There's no mistaking that glowing, healthy skin is the number one priority on everyone's beauty checklist. But right now, you might be worried that you don't have particularly healthy skin and want to do something about it. Sound familiar?
If this is you, you've probably searched the internet countless times to find out exactly how to achieve glowing skin, but had little or no luck. But don't panic - we've got you covered!
Continue reading for our top tips for glowing skin to ensure you've got that healthy look all year round. From what to eat to the best skincare to buy, you won't have to ask how to get flawless skin again.
1. DON'T NEGLECT THE NECK
Most of us are guilty of stopping our skincare routine as soon as we hit our chin. And our neglected neck and chest take vengeance by wrinkling, sagging, and displaying dark spots that beg to be hidden by a turtleneck. "The skin on these areas is thinner, and doesn't have a strong blood supply, so it doesn't heal well," explains Amiry. "Plus it's an area that we often forget to protect with sunscreen." Use the same products as you would on your face, but start lightly (every other day) when applying active ingredients like retinols or acids since they may cause some initial irritation.
2. REMOVE YOUR MAKE-UP BEFORE BED
Leaving make-up and dirt on skin doesn't just clog pores; it can cause excessive dryness and even skin dandruff. "Most makeup contains a sugar-type molecule that can grow yeast overnight," says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Don't forget to thoroughly remove eye make-up too. "It can lead to bumpy rashes around the eyes or small white bumps called milia cysts," says Wu. Try a gentle, oil-free cleanser that quickly melts away everything from waterproof liner to mascara, leaving you with healthy skin.
3. SUN AND SKIN
Always apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Since a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems, you have to protect your skin from the sun. Make sure the label reads ‘noncomedogenic’ or ‘nonacnegenic’ so that the product does not tend to block pores.
Remember - Don't skip the sunscreen, whether it's cloudy or cold outside (no excuses). If you’re heading to a beach or around reflective surfaces like snow or ice, lather your skin up with some more sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.
4. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Make note of everything you put on your plate. Eat fresh fruits, greens, sufficient protein and vitamins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and sugar promotes radiant skin. Consider a low-sugar diet, which can keep insulin levels down, allowing cells to maintain a healthy balance.
Avoid eating spicy and fermented foods, salt, citrus fruits, and fried food. Instead, go for blander foods such as rice, oatmeal and applesauce.
5. BEAUTY SLEEP
Always try to sleep at least 8 hours every night. If you don’t get enough sleep, your skin gets tired just like you - it sags and you get bags. So don’t risk it. You can also apply honey on your face twice or thrice a week to naturally soothe and heal your skin.
Don't forget to wash and moisturize your face before going to bed. For dry skin, use milder cleansers that are free from alcohol. Apply lots of moisturizer, and avoid hot water as it dries out the skin excessively.
