Ok so if you haven’t realized by now, skin is in!!! What most people would consider being gorgeous or having a flawless makeup application it would include having great skin. So exactly what does it mean to have great skin??? Skin that is hydrated, supple, has a good balance of oils and free of blemishes is what is deemed ideal skin. There are a number of factors that contribute to the overall glow that most people desire ranging from what you eat, to your facial routines at home. Here is a list of things you can do to achieve amazing skin!
Know your skin Type
Knowing your skin type is essential if you want to achieve great skin. Once you know your skin type, you can then begin to UNDESTAND your skin!!! Understanding your skin means that you will know what products work best for you and also what type of skincare regime you should use. There are 5 different categories for skin types:
1. Normal skin– feels vibrant, elastic, and supple. Someone that has normal skin will have skin that looks clean, smooth, and has a good circulation and healthy complexion. It is also the least problematic type.
2. Dry skin– can easily develop wrinkles and fine pores and will have a sallow tone. Dry skin is also very prone to aging and irritating.
3. Oily skin– looks greasy, is thick, coarse, and shiny, has enlarged pores, and tends to have acne breakouts.
4. Combination skin– combination skin will have traces of oil coming from your nose and forehead but will be clean in the areas surrounding your cheeks. Combination skin has patches of both dry and oily skin.
5. Sensitized Skin– Sensitive skin is usually very dry, tends to feel tight, and becomes inflamed and irritated easily. Sensitive skin also develops reddish and scaly areas, can be itchy and tingly and is prone to breaking into spots. It can be very frail and is considered the most problematic.
Develop a consistent skincare routine
To maintain healthy clear skin, you should have a skincare regime that you consistently use. Basic principles include choosing a facial wash that is ideal for your skin type, applying toner to put your pH level back on track, and using a good moisturizer that will keep your skin nourished and plump. Exfoliation is also ideal to help lift dead skin cells but shouldn’t be done daily. Over exfoliation can cause your skin to become sensitized and should be considered only a few times a week.
Protect your skin
Constant exposure to the sun without proper protection can accelerate the aging process. Sunscreen is used to protect you from sunburn, but it is also your best defense against signs of aging. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm. The result of sun exposure is skin damage: wrinkles, brown skin discolorations, dull-looking skin, and potentially even skin cancer. Even on a cloudy or hazy day, all the UVA and UVB rays are STILL present and can damage your skin. It is recommended that you use abroad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously. Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes prior to being in the sun and reapply every two hours or more often if needed.
Hydrate your skin
The best thing you can do for your skin is keep it hydrated. When skin is well-hydrated, it is more plump and resilient. In other words, the skin can perform its functions better if it is well hydrated. So, how do you hydrate your skin? Drink plenty of water! Water is your skin’s best friend and will help it remain flexible and allow the protective barrier to remain intact. So keep your skin cells hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you are someone that does not like drinking water here’s a tip: trying adding fruit to your water as a natural sweetener.
Stay tuned for more Skincare Saturdays with more information on specific routines for skin types, more information on sun exposure plus more!!!!