With so many famous people and beauty influencers telling you what to use on your skin, what should you believe? Whether it’s about what cleanser to use or which products can be harmful, the beauty industry is heavily populated with “expert” beauty and skincare tips that can be overwhelming.
A good skincare routine involves the use of products that provide both protection and nourishment for the skin. It’s one of the factors you need to consider when deciding what to do with your skin and which products to use.
Skimming through all the beauty and skincare tips out there, I’ve selected several that actually work for me. Here are some of the most basic and easy-to-do practices you can add to your routine, without spending hours out of your busy day.
Take Care of Your Skin
Properly caring for your skin and having a routine will make a big difference in your appearance. If you’re not up for a lengthy routine involving serums and special creams, start with a basic cleanser, moisturizer, and toner.
These items can also be made at home, making it easier to control what ingredients go into your skincare routine. Here are 21 homemade skincare recipes you can make at home.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Sun protection is a top priority in beauty and skincare practices. Constant sun exposure leads to early signs of aging, from dark spots to wrinkles. Worse, you can increase your risk of skin cancer from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Wearing sunscreen is a must and a non-negotiable. Whenever I go out, whether the sun is bright or it’s grey out, I apply sunscreen to my face and neck. When the sun is out, I will reapply sunscreen before I go out. I am very sensitive to the sun and use one that offers 30 SPF to guarantee strong protection against UV rays. I’ve recently started using tinted sunscreen, which is great, no more daytime makeup for me!
Always Moisturize After Cleansing
Moisturizers provide the hydration that your skin needs to remain healthy and glowing. Every time you wash your face and body, you don’t just get rid of the dirt on your skin but also the natural oils that make your skin healthy.
Moisturizing immediately after cleansing traps the water on your skin rather than getting pulled in the air, only to disappear. Don’t completely dry your skin after washing to maximize the moisture your skin will get.
I Love To DIY This: Use Your Own DIY Moisturizers That Work!
Choose Skin Products Based on Your Skin Type
Focus on the products proven to work well with your skin type rather than go on a full trial and error method with all the beauty products offered in the market. Check the type of skin you have before buying any item for your skin.
I have oily but sensitive skin, so I stick to gel-based products that are based on natural ingredients. If you have dry skin, a glycolic cleanser may be effective for you.
I make my own bath & beauty products using natural ingredients. This way, I can control all of the ingredients, and often I get a better product than I could buy in-store at a better price.
DIY At Home: Make Your Own Bath & Beauty Products From Home!
Drink a Lot of Water
Hydration applies to the inside and outside of the body. According to research, an increase in water intake can positively impact skin physiology, especially for people who drink less water than they should.
Generally speaking, drinking the appropriate amount of water helps to keep your body healthy. A healthy body easily reflects that outside through the condition of the skin. I love to have a full glass of water next to me when I am working, otherwise I completely forget to drink.
Gently Handle Your Skin
Be gentle when handling your skin. Some habits and routines can unknowingly damage your skin, so be actively conscious of what you do with it.
Limit your bath time and avoid hot baths to prevent stripping the natural oils from your skin. When drying your skin, pat it dry instead of rubbing the towel against it. When shaving, use shaving cream or lotion to protect your skin from the razor.
Give Yourself a Facial
Facial treatments can be pretty expensive at the medical spa or salon, and some people may be worried about the initial redness or breakouts associated with these types of treatments. Fortunately, you can give yourself a pampering “facial” at home without all of the same chemicals they use at the salon.
An at-home facial should remove dead skin with some form of exfoliation before massaging and moisturizing the face. You can make your own scrub, which will exfoliate your skin and help the skin soak up the lotion.
Get The Recipe: 12 Gentle Homemade Face Scrubs For Glowing Skin
Manage Your Stress
According to research, stress causes and worsens skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Stress increases cortisol production leading to higher oil production in the skin. Oily skin elevates the risk of skin conditions like eczema and acne flares.
Breathing exercises like mindful meditation and yoga help in managing stress. When you still feel overwhelmed, cut down on work and make sure to get enough sleep. I like to meditate for 3-5 minutes when I just wake up and do a short yoga practice before dinner. Experiment to see what works for you and what you can incorporate in your day.
Never Use Too Many Products
Using too many products on your skin can do more harm than good. The layers of all the different products clog your pores, leading to issues like acne and skin irritation. You’re also not sure how the ingredients in the products will react to each other.
Choose your skincare and beauty products meticulously. Look into the ingredients of the products you’re planning to avoid chemical reactions between them.
Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face
Stop touching your face when it’s not necessary. If possible, touch your face only when doing your skincare routine or applying makeup.
I know it’s extremely hard, but don’t pop your pimples too. While it may seem satisfying, it can actually worsen your acne, cause infections, and leave unpleasant scars, especially if your hands are dirty.
Eat Healthy Meals
A healthier diet contributes to your overall health, including your skin. Maintain a healthy diet by eating nutritious meals rather than junk foods and sugary treats.
Add leafy vegetables and lean proteins to your regular meals. Whole grains and fresh fruits can also enrich your diet. You can also look into foods rich in omega-3, like salmon, tuna, and chia seeds, which claim to regulate skin oil production and help with acne breakouts.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise increases the blood flow in the body. The increase in blood flow ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin cells, clearing the impurities in the skin. The activity also helps with anxiety and stress management, which can decrease the risk of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Exercise at least 30 minutes every day to keep your blood pumping and your body healthy. From running to cycling, choose an activity you enjoy so it won’t have to feel like a task, and just have fun.
Daily Moisturize Day and Night
The skin needs regular hydration to prevent signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles. For optimal results, moisturize your skin twice a day and the ideal time to do it is after a bath. The water removes the natural oils from your skin, and moisturizing can nourish the skin again.
Religiously apply moisturizer after you shower, or after you brush your teeth if you shower in the morning, and before going to bed. I like to make it a part of my evening routine, so you never forget it.
I Like To DIY This: Make Your Own Effective Homemade Wrinkle Cream That Works!
Avoid Comedogenics
Comedogenics refers to products that can clog the pores and cause acne lesions. These products often have ingredients that the skin pores can’t absorb and so end up clogging them instead. They cause whiteheads and blackheads when you regularly use them, whatever skin type you may have.
Skincare products with plant oils offer nourishment to the skin but they can also clog your pores. I learned the hard way that it’s easier to stay away from these products if you want to avoid larger pores and blackheads.
Re-evaluate Your Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine needs to be established enough to make it a habit. However, you also need to reassess what you include in your routine from time to time, to ensure you’re doing what’s best for your skin.
I adjust my skincare routine depending on the time of year. As I live in a place with four distinctive seasons, my skin is much drier during winter than in summer. In winter, I use a richer moisturizer and do regular hydrating masks. In summer, I use a gel-based product that quickly absorbs and a higher SPF.
Wash Your Face Before and After Bed
Washing your face removes all the dirt and bacteria that accumulate on your skin the entire day. You need to wash your face before bed and when you wake up to keep your face clean.
Before bed, remove all the makeup and grime on your face using a gentle DIY cleanser. Blot your face dry with a clean towel.
Exfoliate Moderately
Exfoliation refers to the removal of dead skin cells through scrubbing and peeling. The effects of exfoliation depend on your skin type. While I find it beneficial, I know many people who don’t like what it does to their skin. Often, this is because they don’t know what the best exfoliator is to use
Exfoliate the right way. For those with dry and sensitive skin, use a mild exfoliator and a washcloth to scrub your skin. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, you can use a stronger chemical exfoliator, just be careful to avoid parts of your skin with blemishes or scars.
DIY This: What You Should Be Using To Exfoliate With And How To Make It!
Choose Water-Based Products
Water-based skincare products simply refer to solutions with water as their main ingredient. These products can easily be absorbed by the skin and instantly rejuvenate and nourish it. They are also compatible with all skin types.
Choose skincare products with water-based formulas to get plumper and healthier skin. They’re convenient to use and I find that they’re absorbed a lot quicker.
DIY This: How To Make My Luxury DIY Face Cream, New Recipe For 2024
Remove Makeup Before You Sleep
Sleeping with your makeup on can cause acne breakouts and other skin issues. Never go to bed with your makeup on if you want to avoid these issues. I used to go to bed with makeup all the time when I was in college, not the best idea for the long term.
Even if you feel so tired that you just want to sleep, always remove all the products on your face before going to bed. Choose a good quality makeup remover and set aside a few minutes every night for it.
Get Good Quality Sleep Every Night
Good quality sleep contributes to your general health, including your skin. It helps rejuvenate and repair the skin. The hormones you produce when you sleep help in cell regeneration and collagen production, which are processes that can help you maintain youthful skin.
Get good quality sleep by going to bed at the same time every night and have a nighttime routine. Dim the light in your bedroom, put all distractions away from your bed (put your phone on airplane mode or completely off), and use an overnight face mask for a bit of pampering.
