You know how some people seem to wake up with glowing skin? As if they have some magical beauty secret the rest of us aren’t privy to. The truth is that healthy skin doesn’t happen by accident. It takes some conscious effort and commitment to a solid skincare routine.
But the good news is that you don’t need expensive facials or a cabinet full of products to get a radiant complexion. The basics are pretty simple. Here are five tips to get your skin in tip-top shape and keep it looking fresh every day. No magic is needed – just a little TLC and these tried-and-true techniques.
Apply Sunscreen Every Day Before You Go Outdoors
The sun’s harmful UV rays are the #1 cause of skin damage and ageing. To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, especially on your face, neck, and hands.
- Look for a sunscreen labelled “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays burn the skin, while UVA rays age the skin.
- For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously before going outside. It takes about 30 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into your skin and become effective.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating a lot. Don’t forget your lips – apply a lip balm with SPF too.
- Consider wearing hats, sunglasses and loose, lightweight clothing for extra coverage when outside. Limit sunbathing and tanning bed use.
Your daily sun protection habits now will pay off for years to come in the form of healthy, youthful skin. Make sun safety a part of your daily routine, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving and maintaining vibrant skin.
Use a Self-Tanner If You Like Looking Tanned
Self-tanners are a safe alternative to sunbathing or tanning beds. They give your skin a bronzed glow without the UV damage. Here are some tips for using self-tanner:
Exfoliate First
Exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells. This will ensure an even application and natural-looking colour. Gently scrub your entire body, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, and ankles.
Apply in Sections
Apply self-tanner section by section using a tanning mitt or your hands. Start with your legs, then do your stomach and chest, arms, back and face. Blend into hairlines and edges for a seamless tan.
Use a Moisturiser
Apply a moisturiser daily, especially right after showering, while your skin is still damp. This boosts hydration and extends the life of your tan. Focus on rough areas like knees and elbows.
Reapply as Needed
Check your tan in a mirror to see if any areas need a touch-up. Reapply self-tanner to patchy or fading spots. For the most natural-looking tan, do this within the first few days of application.
Maintain Your Glow
Exfoliate your skin with a scrub 1-2 times a week to remove dead cells. Moisturize daily to keep skin soft and prevent fading. Your tan can last 5-7 days. Reapply as desired to maintain your bronze glow.
Use Skin Care Products That Match Your Skin’s Needs
Choose skin care products formulated for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for oil-free, non-comedogenic products. For dry skin, choose creamy, hydrating products. For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free products with soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile or green tea.
Moisturise Daily
Moisturise your face every morning and night to keep your skin hydrated. For the day, use a moisturiser with SPF 30 or higher for sun protection. At night, apply a more decadent night cream to nourish your skin while you sleep.
Limit Harsh Skincare
Harsh skincare products like toners, scrubs and masks may strip and irritate your skin. Limit the use of these products to 1-2 times a week, or avoid them altogether if your skin feels tight or irritated after using them. Gentle cleansers, serums and moisturisers should make up the bulk of your daily routine.
Exfoliate Sparingly
Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells. Use a gentle exfoliant like glycolic acid or fruit enzymes and massage it onto your skin using small circular motions. Rinse well and follow up with a hydrating mask or moisturiser. Limit exfoliation if your skin feels sensitive.
Wear Sun Protection
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day to protect from sun damage. Reapply every 2 hours when outside. Too much sun exposure is the number one cause of premature ageing and skin damage. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to keep your skin healthy and youthful.
Drink Water
Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to keep your skin hydrated. Water helps flush toxins from your skin and carries nutrients to your cells. Dehydration can lead to dry, dull skin and accelerate skin ageing. Staying well-hydrated will give your skin a healthy glow.
Resist the Urge to Scrub Your Skin Clean
Resist the urge to scrub your skin clean. Harsh scrubs can strip your skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier. Instead, gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry instead of rubbing vigorously.
For most skin types, washing once or twice a day is plenty. Overwashing can dry out and irritate the skin. Unless you have very oily skin, cleaning more frequently is unnecessary and may do more harm than good.
Be gentle and take your time. Treat your skin with care and avoid being rough. Your skin will thank you for it. Nurturing your skin creates healthy, glowing skin.
Wash Your Face When Waking, Before Bed, and After Sweating
Washing your face regularly is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Do it when you first wake up, before bed, and after sweating or doing intense activity.
Splash your face with warm water and gently massage in a nickel-sized amount of a mild cleanser. Use your fingertips to work it into your skin, paying extra attention to your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Rinse well with water and pat dry with a clean towel.
In the morning, washing your face helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells that build up overnight. At night, it removes makeup, dirt, oil and pollutants that accumulate during the day. After exercise or in hot weather, washing helps eliminate sweat and bacteria to prevent breakouts.
Keeping your skin clean is one of the basics of good hygiene and health. Make a habit of washing at least two to three times a day for fresh, glowing skin. Your face will thank you!
Conclusion
So there you have it: 5 simple tips to get that healthy glow and keep your skin looking its best. Making an effort to care for your skin every day with a proper cleansing and moisturising routine, protecting it from sun damage, staying hydrated, limiting stress, and eating a balanced diet can work wonders. Your skin will thank you for it now and for years to come. Start today by picking just one of these tips to focus on and make a habit. Once that’s second nature, move on to the next. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro at the art of healthy skin and wondering why you didn’t start sooner. Now go on and get your glow on! Your fresh-faced complexion will turn heads and have people asking you for skin care tips of your own.