When meeting new friends, strangers, or family, what’s the first thing you notice about them?
Their eyes? Smile? Outfit?
While all of these things can be important, the first thing many people probably notice is their skin.
A bright complexion can make a person look healthy, rested, and confident. It radiates and can show that you put in the effort to take care of yourself, which can be really attractive.
On the other hand, a dry and dull complexion can be a real confidence killer. It makes you look run-down, unhealthy, and older than your true age.
The good news is you don’t need to rely on anything out of reach to achieve beautiful, healthy skin.
From what you eat to the skincare products you use, here are a few simple tips to help you get natural-looking, glowing skin.
1) Avoid harsh cleansers and exfoliants
Under normal circumstances, cleansers are a great way to keep your skin clean and free of dirt, oil, and makeup. They also help bring fresh blood and oxygen to the surface of your skin, which can give you a healthy glow.
But some cleansers and exfoliants can be too harsh, stripping away your skin’s natural oils and leaving it feeling dry, tight, and irritated. In some cases, harsh cleansers may lead to acne breakouts and increased oiliness – the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve!
So, when it comes to cleansers, opt for a gentle, sulphate-free formula with good pH levels that won’t dry out your skin. And if you want to exfoliate, look for a BHA exfoliant. These skincare products are more effective at gently sloughing away dead skin cells without irritating your skin.
2) Apply sunscreen
You may already be applying sunscreen during days when the temperature is soaring and the sun is out in full force. But did you know that it’s just as important to wear sunscreen on cloudy days?
The sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds, fog, and even glass. It’s important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (or higher) during these days to protect your skin from damage. This is especially true if you want to avoid the risk of getting skin cancer later in life.
3) Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants
When it comes to getting natural-looking, glowing skin, what you eat is just as important as what you put on your skin. Antioxidant-rich foods help to fight off free radicals, which can damage your skin cells and lead to premature ageing.
Some of the best foods for your skin include:
- Blueberries
- Dark chocolate
- Green tea
- Kiwi
- Pomegranate
Generally, incorporating foods that are nutrient-rich and packed with vitamins and minerals is a good way to maintain healthy skin. For example, Vitamin D is said to help speed up wound recovery and reduce inflammation. Vitamin A fights off skin cancer and promotes skin cell growth.
On the other hand, it’s equally important to avoid food that can trigger inflammation and breakouts. These foods are the ones that are high in fat, sugar, and salts, such as cakes, cookies, chips, pretzels, and pizza.
4) Erase Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a common sign of ageing, and these creases that form on your skin can make you look much older than you really are. But there are clinical ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make your facial skin blemish-free.
VCI recommends patients to use anti-wrinkle injections, which work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. This treatment plan can help reduce facial wrinkling in places like the forehead, frown, and around the eyes.
Once the treatment is complete and the skin is fully healed (usually 4 months after), most patients reportedly looked younger and felt more refreshed.
5) Lay Off The Vices
There are no two ways about it: if you want natural, bright skin, you’ll need to cut down on smoking and drinking alcohol.
Unfortunately, these vices can take a toll on your skin. Smoking, for one, narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This reduces blood flow and makes it harder for oxygen and essential nutrients to reach your skin cells, making it look duller in the process.
Alcohol dries out your skin and makes it more susceptible to inflammation. Too much of it can also cause or exacerbate a myriad of skin diseases, like psoriasis, dermatitis, and flushing.
If cutting them out of your life is hard at the moment, slowly reduce your intake until you’re eventually able to quit completely.
6) Get Your Beauty Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in overall health and wellness, including the condition of your skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your skin in the form of dark under-eye circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion.
To avoid these skin problems (and so many others), aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble falling asleep, try drinking chamomile tea or taking a warm bath before bedtime. You can also create a sleep sanctuary in your bedroom by making sure it’s dark, quiet, and cool.