UV rays, cold wind, hot weather, dirt—all of these can affect your skin adversely. Just think about how much your epidermis goes through on a daily basis. The good news though is that there are things you can do ( simple and effective skin care tips ) to protect your skin. Basic mantras for clear, smooth skin : cleanse, tone, correct, hydrate and protect.
Here are the top 20 timeless skin care tips that can keep your skin looking and feeling great!
- Clean your skin every night. It may be tempting to fall into bed with makeup still on, don’t do it! Not only are you asking for pores to clog, but you’re working makeup into your pillows to re-infect your face the following night.
- Clean your skin thoroughly. Be sure to wash everything off—foundation, eyeliner, mascara. You can use a foam based salicylic acid face wash for oily skin and moisturizing face wash with glycerin for normal to dry skin.
- Use a toner rich in antioxidants ( vitamin C ), hyaluronic acid, skin repairing substances( ceramides ) and niacinamide. Avoid those with astringents and alcohol based ones that can actually irritate your skin.
- Use UV protection ( sunscreen with minimum of spf 30 ). Never go outside without protection from the sun…even when it’s gloomy and raining. You want to protect your skin as much as you can, from as early an age as you can.
- Use a daily lotion rich in Shea butter and ceramides as a moisturizer. A good moisturizer can keep your skin properly hydrated. Be sure to find a good one and use it daily.
- Use retinol. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and is a best anti ageing agent that can help those in 30’s to keep their skin young. Think of it as a blueprint that teaches your skin how to maintain its elasticity and youthfulness. Vitamin c serums/ creams are recommended for teens and those in 20’s to maintain their skin glow.
- Drink water and sugar free fresh juices that can keep your skin hydrated and plump. Moisture isn’t only topical. Drinking adequate water is the key to keeping your skin glowing and fresh.
- Shave your legs with conditioner. If you don’t have shave cream, use conditioner. It can soften hairs on your legs to help get a better shave and create a barrier between your skin and razor.
- Use a mild glycolic acid exfoliator. Exfoliation removes your dead skin cells. Be sure to exfoliate twice a week.
- Never, never, never pick pimples. It may be tempting, but never pick a pimple. That only makes it worse!
- Rinse skin with coconut water or raw milk. Rinsing skin with those can be a great vitalizer for the skin. Water each down and use it in the shower.
- Use ice cubes to keep acne and wrinkles down. If you notice acne or wrinkles, take an ice cube and rub it on your face before bed.
- Use cucumbers or potatoes for eye puffiness. Morning puffiness? Cut either cucumbers or potatoes into circles and lay them on your eyes for 10-20 minutes.
- Clean your makeup brushes regularly. Imagine how much dirt, oil and old makeup gets stored in those brushes. Clean and air-dry them regularly.
- Use makeup that is non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means it won’t clog pores. Be sure your makeup falls into this category.
- Use steam to clear pores. Using steam for a deep cleaning can show true results. It opens your pores and releases the oil and dirt deeply embedded.
- Invest in a foundation brush. If you use sponges you know how costly this can get. It also is dirty if you reuse them. Try a foundation brush that you clean (see #14!)
- Use an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to handle pimples. If you do see a pimple, dab some ointment over it and leave it overnight. It will dry up and fall off on its own.
- Blotting papers can be skin savers. Oil and sweat can accumulate throughout the day. Use blotting papers to minimize the glow and ease dirt on your skin.
- Finally, the most important of any skin care tips you will ever get from anyone. The best way to avoid sleep lines on your face is to snooze on your back and get a beauty sleep of 6-8 hrs.