Discover a 3-step guide to radiant skin: hydrate and nourish from within, adjust your lifestyle with sleep and exercise, and care for your skin externally with cleansing and sun protection.
We all want that radiant, healthy glow, right? It’s like, the ultimate confidence booster. But let’s be real, sometimes our skin needs a little extra TLC. So, how do we get there?
We’re going to break down three key steps for achieving gorgeous, glowing skin. And, we’ll explore each of these in more detail below; it’ll be fun, I promise. Let’s get started!
Skin Care in 3 Steps
Alright, so here are the three key steps to keep in mind for amazing skin:
1. Start From Within
Your journey to healthy, radiant skin actually begins inside your body, which is super important, by focusing on two main things:
Hydration
Not drinking enough water? That can really mess with your skin; it can lead to dryness, irritation, and a generally dull complexion. Think of it this way: you’re not going to have amazing looking skin, inside and out, if you don’t drink enough water before you start slathering on products, right?
Most adults need around 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to stay healthy overall, and to keep their skin looking its best. And, it’s good to be mindful of sugary or caffeinated drinks; while they contribute to your daily fluid intake, water is still the best option. I mean, we all love our coffee in the mornings, but sometimes water is just what you need.
It’s also a good idea to steer clear of alcohol, as it can really dehydrate your skin, making it look tired and dull.
The types of food and nutrition you get
Because what you eat plays a HUGE role in how your skin looks and feels. Eating the right stuff helps keep your skin healthy and radiant, by making sure your body is getting all the essential nutrients it needs. So, what should you be including in your daily diet?
- Fruits or Colorful Vegetables: Aim for at least five servings a day. They’re packed with antioxidants, which help fight skin damage. Think of things like carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, papaya and cantaloupe.
- Vitamin C Sources: For strong protection and increased collagen production, try foods like berries, broccoli, guava, kiwi, papaya, strawberries, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower and citrus fruits.
- Vitamin E Sources: It protects the skin from free radical damage and promotes healthy skin. You can find it in foods like: sunflower seeds, almonds, avocado, peanuts, spinach and wheat germ oil.
- Healthy Fats in Moderation: Like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish, they work as a natural moisturizer for the skin.
- Selenium Sources: As one of the strongest antioxidants, it is found in fish, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, and broccoli.
- Phytoestrogens: To maintain the natural balance of hormones, they’re found in soy beans, flaxseeds, and whole grains.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6: They help the body produce anti-inflammatory substances and protect the skin from eczema and psoriasis, and are found in flaxseed oil, walnuts, and salmon.
- Zinc: It promotes healthy function of the oil glands in the skin, reduces skin problems and maintains its radiance, and is found in fish, shellfish, whole grains, legumes, dairy products and red meats.
Oh, and, um, cutting back on processed foods is also key, as they can trigger inflammation and breakouts. Keeping your body happy helps keep your skin happy, too, you know?
2. Adjust Your Lifestyle
Some healthy habits can go a long way in keeping your skin looking its best, by supporting the body’s natural functions and minimizing stress. Sounds good, right? Here are a few simple things you can do:
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is seriously important for skin health. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night. It helps maintain normal hormone production and helps your skin get its, um, glow on. Trust me, no amount of fancy creams or treatments can make up for lack of sleep!
Too little sleep can cause dark circles under your eyes, and just generally make your skin look dull and tired, believe me, I know!
Manage Stress
Because it can trigger breakouts and mess with your skin’s overall appearance.
Find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. Even taking just 30 minutes each day can make a huge difference.
Exercise Regularly
It improves blood circulation and makes your skin look more vibrant, giving it a healthy glow.
Yoga is a great option, it helps improve your skin and overall well-being, leading to healthy skin.
3. Care for the Skin From the Outside
For healthy skin, some simple practices can make a big difference when added to your daily routine. These are:
Wash Your Face Regularly
Three times a day using water and a product designed for this. Be sure to use a facial wash that’s free of alcohol and suited to your skin type whether it be oily or sensitive.
Exfoliate Your Face
To get rid of dead skin cells and impurities, consider using natural scrubs or some natural products, like oatmeal with honey or sugar with oil.
Moisturize Your Skin
By using creams or oils like almond oil, coconut oil or a natural mask which can be easily made like yogurt and honey, or avocado and honey.
Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage
Apply sunscreen whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days, to reduce the harmful effects of the sun.
Protect your face from makeup
You can do so by following these tips:
- Be sure to thoroughly clean your skin before applying makeup.
- Be sure to clean your makeup tools for personal use and avoid sharing them with others no matter what the circumstances.
- Take care to keep the products you use clean before putting them on your skin.
- Be sure to remove all traces of makeup before bed by using cotton or gentle products, or makeup remover.
I used to have really dull skin, but after following these steps, especially drinking more water and eating better, my skin looks so much brighter now. It’s amazing what a difference it makes!
I’ve always struggled with breakouts, but since I started prioritizing sleep and managing my stress levels, my skin has cleared up so much. Plus, exercising regularly has given me a healthy glow that I never had before.
FAQ
How often should I exfoliate my skin?
It depends on your skin type, but generally, exfoliating 1-2 times a week is a good starting point. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to start with once a week.
Is it really necessary to wear sunscreen every day?
Absolutely! Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from sun damage, which can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Make it a part of your daily routine, no matter the weather!
