Taking good care of your skin is essential for having beautiful, clear, and healthy-looking skin. In today’s world, pollution and improper skincare routines can lead to skin problems, like acne and dryness. But don’t worry—staying hygienic and following the right skincare steps can restore your skin back to its original health. Read on to discover all the essential tips you need to know for clean and clear skin.
1. Taking Care of Your Skin: Hygiene Habits for Clean and Clear Skin
1. Develop a Regular Skin Care Routine
You can achieve and maintain healthy, clean and clear skin with regular skin care habits. It’s important to include cleansing, toning and moisturising in your routine. Cleansing should be done twice daily to remove the dirt, sebum and pollutants that build up on the skin throughout the day. Toners should be applied after cleansing to reduce the size of your pores, helping to keep your skin looking clear and glowing. Finish off the routine with a moisturiser to replenish and nourish your skin.
2. Simple Hygiene Habits for Clean Skin
Maintaining clean and hygienic skin will help promote healthy and clear skin. You should:
- Avoid touching your skin with unclean hands
- Wash your face and hands regularly
- Keep your sheets and towels clean
- Keep out of polluted areas
These are simple hygiene habits to uphold in order to maintain clean skin.
3. Wear Sunscreen Regularly
Wearing sunscreen is an important factor in keeping your skin clean and clear. Sun protection prevents your skin from drying out and darkening. When outdoors, avoid the sun between 11 am and 2 pm. This is when the UV rays are the strongest. Sunscreen with SPF50+ or higher should be applied liberally 20 minutes before exposure and reapplied every two hours.
4. Choose Skincare Products Carefully
Be mindful of the products you choose, looking for natural and safe ingredients. It’s best to stay away from synthetics, harsh alcohols and fragrances as these can be irritants. The best products are typically those without an added scent. A cleanser without soap is the best bet for sensitive skin. Be sure to read the label carefully and do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to the product before using.
2. Nourishing Your Skin From the Inside Out
Your skin health and appearance is largely dictated by the health of your body on the inside. Establishing a skincare routine and using home treatments and remedies is important, but it’s equally, if not more, important to nourish your body and skin from inside. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Eat antioxidants. Consume foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, and vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients guard your skin against environmental damage, repair and build your skin cells, and protect your skin’s collagen.
- Stay hydrated. Water is a fundamental aspect of skin health, aiding with skin cell regeneration and strengthening the body’s ability to flush out toxins and bacteria. Be sure to drink enough fluids daily.
- Get your fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, help rejuvenate skin cells and protect the skin against inflammation. Sources of Omega-3s include fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, and you can get Omega-6s from vegetable oils, nuts, and poultry.
- Vitamins and minerals. Skin cells need a variety of vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Ensure your diet is rich in zinc, iron, and vitamins A & C in particular.
Nutritionists advise that a balanced diet is the key to nourishing skin from the inside out. Eating fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality proteins in adequate amounts is essential for healthy skin.
Optimizing your internal health will help your skin look healthy and more youthful. Protect and nourish your skin now, and you’ll be rewarded for it down the line.
3. Cleansing Skin to Prevent Breakouts
It is important to regularly cleanse one’s skin in order to maintain healthy skin and prevent breakouts. Cleansing skin is a process that helps to remove dirt, sweat and bacteria as well as makeup and excess oil, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Here is how you can cleanse your face the right way:
- Wash your face twice a day. Do not over-wash as this can strip the protective barrier your skin produces. For best results, use a gentle cleanser that is free from harsh ingredients and specifically designed for your skin type.
- Remove eye makeup. Eye makeup can be irritating to your eyes and is harder to remove than other makeup products. It is best to use a gentle eye makeup remover specifically designed for your eyes.
- Exfoliate. One of the best ways to cleanse the skin is to exfoliate. This will help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It is important to exfoliate the skin no more than once or twice a week to avoid irritation.
- Use a toner and a moisturizer. After cleansing, use a toner to restore the pH balance of your skin and a moisturizer to keep it hydrated. Make sure to use products that are specifically designed for your skin type to ensure optimal results.
By taking the time to cleanse your skin regularly, you can keep your skin healthy and prevent breakouts. Be sure to follow the above steps and use the right products for your skin type to ensure maximum benefit.
4. Protecting Skin From the Sun and Other Elements
The sun and other elements can be a nightmare for our skin, leading to sunburn, dryness, and damage if we don’t take proper care. To protect your skin from the elements, start by investing in the proper skin care routine that works for you. First, assess the area which you’d like to protect, and what kind of activities you’ll be doing in the sun. Choose a wide spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for everyday use.
- It’s also a good idea to supplement that with clothing and accessories such as sunglasses, hats, large umbrellas, and lip balm with SPF.
- If you’ll be taking a prolonged dip in the pool or planning to be out in the sun for an extended period, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50, or higher if you’re very fair-skinned.
On top of your sunscreen, use a moisturizer for extra hydration for your skin. This will ensure your skin gets an extra barrier of protection from the elements. For much of the season, your skin will be in need of extra moisturizing, so reach for a cream or lotion that’s specifically made for face, hands, or body, depending on what area you’re looking to protect. Place a priority on natural and organic ingredients versus those which are harsh and synthetic.
5. Tips for Staying Hydrated and Preventing Dry Skin
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, but it can be difficult to keep up with drinking the proper amount of water. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, fatigue, headaches, and a whole host of other problems, so it’s essential to stay hydrated. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your skin hydrated:
- Drink Water: Make sure to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. This is the most important tip for staying hydrated and keeping your skin healthy and moisturized.
- Include Fruits and Vegetables: Eating foods that are high in water content can help you stay hydrated, like watermelon, tomatoes, celery, and cucumbers.
- Reduce Caffeine: Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages cause you to become dehydrated, so cut back on them as much as possible.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol is a natural diuretic, so it will cause you to become dehydrated quickly. Try to limit your alcohol intake as much as possible.
Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin cells, so it’s essential to keep your skin moisturized. Use natural and hypoallergenic moisturizers on your skin to provide a barrier between your skin and the environment. Additionally, protect your skin from the sun by using a light weight sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Finally, remember to stay hydrated and moisturize your skin regularly. Drinking plenty of water and using natural moisturizers can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
So, if you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing, start using proper skincare and hygiene habits. Following the tips mentioned here will kick start your journey to clear, radiant skin. Remember, even if it seems tedious, it’s worth the effort!
