We all want our skin to look its best and whether its wrinkles, blemishes or ache, skin problems can leave us with feeling unconfident and frustrated. Luckily, it’s not just about improving your fitness to look your best because we’ve got some tips to keep your skin glowing all in the new year.
Drink plenty of water
Increasing your daily intake of water will undoubtedly help keep your skin hydrated. This acts as a moisturiser for your skin from the inside out, making skin softer and smoother. Drinking more water is even thought to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and may reduce the chance of future blemishes. This is because keeping your skin hydrated may decrease the concentration of oil in the skin which in turn can reduce breakouts. For tips on how to increase your daily intake of water, read this Buzzfeed article.
Cut down your dairy intake
Dairy is a staple part of our diet and acts as a source of protein and calcium, however, if you can cut down on your dairy intake and find alternative sources of protein and calcium, you could see big improvements for your skin. According to dietitian Maria Bella, there is a strong correlation between dairy and acne, skin breakouts and aging. Bella says, as quoted by Huffpost, this is because “most of the cows used in farming are actually pregnant cows. The hormones such as progesterone and insulin growth factors make their way into the milk… When we consume the milk, it leads to increased levels of inflammation, skin breakdown, aging and acne in many people.”
Avoid touching your face with dirty hands
Ensuring you avoid touching your face without washing your hands first can really make a big difference. Try to avoid resting your face on your hand while working as this could be the reason for blemishes on your cheek or jaw. Consider for a moment how many different objects you touch throughout the day between hand washes, and think how many germs you are transferring onto your skin.
Always wash your make up off properly
One of the most important things to avoid when trying to reduce acne is wearing a heavy foundation. It can be temping to wear a heavy foundation for more coverage, but this is a vicious circle and will only make your skin worse. Always wash your make up off properly at the end of the day, using clean hands. Avoid using too hot or too cold water, as if you water is too hot, it will dry out your skin, and if it is too cold, your pores won’t open. Always wash your face gently, or you will leave your skin red and irritated.
Change your pillowcase regularly
During the night your hairstyling products can transfer onto your pillow and then onto your skin so you should always wash your face properly in the morning and change your pillow case regularly. Ideally, you should aim to change it every few days.
Wash your make up brushes
Regularly wash your make up brushes with a brush cleanser or with shampoo/conditioner to avoid a build up of bacteria. If you use a makeup sponge, opt for a disposable one and throw it away after each use.
Use natural products
Finally, always choose natural skincare products. These are not only better for the environment as the chemicals used in the manufacturing of other products enter the atmosphere, but you are also less likely to experience side effects. The chemicals and artificial colours in unnatural products can cause irritation and redness. Choose a skincare company such as Tropic Skincare who’s vegan skin care products are natural and kind to your skin.