Use your fingertips to apply your cleanser. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or mesh sponge, as these can irritate your skin. Resist the urge to scrub your face — always be gentle. Make sure to rinse the cleanser thoroughly from your face. Otherwise you could suffer from buildup, which can clog your pores and make your skin look dull. Pat your face dry gently but thoroughly with a soft, clean towel. Use a separate towel for your face instead of the one you (or others) use to dry your hands. You do not want to transfer germs to your face.
You should use two different moisturizers. The one you choose for daytime should include SPF production. Your nighttime cream should be a bit thicker and offer more thorough hydration.
A good method is to put your moisturizer and make-up on as usual. Then apply a sunscreen that is specially formulated for your face. Look for one that is a spray mist, rather than a lotion. This will make application easy and will not mess up your make-up.
If your skin is on the dry side, you will notice that it flakes or cracks easily. Oily skin typically looks very shiny and you will notice your make-up does not stay in place for long. Combination skin means that you have different problem areas — usually your skin will be oily in your “T” zone (your forehead and down the center of your face, including your nose) and dry on the rest of your face. If you have dry skin, use a gentle or creamy cleanser. Those with oily skin should use oil-free, non-comedogenic foaming cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to fight acne. [5] X Research source file:///Users/Brooke/Desktop/skin_types_11_13. pdf If you’re unsure which products to use, talk to your dermatologist or cosmetologist at a beauty supply store or department store. Those with dry skin should use moisturizers that are labeled as creams or ointments. Those with oily skin should use lotions, as these are lighter and contain more water. [6] X Research source Ask for some product samples so that you can try a few different things before making a commitment. [7] X Research source
You might also consider a toner, which can help balance the chemicals in your skin. Toners often come in the form of a spray, and are applied after you apply moisturizer and serum. Finding a good, gentle exfoliant can also help improve your skin. An exfoliating scrub can help your skin appear more radiant and glowing. Some people exfoliate once a day, while others find once a week works best for them. Try some variations (and different scrubs) to find what makes your skin look best. [8] X Research source
For dark spots, look for products that contain a retinoid. This chemical contains a lot of vitamin A, which will speed the correction of your problem areas.
Fine lines are very common around the eyes. One way to take care of these are to avoid squinting. Get some reading glasses if you find yourself straining to see. Also, make sure to wear sunglasses when you are out and about.
You can also use the same method with chilled sliced cucumbers. Rest the slices on your eyes for 10 minutes. Repeat with freshly chilled cucumbers as necessary.
Another simple remedy is to hold an ice cube on your pimple. This will reduce swelling and inflammation. Hold in place for about five minutes, or until the ice begins to melt. Wipe some fresh lemon juice on your pimple and leave it there overnight. The acid in lemon juice makes it an excellent astringent, which can treat your blemish.
Eat your produce. Making sure that you get the suggested five to seven daily servings of fruits and veggies is important for your skin. Fruits and veggies contain a lot of vitamins and antioxidants that your skin needs to thrive. In addition to greens, add some sweet potato and citrus to your diet. Healthy fats help your skin stay supple and smooth. Try adding in some extra fish and avocado when you are doing your meal planning. There are also many foods that have negative affects on your skin. Try to avoid eating too much salt or foods that are very greasy. [13] X Research source
Track how much you are drinking. Many people don’t realize that they are not drinking enough water. Try making a notation every time you down 8-oz. There are also apps you can put on your phone to track your hydration. Be aware that fluids consumed through foods, like watermelon, count toward your daily water intake. Even water found in drinks like coffee, tea, milk, and juice count — just make sure you’re focusing on consuming mostly water.
If you have trouble sleeping, there are some things to try. Shut down all electronics (including your phone) an hour before you go to bed. Your brain needs time to relax, and the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the production of the hormones that make you sleepy. Also, avoid eating a large meal less than two hours before you plan to go to bed.
If you don’t like going to the gym, there are plenty of other ways to add exercise into your life. Grab a friend and go for a long walk. You can also try some online exercise programs or download an app on your phone.
Protect your skin by always wearing sunscreen when you are outdoors. You should also avoid tanning beds, as they can cause skin to age and increase your risk of deadly skin cancers. Smoking (and secondhand smoke) can seriously damage your skin. Avoid being in areas where smoke is prevalent and if you smoke — quit.
Checking in with a professional is also a great way to learn how to prevent serious problems such as skin cancer.
