Do you have skin frustrations? We all do. Whether it’s dark spots, acne, or wrinkles, we all have insecurities we wish didn’t exist. And while there’s no such thing as “flawless” skin, there are things you can do to achieve healthy skin. In this article, we share a few skincare tips, like using products for your specific skin type and managing your stress levels.
1. Try Prescription Medication
While over-the-counter products can be effective for some, you may need something stronger to overcome your skin frustrations. Prescription medication is a great option. Because these types of products are prescribed by a medical professional, they typically contain higher amounts of active ingredients.
Prescription skin care also goes beyond the surface layers of skin into the dermis (aka the deeper skin layer). When this happens, the skincare products work better, helping you see optimal results. This is especially beneficial for skin conditions that are difficult to treat, like melasma and stubborn acne. Prescription medication can go a long way in fading your spots.
There are many different types of prescription medication available to help you achieve clear skin too. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and retinoids, are some of the most common ones. Luckily, a medical professional can advise you on the right prescription for your specific skin concern.
2. Drink Water
As humans, our bodies need water to survive. In fact, every system in our body requires water to function, including skin cells. That said, water is delivered to your other organs, before it’s delivered to your skin. Because of that, it’s easy for your skin to get dehydrated.
And while this may not seem like a huge deal, dehydrated skin can have a huge impact in how your complexion looks. You may notice dry, cracked, and uneven skin. You may also notice fine lines and wrinkles, even if you’re on the younger side. To combat this, make sure you’re drinking enough water.
How much water is enough? Reports say that to be considered “adequately” hydrated, men should aim to drink 3.7 liters of water every day. And women should drink 2.7 liters of water every day. It’s important to note that these are just suggestions and everyone is different. At the end of the day, it’s important to listen to your body and consume the amount of water that makes you feel and look good.
3. Use The Right Products
One of the biggest mistakes people make is with their skincare products. And that’s because it’s all too easy to pick products that weren’t designed for your specific skin type. Regardless as to whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, it’s important to choose products with the right ingredients.
For example, if you have sensitive skin, you should avoid products with sulfates, alcohol, and preservatives, as they can cause breakouts. If you have oily skin, you should avoid products with coconut oil, artificial dyes, and silicone. They can clog pores and cause irritation. If you have dry skin, you should avoid products with parabens, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide because they can worsen the condition.
Knowing your skin type is important because it can guide you on what products to use and which ones to avoid. In addition to using the right products, you also need to be consistent. Applying moisturizer once a month isn’t going to cut it. Consistency is key.
4. Clean Your Makeup Brushes
When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? If you answered, “I’m not sure,” that’s a problem. Your brushes, just like everything else, are covered in bacteria. And while some bacteria here and there isn’t necessarily a bad thing, a build-up of bacteria can wreak havoc on your skin. To combat that, it’s essential you’re taking time to clean your brushes at least once a week.
In addition to cleaning your makeup brushes, you also want to regularly clean items that come into contact with your face. For example, your pillowcases, bedroom sheets, towels, washcloths, etc. All of these can hold on to bacteria, and if you’re not careful, can cause breakouts and even some fungal and skin disorders.
Moving forward, make cleaning your brushes, sheets, towels, etc. a priority at least once a week. If you’re worried you’ll forget because of your busy schedule, write it on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
5. Manage Your Stress
Did you know that stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your skin? When you’re stressed your body goes into a fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and androgens.
Both of these hormones increase the skin’s oil production, which can worsen acne.
Stress can also lead to behavioral responses, which can contribute to acne. Think about it. Do you rub your forehead when you’re stressed? Chances are, you may also avoid certain healthy habits, like regularly washing your face and following a good diet. Stress can impact how well we take care of ourselves and our skin.
Unfortunately, managing stress levels isn’t always easy. But there are ways you can combat it. Exercising, spending time with friends, practicing mindfulness, and getting a good night’s rest, can do wonders for your mood. If you don’t see a difference in your skin’s status, you may want to consider working with a professional.
It’s important to remember that beauty isn’t skin deep. Your personality and the way you treat people, is what defines you. That said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make certain improvements, like combating poor skin. Thankfully, the tips above can help.
