It's always the perfect time to reflect on your skincare habits and set some skincare goals - whether it's January or July! Our skin generally deserves more love and attention than we give it.
Regardless of your age, taking care of your skin is essential for maintaining a more youthful and radiant complexion. Below, we'll explore 10 healthy skin habits that will help you achieve your skincare goals. These habits cover everything from establishing a daily skincare routine to understanding the impact of nutrition and hydration on your skin's health.
For many of us, improving our skincare habits is high on our list of priorities for self-care. After all, healthy and radiant skin can boost our confidence and make us feel our best. This post is tailored to women and men who are looking for practical tips to enhance their skincare routines and achieve their skincare goals.
1. Establish a Consistent Daily Skincare Routine
Overwhelmed by the number of products on the market? Confused and bombarded by complex and conflicting advice? Establishing a consistent daily skincare routine can feel daunting. We’ve got three achievable steps to make up your daily skincare routine. Healthy, glowing skin on the way…
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Cleansing (morning and evening)
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It helps remove makeup, dirt, and impurities, allowing your skin to breathe and absorb products more effectively. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, and make it a non-negotiable step in your morning and evening routine.
This Under Skin gentle, botanical cleanser is especially suited to dry, damaged and acne prone skin. The luxurious, plant-based formula boasts calendula, fennel, witch hazel and chamomile. Perfect for purifying, moisturizing and soothing your skin. Cleansing has never felt so good!
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Moisturizing (morning and evening)
Moisturizing helps lock in hydration and maintains your skin's natural moisture balance. Look for a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it's oily, dry, or combination. Apply it generously after cleansing to keep your skin soft and supple.
This La Roche Posay lightweight moisturizer is packed full of powerful ingredients: ceramide-3, glycerin, niacinamide and pre-biotic thermal water from the French town, La Roche-Posay. For a healthy complexion and restored, soothed skin - what’s not to love?
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Sun Protection (morning only)
This is the often forgotten step. Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun is a crucial part of your skincare routine. It helps prevent premature aging and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every morning, even on cloudy days.
Try out this water- and sweat- resistant EltaMD SPF 50 Sunscreen. Perfectly suited to sporty, active people who love being outdoors, it doesn’t wash off easily or run into your eyes with sweat. Formulated with zinc oxide, octinoxate and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), it acts as a barrier to UV rays and reduces free radicals to minimize signs of aging.
2. Prioritize Nutrition for Radiant Skin
Eat your way to healthy skin… Your diet plays a significant role in the health and appearance of your skin. To achieve your skincare goals for the new year, consider making these dietary adjustments:
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Hydration
Drinking enough water is vital for keeping your skin hydrated from within. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to maintain healthy skin. Hydration helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and keeps your complexion glowing. Tips to stay hydrated:
- Keep a reusable bottle to hand - in the car, by your bed, at work etc.
- Add flavor to your water by adding fruit and herbs - lemon & mint is our favorite
- Set reminders or alarms to remind you on busy days
- Eat fruits and vegetables rich in water e.g. watermelon, tomatoes and lettuce
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Eat a Balanced Diet
Foods that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals will promote clear and radiant skin. Eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables into your meals. Orange fruits, sweet potatoes and pumpkins contain beta-carotene, and kale, bell peppers, spinach and papaya contain lutein - both significant in increasing cell turnover and brightening skin tone.
Choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and plant oils (flaxseed or soybean) to reduce inflammation and maintain skin elasticity.
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Limit Sugar and Processed Foods
We all know that excessive sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation and breakouts. Try to reduce your consumption of sugary snacks, soda, and highly processed meals. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods as much as you can to support your skin's health.
3. Choose Skincare Products Wisely
Selecting the right skincare products is essential for achieving your skincare goals. Here’s how you can make some informed choices:
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Know Your Skin Type
In order to select the right products, you need to understand your skin type. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, choose products that are tailored to you. What works for one person, won’t necessarily work for you. Consult a dermatologist if you're unsure about your skin type.
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Read Ingredient Labels
Take the time to read the ingredient labels on your skincare products. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide, which all have proven benefits for skin health. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate your skin.
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Patch Test New Products
Before adding a new product into your skincare routine, do a little patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies. This precaution can prevent potential skin issues. And if you do react - it will be discreet!
4. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the overall texture of your skin. It is a key step in maintaining healthy skin and here's how to exfoliate effectively:
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Choose the Right Exfoliant
There are two types of exfoliants: physical (scrubs) and chemical (acids). Consider your skin type when selecting an exfoliant. Sensitive skin may benefit from gentle chemical exfoliants, while other skin types can use physical exfoliants in moderation.
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Be Gentle
Avoid excessive scrubbing or harsh exfoliation, as it can damage your skin's protective barrier. Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times a week, and always follow the instructions on the product.