Pay Close Attention to Your Cleanser
Be meticulous when choosing your cleanser. Stay away from aggressive cleansers that can cause dryness and irritation. Washing your face strips the natural oil from the skin, and using the right cleanser is essential to avoiding possible damage to the skin.
If you want a cleanser that’s effective but won’t damage your skin, look for glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Use the cleanser two times a day, before going to bed and after you wake up.
Deep Condition Your Hair
Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, and if you haven’t taken proper care of it, it might suffer. If your hair feels damaged, dry, brittle, or has lost its shine and bounce, it’s time for a deep conditioning treatment.
There are many hair masks and products on the shelves at your local stores, but have you thought about making your own? You can achieve just as effective results with a homemade deep conditioner and do it with less waste and toxins than with store-bought products.
Get The Recipe: Luxury Homemade Deep Conditioner For Reviving Damaged Hair
Change Your Hairstyle
This one doesn’t have to be drastic. A new hairstyle is a great way to change your look, especially if you want to completely change your image. Look at magazines or browse photos online for inspiration, especially if you’re unsure what hairstyle will suit you.
Once you find a hairstylist, show them the images for inspiration or try to explain what type of new look you’re going for. A talented stylist can work magic on you, depending on your desired dramatic change.
Mix Up Your Wardrobe
Does your current style make you feel confident, or are you questioning whether it’s time to reevaluate some of the choices in your closet? Whether you want to completely overhaul your wardrobe or select a few new pieces, this is a great way to give yourself a makeover, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Don’t hesitate to donate or give away clothes that no longer suit your style. Some places may even offer you a credit towards gently used or consignment clothes if you donate.
Give Yourself a Manicure
If you can’t afford a regular visit to the nail salon, set up a manicure station at home and do your own nails. You can do this simply by cutting, shaping, and polishing your nails. If you want to get fancier with it, invest in a set of manicure tools, treat your cuticles, and moisturize and soak your hands.
Tired of the colors you already have at home? Pick a nail color for your new outfit, or keep it simple with a neutral shade.
Improve Your Brow Game
In addition to make-up and clothes, many people feel more confident when their eyebrows are manicured. It can get quite expensive to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded regularly. Consider getting them done occasionally and trying to keep up with plucking between appointments.
If you have sparse brows, check out a YouTube tutorial for coloring them in to make them look full and natural.
Start a Fitness Routine
Increasing movement and working out is a great way to make your body feel better, even if you don’t have a specific goal to lose weight or get ripped. Staying fit at 50 has never been easier, and more and more people over 50 are taking the plunge and moving their bodies like never before.
Even walking regularly or lifting weights can improve not only your appearance but your overall mood and well-being. Yoga or stretching are both valid forms of movement if you can’t go to the gym or do a more involved workout.
Everyone is different when it comes to fitness. You should always consult a doctor or specialist about your needs and concerns before changing or adding a workout routine.
Change Your Eating Habits
Did you know that there are foods believed to improve not only your overall health but your skin and appearance? For example, some healthcare professionals believe that foods high in antioxidants and healthy fats can benefit the look and feel of your skin.
The foods you can eat to improve your skin may include fatty fish like tuna and salmon and fresh fruits and vegetables like strawberries, oranges, and broccoli. There are also some benefits associated with fermented foods like kefir and kimchi.
Learn More: 15 Skincare Superfoods You Need For Healthy Glowing Skin
Get New Glasses or Contacts
Are you tired of looking at the same thing every time you look in the mirror? The solution may be simple: it may be time for a new pair of glasses! Or if you’re tired of wearing glasses, contacts could be the answer.
There are dozens of websites that make selecting a new pair of glasses easy and affordable. You can even do a “try-on” process online by uploading a photo of yourself to see what the glasses look like on your face.
Enhance Your Eyelashes
You don’t need to get eyelash extensions to enhance the appearance of your eyelashes. Many people have found success with at-home treatments encouraging lashes’ lengthening and thickening.
If you’re looking for more of a quick fix, consider applying mascara that’s meant to darken and intensify your eyelashes. Wanting something a bit more natural? Think about making your own mascara. Get The Recipe: DIY Mascara Recipe That’s As Good As Your Store Bought Stuff
How To Make DIY Face Cream, My New Recipe
Here’s how to create your own natural, homemade face moisturizer! Each time I take a pass at this formula, I do my best to improve it. New ingredients, new benefits, new skins! Or at least that’s my mantra. Say goodbye to expensive store-bought creams & hello to a natural, healthy glow!
Get The Recipe: How To Make My Brand New DIY Face Cream
