out these best razors for sensitive skin.
4. Avoid long hot showers
Hot water removes the skin’s natural oils. Therefore, you should limit your bath or shower times. Also, use warm water; not hot.
Healthy skin not only feels good but also boosts your self-esteem and confidence. Point is, taking care of your skin has undeniable benefits. The guidelines shared above will improve the radiance of your skin in no time.
