Best Skincare Habits
To create a truly effective skin care plan, it helps to start with healthy skincare habits that are mostly free or inexpensive, that in the long run will save you a lot of money trying to correct the damage that has already been done.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
90% of Skin Damage is Caused by the Sun. Still many people enjoy sunny days and outdoor activities, so we must make sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen that provide UVA and UVB protection with SPF 30, and reapply every 2 hours.
The effects of sun damage on the skin are the formation of wrinkles, decrease in collagen, pigmentation i.e dark spots aka age spots, and skin cancer. Below are some examples of the damage to the skin caused from over unprotected exposure to the sun.
Facial sunscreen must be worn daily regardless of weather conditions. There are a few highly recommended and affordable options on the market for moisturizers with SPF 30.
2. WATER IS YOUR BFF
Drinking 8-12 glasses of water daily will keep skin healthy, vital, and attractive.
One of the most effective treatments for your skin is FREE. It is drinking enough water. Drinking water is essential to keep the skin and body healthy. Not getting enough water causes dehydration which will make the skin feel dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin is less resilient and more prone to wrinkling.
That being said, many of us find it difficult to consume the right amount of water. One way to easily do this is to prepare an 8 glass water bottle in the morning and carry it throughout the day. You can always add mint leaves, citrus slices or berries for aroma and falvour.
3. Eat Healthy
Healthy skin begins with a healthy diet. It can regulate the oil production and functions of the skin cells. A diet low in fat and carbohydrates can prevent wrinkles from forming. Diets high in sugar can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin.
4. Sleeping 8 hours at night can do wonders for your skin (and it won't cost you a penny).
The harm that lack of sleep does to our health is well researched and documented. Lack of sleep causes dark circles under the eyes and it decreases collagen production which causes wrinkles to form. Not enough sleep can also lead to dehydration and the appearance of more lines on the face. Getting enough sleep is important for skin function.
5. Do not smoke
We all know how damaging smoking is to our health . Smoking is an addictive habit and a very difficult one to stop, so the earlier you kick this habit the better. Smoking will cause:
under eye bags
wrinkles around your lips
thinner sallow skin
6. Clean face twice daily; morning and before bedtime
Pollution, sweat, and grime accumulates on the face throughout the day so thoroughly cleanse your face and apply moisturizer. In the morning and before bedtime wash your face with a mild cleanser that is suitable to your skin type and condition.
Avoid using products that contain alcohol which will dry your skin.
Never apply moisturizer and/or makeup on uncleansed skin.
Use warm water (not hot) and pat dry your face using a clean towel.
There are highly rated and affordable facial cleansers for the specific skin types and conditions. Do not buy by brand, but by your personal needs and by ingredients (always check the first 5 ingredients).
7. Remove make up before bedtime
It's time to go to bed and you are tired. You really don't feel like going through the whole procedure of removing your makeup. Sounds familiar? According to survey published in The Daily Mail, a third of women questioned admitted they go to sleep with their makeup on. Removing makeup must be part of your bedtime routine.
Going to sleep with makeup on will:
cause damage to your skin during the night
prevent skin renewal during the night
clog pores and cause acne and blackheads
dry your skin
cause your eyelashes to become brittle
If you are too exhausted to wash your face, use makeup removing non-comedogenic towelettes.
8. Avoid Bar Soaps
Do not wash your face with bar soap. Bar soaps will make your skin feel dry, itchy and irritated. There are a few affordable facial cleansers on the market that specifically target different skin types. Determine your skin type and condition and carefully read the ingredients of a product you want to use. For oily skin use a foaming or gel cleanser; for dry skin a creamier cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, read the ingredients and make sure they do not contain anything that may cause irritation.
9. Select skincare products formulated specifically for your skin type and condition.
When considering a skincare product pay attention to your specific skin condition.
Make sure that the product is formulated to address your specific needs.
Do not purchase a product based on what worked for your friend; each person's skin is different and what maybe suitable for your friend, may not be good for you.
Remember that more expensive doesn't always mean better. Check product ingredients list, focusing on the first 5.
Avoid products in jars. Always purchase creams and lotions in tubes or pumps.
10. Get regular facials
Our face is the most exposed part of our body. Daily it is exposed to pollution, changing temperatures, wind and sun. In order to maintain a healthy and young looking skin you need to get a good facial at least once a month to thoroughly cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin. There are many important benefits to getting a facial:
deep cleansing
exfoliation
increase circulation and detox
stimulating skin functions and metabolism
slowing down premature aging
treating specific skin conditions
clearing up pores, blackhead and whiteheads
nourishing the skin
YOUR SKIN IS 90% OF YOUR SELFIE
Take good care of it