Our skin is a delicate, living organ that requires our dedication to the utmost care. However, whether it’s because you simply don’t know or just don’t take the time, your skin can suffer if you have a suboptimal skincare routine or poor habits.
Whether you suffer from acne, are starting to notice wrinkles, or have developed sun spots, improving how you care for your skin is essential. If you’re determined to keep your skin as healthy and youthful-looking as possible, at every age, here are 5 tips you can try:
- Use Products Designed for Your Skin Type
If you didn’t know, different products work better for certain skin types. This goes for cleansers, topical treatments, moisturizers, masks, and even cosmetics like your foundation. The same applies to cleansers and soaps. For instance, if you have acne-prone skin, avoid products that contain lanolin, coconut oil, and parabens, as they might harm the skin. Instead, opt for ingredients such as salicylic acid, vitamin C, and tea tree oil. When it comes to soaps, choose ones that are antimicrobial. Natural goat milk soaps, for instance, contain milk proteins, which are excellent blockers for acne bacterias, or you can choose tea tree oil soaps that are also antibacterial and help calm redness and inflammation.
If you’re unsure of what type of skin you have, do some research or consult your dermatologist so you can make better choices when it comes to skin products. Another option is to find products that are made for sensitive skin or are recommended for all skin types.
- Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals
You might be surprised but some skincare products can actually contain harmful ingredients including harsh chemicals. These can dry out and irritate your skin. Be on the lookout for products containing:
- Parabens
- Artificial fragrances
- Sulfates
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- Oxybenzone
You want to avoid these ingredients whenever possible, and not just in your skincare routine. Some of these can also be found in hair care products and other toiletries.
While looking at the ingredients on the label is a start, it isn’t always so straightforward because these chemicals can have many name variations. It’s important to do your research ahead of time and look for alternatives that are alcohol-free and contain natural ingredients.
- Practice Proper Face Washing Technique
Washing your face might seem like the easiest part of caring for your skin but if you’re not doing it right, it could actually be hindering your progress. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, proper face washing technique includes using a gentle applying cleanser, using lukewarm water to rinse, and patting your face dry with a soft towel.
In addition to washing your face in the morning and at night, you should make sure you are taking all your makeup off before going to the gym and cleansing your skin after working out.
After washing your face, you should also apply toner to close your pores, followed by a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
- Always Protect Your Skin from the Sun
As you’re likely well aware, sun exposure can cause serious skin damage. From fine lines and wrinkles to skin cancer, prevention is key. So, how do you properly protect your skin from the sun? There are several things you can do:
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Wear protective clothing when exposed to the sun
- Use makeup or moisturizer with sunscreen
- Limit the amount of time you spend outside during the sunniest hours
Even if you haven’t been on top of your sun protection up to this point, making it a priority going forward can drastically improve the quality of your skin in the long run. Plus, it’s vital to your well-being.
- Manage Your Stress & Stay Active
Did you know that stress and acne are related? To help keep acne in check, you should practice stress management such as meditation, treating yourself to a spa service, or listening to music. Exercise can also help you reduce stress and is beneficial to your overall health. Just remember, don’t use anything but a clean towel to wipe your face during your workout and you want to make sure you wash your face after.
It’s easy to make skincare mistakes when you don’t know any better. But, now that you’re armed with these 5 tips for better skin, you can start making improvements that can noticeably change how your skin looks and feels. Another method to get better skin would be through microdermabrasion. Pop over here to see the before and after effects of microdermabrasion and find out how you can treat your skin better.