Although there’s no such thing as perfect skin, most women desire clear, youthful, glowing skin. Many people have genetics on their side, while others have to put in more effort to keep up their appearance. Regardless of which category you fit into, these tips and tricks for achieving youthful-looking skin can help you wear your bare face confidently.
Stay Out of the Sun
It’s no secret that UV rays can be harmful to your skin and put you at risk for skin cancer, but they also break down the collagen in your skin. Collagen helps keep your skin firm and bright, and this breakdown can cause premature aging.
With that in mind, you should stay out of the sun as much as possible and always wear sunscreen or products containing SPF whenever you spend time outdoors. Even if it’s cloudy outside, the sun is still at work and can cause damage to your skin.
Clean Your Face—Especially Before Bed
Using a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice each day should be a vital part of your daily routine. Although skin care is probably the last thing on your mind at the end of the day, cleanser is a must to clear your face of excess dirt, oil, makeup, and dead skin cells.
Even if you don’t cleanse each night, you should at least remove your makeup. It’s an essential step to let your skin heal and repair itself to stay healthy and clear, and understanding why you should remove your makeup each night will motivate you to make your evening skincare a priority.
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Nutritious Diet
While you might think only external factors influence your skin’s health, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, your skin reflects your overall health, and your hydration level and diet have a significant impact on your skin quality. While daily water intake isn’t one-size-fits-all, eight 8 oz. glasses each day is a good rule of thumb.
Aside from water intake, you should also consider your diet. Excessive consumption of sugar, processed foods, deep-fried foods, and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, pretzels, etc.) can wreak havoc on your skin. To stay glowing and clear, consider substituting these foods with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts and seeds.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Although sleep isn’t easy to come by when you have small children, you should do your best to prioritize sleep as much as you can. Because your skin repairs itself when you sleep, a consistent lack of sleep will leave you looking dull and aged. Prevent dark circles by getting 6–8 hours of sleep each night.
When you follow these tips and tricks for achieving youthful-looking skin, you’ll see a dramatic difference in your overall appearance. Rather than using makeup to cover your blemishes and dark spots, you’ll be able to use it to enhance your look—or go without it entirely. Remember, there’s no such thing as perfect skin, so embrace your imperfections and wear your bare face confidently.