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Sun Protection is a Must
After exfoliating, your skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Apply sunscreen diligently to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
This gentle, 100% mineral sunscreen is perfect for even the most sensitive skin types. Formulated with chemical-free active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it helps to create a physical barrier on the surface of your skin to prevent the sun’s UVA and UVB rays from penetrating.
5. Get Adequate Sleep
We also know that getting a good night's sleep is essential for your overall health and the appearance of your skin. Prioritizing sleep should be one of your skincare goals, but here are the actual reasons why:
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Repair and Regeneration
While you sleep, your body goes into repair mode, and this includes repairing and regenerating your skin cells. Blood flow to your skin increases when you sleep, allowing oxygen and nutrients to flood your skin cells. Few people actually get the recommended 7-9 hours sleep per night which can result in dull, tired-looking skin.
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Dark Circles and Puffiness
Adequate sleep also helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around your eyes. You know the drill - it’s important to prioritize getting to bed on time.
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Sleep Hygiene
Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Remove devices and screens from your bedroom where possible and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine will signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
6. Stress Management
Stress can absolutely take a toll on your skin. It can lead to breakouts, inflammation, and other problematic skin issues. Managing stress (as best you can) is crucial for achieving your skincare goals:
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Practice Relaxation Techniques
Whilst we often feel like we’re too stressed to actually practice these techniques, they are recommended for a reason! Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness into your daily routine. Pick one to incorporate into your daily routine for a couple of weeks and note the difference.
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Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is anything that brings you joy, relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it's reading a book, going for a run, taking a bath, or spending time in nature, self-care can definitely help cope with stress. You can’t give out what you’re not putting in.
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Seek Support
This goes without saying: don't hold back from seeking support from close friends, family members, or a mental health professional if you're dealing with chronic stress. Processing concerns, feelings and experiences can alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being.
7. Stay Active
Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for your skin and overall well-being. Here's how exercise contributes to healthy skin:
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Improved Blood Circulation
Exercise increases your body’s blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This enhanced circulation improves your skin’s elasticity, slows the natural aging process and gives off a healthy glow.
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Detoxification
Sweating during exercise helps detoxify your body by flushing out impurities and toxins. It releases any build up and impurities that clog up your skin which would otherwise lead to breakouts.
Just remember: don’t let sweat sit on your skin for too long - wash off with water and a gentle cleanser as soon as you’re able to. You don’t want a combination of makeup, bodily fluids, and dirt clogging your pores.
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Stress Reduction
Exercise is an excellent stress reliever and many people struggling with mental health report improved self-esteem and cognitive function as a result of regular exercise.
8. Don't Neglect Your Neck and Hands
While we often focus just on our face, it's essential to extend our skincare routine to our neck and hands, as these areas can show signs of aging too:
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Neck Care
Apply sunscreen and moisturizer to your neck daily, and consider using anti-aging products if you're concerned about wrinkles and sagging. Gently massage your neck with upward strokes to improve blood circulation.
The award-winning Revision Nectifirm Advanced packs a peptide punch with a unique antioxidant formula and groundbreaking microbiome science. Featuring D-glucosyl gallic acid, lingonberry, everlasting flower and red microalgae to bring skin rejuvenation, firmness and radiance.
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Hand Care
Moisturize your hands regularly to prevent dryness and aging. We’re particularly thinking about those of you who wash your hands regularly (we’re thinking of those in healthcare, education or parents of young children especially!) or if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Consider using products that contain antioxidants and SPF to protect your hands from UV damage.
9. Schedule Regular Skin Check-Ups
Regular visits to a dermatologist can help identify any skin issues or concerns early on:
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Skin Cancer Screening
Dermatologists can perform skin cancer screenings to detect any suspicious moles or growths. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so if you’re worried about a mole, don’t hesitate to get it checked.
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Customized Advice
A dermatologist can provide personalized skincare advice based on your specific skin type and concerns. This guidance can help you make informed choices about your skincare routine and products.
10. Stay Consistent and Patient
Achieving your skincare goals and maintaining healthy skin requires consistency and patience. Keep in mind the following:
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Results Take Time
Improvements in your skin's health and appearance won't happen overnight. It may take several weeks or even months of consistent skincare habits before you see significant changes.
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Stick to Your Routine
Once you've established a skincare routine, stick to it diligently. Consistency is key to achieving long-term results.
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Adjust as Needed
Your skin's needs may change with the seasons or as you age. Be willing to adjust your skincare routine and products as necessary to address any new concerns. Our dermatologists are here to help you through this often confusing journey!
As you embark on your skincare journey, remember that healthy skin habits are an investment in your overall well-being and confidence. By establishing a consistent daily skincare routine, prioritizing nutrition and hydration, choosing the right products, and incorporating other essential habits, you can achieve your skincare goals and maintain radiant, youthful-looking skin.
