Want clear, healthy skin? Don’t we all? The largest organ of the human body, the skin is also one of the more mysterious ones. It’s not always easy to know why it’s glowing one day and looking dull the next, and we can’t control all the factors that contribute to its condition. For example, hormone fluctuations play a big role, as does pollution.
But there are dermatologist-recommended steps that you can follow to give yourself the best chance of having clear, glowing skin most of the time. If you’ve recently stopped smoking, you’ve already taken step one. See if you can add to that with the items on this list.
Wear Sunscreen All Year Round
We all know that sunscreen is important if you want to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but there is a widespread misconception that the sun is only harmful to our skin when it’s ‘beach weather’ and you can actually feel the sun’s effects. Most of the signs of aging you notice on your face are due to daily exposure to UV rays, but chances are you aren’t going to the beach most days or hanging out in the sunny park. The truth is, even short periods outdoors when it’s overcast and cold contribute to the overall aging process.
To avoid fine lines appearing on your skin, it’s essential to wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine. Aim for SPF 30+ with a broad spectrum and reapply every couple of hours. When the sun’s out, remember to wear a hat, and avoid direct sun exposure when possible. For example, if you’re at college, choose your route across campus to include a walkway canopy, or eat your lunch in the shade, rather than out on the lawn.
Stay Hydrated
Hydrated skin is moist, plump and radiant. On the other hand, dehydrated skin is dull and saggy. To ensure your skin stays hydrated, you need a two-pronged approach. Firstly, hydrate from the inside out by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day, or 2-3 big water bottles full, if you tend to carry your water around. Secondly, hydrate from the outside in by regularly applying hydrating moisturizing products. For best results, apply morning and night, ideally right after your shower, when your skin is clean and your pores are open from the hot steam. The night cream is your new best friend (in case you haven’t met yet).
Avoid Touching Your Face
One thing all dermatologists agree on is that you should avoid touching your face at all costs. Acne breaks out on your skin when bacteria get trapped inside a clogged pore. So if you want to minimize breakouts, it stands to reason that you want to avoid spreading bacteria on your skin. There’s no reason to be obsessive about this—just try to break the habit of thoughtlessly touching your skin when you don’t need to.
Whether you struggle with the odd breakout, or your skin needs a little extra TLC, these tips will help you get the glow.
