When it comes to the skin, there are a lot of concerns that we always have in mind: dry skin, dull-looking skin, acne, etc. Many skincare companies know that and offer us a wide option of different products tailored for specific issues.   

In the end, if we had to address each concern, we would end up with one product per issue, which doesn’t seem functional at all!  

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and is made of water, protein, fats, and minerals. Your skin protects your body from germs and regulates body temperature.

If your skin doesn’t look good, it should be treated from the inside and not only superficially with topical products.

We will make this journey to healthier and radiant skin easier for you. Here are some basic tips to help you achieve that skin that will get your friends saying “goals.”

WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY  

According to board-certified dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD, UV rays are the primary cause of skin aging, skin discoloration, and changes in skin texture. You should also make sure to wear protective clothing and hats and not spend a lot of time in the sun.  

You should use sunscreen every day regardless of the weather. It doesn’t matter if it’s a rainy day, if it’s snowing or if it’s just cloudy; UV rays are still present and can damage your skin.   

Use a mineral-based sunscreen daily and look for active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide with SPF 30 or more. Apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine every morning. For best results, you can look for a product with extra benefits containing vitamin C and glycolic acid.  

Avoid using only moisturizers, primers, or makeup that includes SPF. This is because the amount you usually use for this product is not enough to protect you from the sun (even if the product says so).  

A trick to measure the right amount of sunscreen is using your index and middle finger and adding on both two lines of sunscreen from the beginning to the end. This equates to 04 ounces of sunscreen, the size of a nickel or 1/4 to 1/3 of a teaspoon. 

HAVE A BALANCED DIET, EXERCISE AND GET PROPER REST  

1. What to eat 

As we mentioned before, we must be healthy inside to have radiant skin. What is outside of us reflects the quality of our internal health.  

This is probably the easiest tip: drink water! Yes, as simple as that. If you want healthy skin, you should stay hydrated. Remember that liquids don’t come only from drinks; you also get fluids from fruits, veggies, and other foods.  

To know what amount of liquids you should have, you can multiply your weight by 2/3. The result will be the oz you should drink daily.  

Incorporate healthy fats into your diet like nuts, flaxseed, and avocados. Other foods that contain healthy fats include salmon, chia seeds, olive oil, and whole eggs.  

Antioxidant-rich foods are a great option to improve your hair and skin appearance because they have polyphenols: research has shown these types of antioxidants help protect your skin cells from UV ray damage like hyperpigmentation. You can get these benefits from foods like blueberries, kale, spinach, and even dark chocolate.   

Avoid potentially irritating foods like processed and packaged foods with high amounts of sugar. These types of foods usually lead to skin inflammation and breakouts. If you choose to only eliminate one of these foods/ingredients, then choose processed sugar –research has shown a direct link between acne and processed sugar. 

2. Stay active!  

Exercising frequently increases blood flow throughout the body, bringing essential nutrients, oxygen, and natural minerals to your skin. Working out leads to brighter, better-looking skin. An active life also decreases stress which will also help you achieve a more radiant complexion.  

And talking about stress, we know this is a hard one, but chronic stress can seriously damage your skin and even trigger tons of issues, so make sure to commit to a proper self-care routine. You can try relaxing techniques like yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy. 

3. Get your beauty sleep  

Another thing that helps manage stress and your skin health is proper rest. Inadequate/disturbed sleep has been shown by research to contribute to increased signs of skin aging (aka fine lines and wrinkles) and a compromised skin barrier.  

When you get a full night of sleep, your skin can repair itself by supporting more youthful and firm skin, but if you deprive yourself of adequate sleep, your body can easily become stressed, which can trigger breakouts and acne. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to get the best skin results.  

EXFOLIATE AND MOISTURIZE

Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends light exfoliation by using a non-irritating toner that will lightly exfoliate your skin without damaging it and help you get smooth skin and a brighter complexion.  

It’s important that after each exfoliation you moisturize your skin because since you’re removing dead cells and doing a deep cleansing, it will need a little extra help to regenerate properly.  

A great tip is to apply your skincare products right after showering/bathing. This will help to replenish/seal in your skin’s moisture. Use products with ingredients that have been proven to be hydrating like Freesens’ moisturizers and natural oils.

A lack of hydration makes your complexion dull and even accentuates wrinkles. If you live in cold weather, remember to adapt your skincare routine to a more hydrating one.

TAKE VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS AND USE BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin and its production decreases as we age. Taking collagen supplements will promote hair, skin, and nail health. 

Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients for glowing skin. It brightens/evens out your skin tone; research shows that Vitamin C promotes balanced pigmentation and promotes collagen and elastin production.  

EXTRA TIP

You can use shimmery lotions to boost your glow –“glotions” are the new category of skincare and makeup hybrid that are becoming increasingly popular because they are a combo of hydrating/moisturizing and the radiance-boosting effects of a highlighter. These unique formulas contain humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help draw moisture into your skin and make it appear plump and smooth.