Great Skin Is More Than Skin-Deep

They are everywhere these days: “barefaced” models with plump, glowing skin. Skincare is the new makeup, and beauty product focus groups have shown that even makeup is increasingly formulated to highlight the natural appearance of skin. Continue reading for tips on how you can maintain better skin.

Keep Your Tools Fresh

We’re all guilty of using makeup past its date, but this habit can contribute to skin problems. Out-of-date makeup harbours bacteria, causing breakouts, and formulas break down with age. But how can you know how long a product is designed to last? Products feature an emblem, usually on the bottom or back, that looks like a small makeup pot with a number in it. The number refers to the number of months the product is good for after opening. Be sure to periodically cull through your makeup and replace old products for fresh-looking, healthy skin. In addition to keeping your products fresh, it is important to routinely clean your brushes and other makeup applicators. If you apply makeup or skincare with your hands, be sure to wash them before doing so. If you use brushes, clean them at least twice a month to prevent product and bacteria build-up. Always throw away single-use products after use!

Develop a Skincare Routine

At the very least, we know that we should wash our faces to remove all the gunk that builds up in a day, but a skincare routine can fortify your skin. Great skincare includes three steps: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Cleansing clears the skin of dirt, oil and makeup. Experiment with products designed for your skin type. Is your skin sensitive? Try an oil cleanser. Are you prone to flaking or breakouts? A foaming liquid or cream cleanser can help soothe skin and clear pores. Over cleansing can irritate your skin further, but finding the right products can help you achieve a healthy glow. Toning helps balance your skin. These products target specific skin problems such as dryness, dullness, or redness. Acid-based products can help exfoliate your skin, while rose waters and witch hazel can help calm irritated skin. Before you finish your routine you should always moisturize. Cleansing and toning can remove the skin’s natural moisture, so it is important to find products which can help add hydration back into your skin. Water-based moisturizers are ideal for oily skin, while cream or balm moisturizers are ultra-hydrating for those with dry skin. Making sure your skin is receiving the care it needs is key to your skin’s overall appearance and health.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Your skin is your largest organ, so it makes sense that keeping on top of your overall health boosts the appearance of skin. Make sure you are drinking around 8 cups of water a day. This can help keep your skin hydrated, as cells are mainly made up of water. You don’t, however, have to leave your hydration to water consumption alone, as eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help boost hydration. Eating a variety of fruits and veggies also allows you to absorb the nutrients your skin needs to look its best, including antioxidants which help prevent wrinkles. In addition to diet, exercise can help the appearance of your skin by increasing blood flow within the body and giving you a natural glow.

Protect with SPF

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 on a daily basis. While all sunscreen protects your skin, not all sunscreen protects equally. When looking for a sunscreen there are several things to look out for. A Broad Spectrum sunscreen will protect against the types of rays that cause skin cancer and those that cause sunburn. Some sunscreens protect against sunburn without protecting you from the rays that cause ageing. Look to see if your sunscreen includes a Skin Cancer/Skin Aging alert in the Drug Facts to determine what your sunscreen is designed to protect against. While no sunscreen is entirely waterproof or sweatproof, water-resistant sunscreens are designed to stay on while swimming or exercising. It is recommended, however, that you reapply after these activities for maximum protection. Taking care of your skin helps you put your best face forward.