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” opinions 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.
1. 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
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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!
12. Go for a Skin Exam
A skin exam involves your doctor or nurse checking your skin for all types of marks, including birthmarks and moles. It aims to detect signs of skin cancer early on before it becomes dangerous.
Regularly get your skin checked by your health care provider. Normally, patients will notice some irregularities on their skin and then go for a checkup, but it would be better to go earlier than that. I am proactive in my checkups and go every single year to my dermatologist.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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!
17. 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
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
It’s Important To Look After Your Skin Naturally!
Experts say the global skincare market will be worth $273.3 billion by 2023. But making your skin look and feel fantastic doesn’t have to break the bank! Homemade skincare recipes can deliver the same or better results than big-name brands, often at a fraction of the cost. From natural cleansers and specially formulated face scrubs to eye serums and lip balms, you’ll discover an array of recipes you can make at home to combat the signs of aging or use as gifts for loved ones!
Let’s look at 16 Homemade Skincare Recipes For Glowing Skin
How To Make A Natural DIY Face Serum For Glowing Skin
I use a DIY face serum to age gracefully and achieve radiant, firm, and hydrated skin. It’s very intensive and highly concentrated. If you use it under your face cream, it will help it penetrate the skin. It will also boost hydration by forming a barrier to reduce water loss.
Get The Recipe: How To Make A Natural DIY Face Serum For Glowing Skin
