Everyone wants glowy, flawless-looking skin. But the truth is flawless skin isn’t easy to achieve. It takes patience, of course, but it also takes using the right products, following a healthy diet, and adopting good habits. There are so many things you can do to achieve flawless skin, but it can be a little overwhelming deciding where to begin. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Get Ahead of Acne
Do you struggle with acne? You’re not alone. In the United States, acne is the most common skin condition, affecting 50 million people each year. Unfortunately, even though it’s prevalent, it’s not always easy to treat. Contrary to what’s advertised, there’s no quick fix for treating acne. It takes time, trial and error, and the right skincare products.
Instead of buying random products, look for acne treatments backed by science. For example, you might consider antibiotics, retinoids, or even birth control. All three of these prescriptions have been proven effective at treating breakouts and keeping new pimples from forming. If you’ve tried product after product to no avail, it’s time to change it up and try a prescription acne treatment.
2. Wear Sunscreen
Chances are, you’ve heard that it’s important to wear sunscreen. Your parents probably even made you get out of the pool to reapply. Well, they were right about how important it is. Sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin’s appearance and overall health.
While beautiful, the sun gives off harmful ultraviolet radiation that can wreak havoc on your skin. In addition to causing dry and crepey skin, UV rays can also lead to hyperpigmentation and premature signs of aging. It can even cause skin cancer, impacting your immune system. If you don’t already, it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen daily.
With so many products available, knowing which sunscreen is right for your skin can take time and effort. One of the most important things you should look for is the level of sun protection factor. The goal is to find a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure it effectively protects you from the sun. And as a rule of thumb, consistently reapply sunscreen if you’re spending a great deal of time outdoors.
3. Follow The Right Diet
There’s no doubt that your diet can have a significant impact on your skin’s health. Your skin is a reflection of what’s going on internally. Eating foods high in sugar or carbs can disrupt your digestive system. They can cause a back-up of toxins in your body, which show up as acne, dark spots, and other blemishes. That’s why eating a nutritious diet is so important.
When looking at your diet, consider eliminating foods that can harm your skin. For example, foods high in sugar and carbs typically have a high glycemic index value. This means they are digested more quickly and increase blood sugar levels. On the other hand, foods high in protein and fat have a lower GI and take longer to digest, which helps you stay full longer.
You should also avoid processed foods because they’re high in sodium and nitrates, which can cause inflammation. Alcohol can also dehydrate your skin, leading to wrinkles. It’s important to note that you don’t have to quit all these foods cold turkey — moderation is key, after all.
4. Remember to Hydrate
Many people underestimate the importance of drinking water. Not only does water help you get rid of waste in your body, but it plays a crucial role in the appearance of your skin. For one, consuming enough water during the day helps tighten your skin to maintain its radiant glow.
Staying hydrated also helps maintain your skin’s elasticity. Not only can that reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but maintaining elasticity can also combat scars and soft lines. That helps you have a smoother-looking appearance. This is important, especially as you age and start losing collagen.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Unfortunately, your pores can be clogged with dirt, oil, and environmental toxins. This can lead to acne and pimples. Thankfully, drinking water helps combat this by flushing out those toxins, so they don’t build up.
5. Re-Think Your Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine is important; it can make or break the health of your skin. But contrary to popular belief, more doesn’t mean better. How many products you use isn’t as important as what products you use.
Some people make the mistake of piling on products in hopes of achieving flawless skin. However, that can do more harm than good. Using too many products at once can irritate your skin, causing more problems. Not to mention, combining products can make it difficult to figure out which ones work for your skin.
Consider cutting back and focusing on a three-step solution: a cleanser, toner (or spot treatment if you have acne-prone skin), and a moisturizer. And rather than swap these products out, give them a chance to work. It’s important to remember that it can take up to 30 days for you to see results.
The tips above may seem simple, but they can have a significant impact in helping you achieve the skin of your dreams. Remember consistency is important when working toward any kind of improvement. That said, it’s also important to remember that beauty isn’t just on the outside.
