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A healthy, glowing complexion is what all of us dream of! Struggling with acne, fine lines, and other skin problems can immediately put a damper on the way you feel. Research has shown that skin blemishes and aging spots can all have an impact on our self-esteem. However, the best news is that you can take an active role in helping to maintain and perfect your skin.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a confusing mystery.
Whether you’re struggling with acne or fine lines, here are expert-approved tips to get you the skin you deserve.
Sequence Your Skincare Routine Correctly
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Did you know that the order you apply your skin products could actually impact their effectiveness? According to beauty experts, the first products to come in contact with your skin should be ones with the most active ingredients. Skin products with active ingredients are meant to penetrate the skin’s barriers. If you put on a heavy cream before your other products you’ll be blocking them from entering the skin and performing at their optimal.
The easiest way to remember this is to apply your lightest and most water-soluble skin products first. Then add in the heavier products, such as a moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated. You’ll quickly see a difference in the appearance of your skin when you start using your products in the correct order.
Exfoliate For Smaller Pores
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One of the biggest skin complaints happens to be enlarged pores. However, did you know that pores actually appear much larger than they are when they’re filled to the brim? Trapped oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and even certain proteins can fill up in the pores of your face. Once these pores become clogged they give off the appearance of looking larger. In order to shrink the size of your pores you’re going to want to start exfoliating! Exfoliating removes the oldest layers of dead skin cells on your skin’s surface.
To begin, start by adding salicylic or glycolic acid into your skincare routine. After your skin has gotten used to a chemical exfoliant you can begin to add in a physical one. Invest in a microdermabrasion scrub that you can use once or twice a week. Be cautious not to over-exfoliate the skin as that can backfire on you and actually cause your skin to become red and irritated.
Use A Serum
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Adding a serum to your skincare routine is a great way to address specific skin problems. According to Fran Cook-Bolden, Director of New York's Skin Specialty Dermatology, "It's much more concentrated than cream or lotion, so you tend to only need a small amount daily to see results.” Investing in a serum with antioxidants is great for an overall boost while AHA and BHA serums work wonders on acne-prone skin. For best results, apply your serum on right after you’ve washed your face but before any other heavier creams.
At-Home Face Mask
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You don’t need to head out on an expensive spa trip in order to give your skin some TLC. In fact, you don’t even have to spend tons of cash on expensive beauty products either. All of your beauty needs can be easily fixed within the confines of your own kitchen! You can throw together amazing face masks with some all-natural ingredients that you’d find in your kitchen cupboard or fridge.
Have you been struggling with a recent breakout? Throw together a bentonite clay mask with apple cider vinegar and rose water to detoxify your skin.
Has your skin been in need of some extra hydration? Mix together some bananas, raw honey and yogurt for a highly moisturizing mask. Pampering yourself at home will become your new favorite pastime.
Never Sleep With Your Makeup On
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It can be highly tempting to fall asleep with your makeup on, especially after a long day. After all, what’s the worst that could happen if you leave your makeup on for a night or two? According to Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, "Most makeup contains a sugar-type molecule that can grow yeast overnight.”
Along with clogging your pores, this excess of yeast can lead to dry skin and even skin dandruff. However, taking off your makeup before bed doesn’t have to be a difficult chore. Invest in an oil-free cleanser that will remove your makeup with the least amount of effort. This will help guarantee that you’ll take off your makeup each night.
Clean Your Phone Screen
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Did you know that your iPhone could be the culprit behind some of your acne and breakouts? Since we bring our phones everywhere and place our phone on tables, chairs, and other surface areas it becomes a breeding ground for dirt and germs. Now imagine pressing the iPhone screen to your cheek to answer a call after all of that.
Pretty gross, huh? Keep your iPhone screen clean by wiping it down with disinfecting wipes before you place it on your face. Just this small effort can help combat against some of the acne that you get on your cheeks or on the side of your jaw.
Forget The Fad Products
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It seems that every week there’s a new skincare product that every beauty expert and guru swears will change your life. However, just because a product is making headlines doesn’t mean that you need to buy it. In fact, in order to maintain and achieve flawless skin your best bet is to avoid all of the fad products that come out each year.
Skincare experts all agree that the best way to achieve beautiful skin is to find products that work for you and to stick with them. Changing up your skincare routine too frequently can actually irritate your skin and lead to dryness or breakouts. However, if there is a new beauty product that you’re dying to try then just make sure that it addresses the skin issues that you happen to struggle with.