Good health and beauty practices understand a simple idea: there is no magic formula. Don’t get us wrong, some skincare ingredients come pretty close! With every development in cosmetic science, we see products that get the most out of the best properties. But good skincare is about developing a routine.
Learning how to care for your skin daily is the secret to keeping it supple and healthy. Luckily, the best habits are pretty easy to pick up. With the right routine and a few adjustments, you can get that vital glow right at the start of your day.
These are the 7 habits of people with great skin, and how to weave them into a healthy lifestyle.
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Proper sleep
The importance of quality sleep can’t be overstated.
Without the right amount of sleep, the body doesn’t get enough time to repair itself properly. We feel the effects in many ways: grogginess, fatigue, irritability, a lack of energy. Our immune systems can even weaken when we’re sleep-deprived, making it easier to get sick.
Poor sleep impacts the skin just as much. Research suggests that sleep loss makes the eyes, mouth, and skin visible less healthy. This often shows up as:
- Deeper wrinkles
- Redness and dark circles under the eyes
- Skin sagging
We need 8-9 hours of sleep every night to boost the restorative functions that promote healthy skin.
Melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy, ramps up production in the evening. This increases blood flow in the skin, carrying oxygen to the cells. The hormone also restores collagen levels. That’s the protein that gives skin firmness and structure for a youthful appearance.
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Balanced nutrition
The food we eat plays a big role in skincare. Healthy fats and nutrient-rich foods give our bodies the fuel to activate beneficial functions like natural oil production. Unfortunately, there’s a misconception that fatty foods lead to oily skin, but not all fats are equal!
Seafood, nuts, avocados, and legumes are all rich in essential fatty acids. Omega-3, found in fish, promotes long-term heart health. These fatty acids make the skin feel smoother while reducing inflammation.
Avocados offer healthy proteins to boot, but most fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals we can’t go without. Vitamin E is fantastic for your skin, whether you get it through your diet or in serum form. It’s essential for collagen production. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals, protecting skin cells from oxidative stress.
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Gentle fabrics
Did you know that your pillowcase is one of the most important factors behind clear skin? Specifically, the fabric you sleep on can either help or hurt the skin around your face.
Natural fibers like cotton are soft and breathable, but they retain a high amount of moisture. A cotton pillowcase can wick natural oils from the skin, leaving the face feeling dry and taught.
Silk and satin are the two fabrics recommended for good skin. Both are gentle and frictionless, reducing irritation as your face rubs against them. They absorb less moisture, meaning they won’t strip essential oils overnight or leave you sleeping on damp surfaces.
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Hydration and moisturizing
Even when you protect your skin’s natural oils, you’ll need to stay hydrated and mind how you moisturize throughout the day. Drinking water gives your skin the moisture it needs to keep the cells full and healthy.
Without enough hydration, the skin loses plumpness and elasticity. This makes it easier for wrinkles to appear because they’re not as filled out anymore.
Our skin can also become dehydrated from the outside. Sweating keeps us cool by drawing moisture to the surface before it evaporates, pulling some heat with it. Time in the sun and exercise can strip moisture even when we drink enough water, so moisturizing is key.
After cleaning away any dirt and bacteria that comes with sweating, apply a gentle moisturizer. Look for a light gel or cream that will lock in moisture without clogging the pores.
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Evening cleansing
But how do you cleanse the skin properly, and when? An evening cleansing routine is a great way to make sure you go to bed with clean skin to protect it overnight. Always use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry out your skin and leave it feeling tight.
Use lukewarm water for the best effect. Cleansing with water that’s too hot or cold can irritate the skin further. When you apply the cleanser, use your fingertips, moving them in a soft, circular motion. You don’t want to scrub away natural oils, just the irritants that sit on the surface.
This habit works with your pillowcase to create the perfect nighttime environment for your skin. While you should change out your pillowcase regularly, an evening cleanse will also keep it cleaner for longer.
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Sun protection
Sun exposure is one of the biggest environmental stressors for our skin. Harmful UV rays can lead to sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and damaged skin. By increasing protein oxidation, overexposure to UVR can be responsible for up to 80% of premature skin aging.
Dermatologists recommend getting sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, and applying it at least 15 minutes before going outside. Sun-protective clothing and brimmed hats also help protect your skin from direct sunlight.
With sunscreen, look for one with a “broad-spectrum” label. These products protect you against both types of rays, UVA (aging) and UVB (sunburn).
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Seasonal skincare
Our environment doesn’t just stress us through sun exposure, either. Seasonal changes affect the skin’s natural properties. In summer, we produce more natural oils to lock in moisture when the weather is hotter and drier. We also sweat more, which makes a daily cleanse routine vital.
Seasonal skincare is about adjusting to your skin’s needs for a healthy appearance year-round. Wondering how much a new season can change your routine? Just check out these 5 tips for amazing summer-ready skin!
Great Skin is a Daily Practice
You can form healthier daily habits without rearranging your life. A few adjustments here and there are all you need to start your journey to smooth, glowing skin. Find the ones that work for you and you’ll be amazed by the results!