If you want vibrant and beautiful skin, quick fixes can only get you so far. Daily habits can have a much more significant effect on how your skin looks and feels, so creating a healthy skin care routine is a good place to start. These five simple steps can help support stunning skin, especially if you turn them into habits.
1. Cleanse Your Skin Every Day
Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, it’s important that you wash your face on a daily basis. This is especially true when it comes to taking off makeup at the end of the day. Dirt, natural oils, and products you apply to your skin can seep down into your pores over time if you don’t remove them each day. This can irritate your skin and give it a dull appearance. Twice a day is ideal for most skin types, but for those with sensitive skin, once may be enough.
2. Exfoliate on a Regular Basis
Washing your face removes surface dirt and oil, but everyday cleansers aren’t enough to give your skin a deep down clean. Exfoliating can help slough away dead skin cells and remove some of the buildup below the skin’s surface. Facial scrubs are a popular choice, but you can look for chemical exfoliants as well. Both can help reveal smoother, softer, and glowing skin. Once or twice a week should be enough for most people, but you may have to adjust the schedule based on your unique skin.
When exfoliating, be sure to use a gentle touch, especially when using a scrub or tool to do so. Start with wet skin and move in small, slow circles. Scrubbing on dry skin or pressing too aggressively can actually cause damage by leading to tears or irritation. When using a chemical exfoliant, start with the smallest amount possible and wait a few days before increasing the amount. Pay close attention to how your skin responds to help you determine if you need a stronger or gentler product.
3. Apply Nourishing Topical Products
If you’re dealing with dry skin or trouble areas, look for a spot product or hydrating face serum to support health-looking skin. These products typically have a higher concentration of nourishing ingredients to enhance your daily skin care routine. Apply them first thing after cleansing or exfoliating to help your skin better absorb the moisturizing ingredients.
4. Make Moisturizing a Priority
Every time you cleanse your face, you should moisturize it to help it maintain a proper hydration balance. While washing your face is an important step, it can still remove some of the natural oils and protective barriers your skin needs to stay soft and supple. A lightweight moisturizer can restore these while keeping your skin more comfortable. Look for options that contain sunscreen to help protect yourself from sun damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend applying a minimum SPF of 15 before going outside.
5. Support Healthy Skin From the Inside Out
What you apply to your skin can affect its overall look and feel, but how you care for your body can also have a major impact. Because your skin needs plenty of hydration to look its best, drinking lots of water throughout the day can keep those moisture levels right where they need to be. A diet rich in antioxidants can help keep your skin healthy and strong. Natural sources of healthy fats and vitamin E can also support glowing skin. Get plenty of rest and manage your stress to limit unwanted inflammation and breakouts.
If you want to enjoy more beautiful skin, start by building a healthy daily routine. The choices you make on an everyday basis can significantly change your skin. Focus on positive routines to help you achieve a healthy-looking, gorgeous complexion.
