Whether your skin is oily, dry or somewhere in between, these beauty tips can help you achieve healthy-looking complexion. While different skin types require specific makeup application techniques and products, standard skincare habits can benefit everyone.
For example, if you have oily skin, it’s important to exfoliate two or three times a week and moisturize regularly. And always remove makeup before catching some ZZZs; sleeping with makeup on can clog pores and cause breakouts.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
While it’s not the most glamorous step, exfoliation is key to healthy-looking skin. Rather than leaving your skin looking dull and dry, the exfoliating process removes dead skin cells that can clog pores, highlight fine lines, and cause other problems. It’s also an important part of your skincare routine to help prevent ingrown hairs.
You can do this at home using a scrub or a mask. You can also purchase a product that will gently exfoliate your skin without damaging it. There are even facial scrubs designed for sensitive skin.
If you want something more intense, consider using a peel or acid serum two to three times per week. Or, you can use an at-home exfoliating pad that contains ingredients like lactic or glycolic acid with a slightly abrasive texture to loosen dirt and dead skin cells.
Whether you do it at home or at the salon, make sure to follow the instructions on your exfoliator carefully so you don’t over-do it. You should always moisturize after exfoliating to replenish the lost moisture from your skin’s surface.
Experts recommend washing your face twice a day, once when you wake up and once before going to bed. You should also wash after sweating to avoid clogging pores and encourage healthy skin. If you do wear makeup, be sure to remove it before washing your face.
2. Moisturize
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in a skincare regime, and yet, it’s often neglected. Moisturizer replenishes the skin’s natural oils and helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and rough patches. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, making it more youthful and fresh-looking.
Regularly moisturizing your skin also helps regulate oil production. Too much oil can cause breakouts, and too little oil leads to excessive dryness that makes your skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Moisturizing on a regular basis balances these two extremes and creates a healthy environment for your skin.
Applying moisturizer on damp skin is best as it allows the product to penetrate and lock in moisture. You can use a light facial mist after cleansing and toning (if that’s part of your routine) to help achieve this. Burke Williams offers many different types of face and body moisturizers for all skin needs, including hydrating serums that can be added to your favorite lotion or cream for the ultimate skin-care regimen.
It’s also important to drink enough water and avoid overwashing your skin, as this can strip natural oils that lead to dryness and irritation. Adding a humidifier to your home and using mild soaps can also add much needed moisture. Moisturizing is vital for all skin types, from dry to oily, but it’s especially beneficial for those suffering from acne as it can help balance the overproduction of oil that can lead to breakouts.
3. Sleep Well
Your skin is one of the first things that people notice about you. So, keeping it healthy and hydrated is essential for making a good first impression.
A healthy skin care routine is not complicated. It includes daily washing of the face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, followed by applying moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. You should also wear sunscreen year round, especially when going out in the sun. Lastly, drinking plenty of water helps to keep the skin hydrated and flushes out any toxins.
Sleeping well is another important part of a healthy skin routine. Studies have shown that people who get enough sleep have a more youthful appearance. This is because during sleep the body goes into repair mode, which means that it regenerates skin cells and other tissues. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it can leave the skin slack and sagging and lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
While products are an important part of a healthy skin regimen, it’s just as important to focus on lifestyle. Make sure to eat a healthy diet that is rich in protein and Healthy fats, avoid sugary foods, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. Most importantly, be sure to practice stress-management techniques so that your hormones and emotions are under control. Unmanaged stress can cause a variety of health issues, including skin problems such as acne breakouts and skin sensitivity.
4. Wash Your Makeup Off
Even if you don’t wear much makeup (or any), your skin can still collect oil, dirt and other impurities throughout the day that could lead to breakouts or other skin issues. It’s important to gently cleanse your face of all traces of makeup before you go to sleep so it can breathe, rejuvenate and recover while you rest.
Makeup can act like a magnet, collecting dirt, oils and other pollutants on your skin and in your pores. When left on overnight, these impurities can clog the pores and cause acne, or make them appear larger. Additionally, certain types of makeup contain ingredients that can irritate the skin and lead to redness, itching or inflammation. And finally, leaving mascara on your eyelids can clog the glands that connect to the eyelashes and cause a stye.
The best way to remove makeup is with a gentle cleansing oil or micellar water, instead of a traditional cleanser. Pour a small amount of the product onto a cotton pad and carefully wipe over your skin, being careful to avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes. Be sure to use a clean cotton pad each time and avoid rubbing too hard. You can also apply toner to a cotton pad and sweep over the face after you cleanse, to help restore the skin’s pH balance and prepare it for your moisturizer.