We’re all striving for healthy, glowing skin. That’s the whole point of having a skincare routine, right?
But after you’ve spent tons of money on products — and hours each week applying them all — you want to make sure you’re really getting the results. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple little change to really get all the benefits you can out of those products.
So, without further ado, here’s how to get the most out of your skincare routine!
Sunscreen, Always
By now, everyone knows to slather on the sunscreen before heading outdoors. But what about during the winter? Do you put on sunscreen on dreary, cloudy days? And answer this one truthfully: do you wear sunscreen indoors?
You need to protect your skin from the sun all the time, even when you’re stuck in the office all day. We often forget that UV rays can shine right through the windows in our homes, offices, and cars. Those rays, UVA in particular, can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer.
To simplify your routine, choose a moisturizer with SPF built right in. That way, you can take care of two important steps at once.
Stress Management
Am I the only one who thinks life has been extra stressful lately? Unfortunately, stress can have adverse effects on our bodies, including our skin. It’s because stress triggers the body’s production of certain hormones, like cortisol, which can cause extra breakouts and even age your skin.
Keep those frazzled feelings under control to keep your skin looking fresh. Try adding meditation, yoga, and deep breathing techniques to your daily routine. It will help your mental health, as well as your skin!
You Are What You Eat
We’ve all heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” It does more than just change our waistlines. Did you know that what you put in your body can also help (or hurt!) your youthful glow? As it turns out, all those Cheetos aren’t good for my skin, after all.
Drinking water is a must. If you’re having a hard time getting enough water, try jazzing it up a little. Fresh fruit and herbs can infuse water without any unwanted sugar. Personally, I like to opt for sparkling water with strawberries.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is also important for healthy skin. Eating antioxidant- and vitamin-rich foods may help protect your skin from free radicals and sun damage. Foods with healthy fats may also help fight inflammation and help your overall skin health. And as always, avoid processed foods as much as possible.
Exfoliating is a Must
As we get older, our skin cells start to turn over at a slower rate. That slower regeneration can cause your face to show signs of aging, like looking more dull, dry, and wrinkled. On top of that, those built-up dead skin cells can prevent skincare products from penetrating and doing what they’re supposed to!
Everyone is different, so there’s no single exfoliation plan that will work for everyone across the board. How much you exfoliate or the type of exfoliator you use is dependent on your personal skin type. For anyone adding an exfoliator to their routine, though, starting with a gentle one is key.
Exfoliating will help remove dullness and make serums and creams more effective. It can also help with circulation, and reduce puffiness.
Don’t Wait to Hydrate
Did you know that a lot of moisturizers don’t actually add moisture to your skin? Instead, they work to lock in moisture that is already present, preventing it from evaporating into the atmosphere. That evaporation is what leaves you with dry, flaky skin.
That’s why you shouldn’t wait too long after cleansing to hydrate. You actually only have a short period of time after washing your face before the moisture in your skin starts to evaporate into the air.
Don’t Be Afraid to Utilize New Tools
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional way of doing things, but there are now plenty of tools on the market that can help boost your skincare routine.
Facial steamers can help loosen up built-up dirt, oil, and other grime from clogged pores. Jade rollers and cooling facial globes are a great way to apply moisturizers and serums while also reducing puffiness. And derma rollers might look intimidating with all their tiny metal needles, but they can help your skincare products penetrate better to boost effectiveness.
Getting Your Beauty Rest
Beauty sleep isn’t just an old wives’ tale. Getting enough rest is extremely important for your skin. Just like other parts of our bodies, our skin repairs itself at night while we sleep. It also makes new collagen while you’re catching Z’s.
Making sure you get enough sleep will leave you looking more refreshed and may help prevent fine lines. It’s just one extra (and free!) step to add to your beauty routine that will work wonders.
