The sun, cold and air can put a strain on the skin, leaving it rough and dry. Making small changes in your daily routine and lifestyle can soften and tone it over time. Read on to find out how to get the glowing, healthy skin you want.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Follow a Daily Skin Care Regimen
Step 1. Start each day with dry exfoliation
This is a very ancient method of exfoliation, designed to eliminate dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Do this every day to get immediately brighter skin, and if you are constant your complexion will become radiant.
- Choose a brush made of natural fibers rather than plastic. Natural bristles are less aggressive on the skin.
- Exfoliate your body in short, firm movements from your extremities towards your heart. Use the brush on your legs, torso and arms. Use a smaller, softer face brush.
- Always start with dry skin and brush. Exfoliating wet skin won't get you the same effect.
- Avoid dry brushing if you have sensitive skin or a condition such as psoriasis or eczema, as it may cause further irritation. Even if you don't have any of these complaints, you should still stop or decrease the frequency of application if you notice redness, pain or become too sensitive afterwards.
Step 2. Take a cool shower
Rinse your skin with cool, not hot water. If you can't, start with the warm one, slowly moving on to the cool one. Hot water is not good for the skin, it dries and thickens it, while fresh water tightens and tones it.
- Generally, you should shower about 10 minutes once a day. Longer showers can dry out your skin.
- When washing your face, use cold water instead of hot water.
- Reserve hot baths for special occasions. They are good for the soul, but not for the skin.
Step 3. Exfoliate while showering if you haven't done it dry
You can use a washcloth, loofah sponge, or gloves to exfoliate your skin while showering. Also use a body exfoliator. Gently massage the cloth into your skin. It would be good to use a cloth for the body and a different one for the face.
Make sure you clean these tools regularly to prevent bacteria from growing. Bacteria can cause blemishes or blemishes and make skin rough
Step 4. Don't use too much soap
Commercial soaps and scrubs, and even many bars of soap, contain cleansers that dry out the skin and leave residues that make it appear dull. Use natural, oil-based soaps, or forget the soap and use only water.
Try to soap areas of your body that sweat or get dirty regularly, such as armpits, feet, and genitals. For the driest areas, such as elbows, shins and forearms, just water is enough
Step 5. Moisturize the skin
As soon as you dry off after a shower, apply a lotion or other moisturizer to protect your skin from dry air throughout the day. Try these moisturizers for glowing, healthy skin:
- Coconut oil. This sweet-scented substance melts on the skin and makes it radiant.
- Shea butter. Perfect for fragile facial skin. You can also put it on the lips.
- Lanolin. Sheep produce lanolin to keep their wool soft and dry, and it's a perfect defense against the freezing winter air.
- Olive oil. For those occasions when the skin needs a highly moisturizing treatment, spread olive oil on the body and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat dry.
- In supermarkets or pharmacies you will find lactic acid-based lotions. Leaves the skin dry, supple and soft.
- Aloe vera gel is a perfect natural option for sensitive or sun-damaged skin.
Step 6. Think about the needs of your skin type
Some have dry, flaky skin, others have oily skin, and many have a combination of the two. Find out which parts of your body need special care, and make sure your daily routine takes this into account.
- Treat acne, whether on the face or body, very carefully. Don't exfoliate acne-prone skin, and don't use harsh soaps or products that could make the situation worse.
- Eczema, rosacea, and other problems associated with dry skin need to be treated with care. Use products that do not irritate the skin further, and talk to your doctor to find out if you need to use medications to treat yourself.
Part 2 of 3: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Step 1. Start a workout routine
Physical activity tones the skin and improves circulation. It also improves overall health, and you see this through the skin. Incorporate the following types of exercises into your daily routine three or more times a week:
- Cardio exercises such as power walking, running, cycling or swimming. These exercises make the blood flow quickly and give your skin a radiant glow.
- Weightlifting with dumbbells. Strengthening the muscles improves skin tone, making it appear smoother.
- Yoga and flexibility exercises. These types of exercises tone the muscles and make the skin appear firmer.
Step 2. Eat a balanced diet
When you're not getting the nutrients you need, it shows in the skin. Get your glow back by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Incorporate foods that are especially good for your skin, such as these:
- Avocado and dried fruit. They contain healthy fats that help the skin maintain its elasticity.
- Nutritious vegetables. Focus on foods rich in vitamins A, E, and C, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, and blueberries.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
Water swells the skin cells and makes it appear fresh and glowing. When you are dehydrated, your skin starts to dry out. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy. If you don't feel like drinking just water, these options will also keep you hydrated:
- Water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, lettuce, apples, and berries.
- Herbal teas or tea without caffeine.
- Try a glass of tonic water with a splash of lemon for a refreshing alternative.
- If you don't like plain water, you can flavor it by letting fruit or herbs soak in the water before drinking.
Step 4. Avoid harsh substances on the skin
No matter how religiously you follow your daily grooming routine, some substances will defeat your mission to have beautiful skin. Limit or avoid these harmful substances altogether:
- Tobacco. Tobacco stains the skin and causes premature wrinkles. When it comes to skin damage, tobacco is the worst culprit.
- Alcohol. Too much alcohol can pull the skin, especially around and under the eyes, because it causes water retention. Limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per week.
- Caffeine. Drinking a lot of caffeine dehydrates the body, and is counterproductive to the skin. Limit your coffee to one cup a day, and drink a good glass of water immediately afterwards.
Part 3 of 3: Habits that Keep Skin Glowing
Step 1. Use sunscreen every day
Sun exposure can temporarily brighten the skin by tanning it, but in the long term it is very harmful. Sunburn or a long tan all summer long can give you wrinkles, blemishes and even the possibility of skin cancer.
- Put sunscreen on your face before you leave the house, even in winter.
- Put the protection on your neck, shoulders, chest, arms and anywhere else that will be exposed to the sun. If you wear shorts or go to the beach, remember to put it on your legs as well.
Step 2. Don't go to bed wearing makeup
Leaving makeup on your face overnight is not good for your skin, as it stays in contact with the chemicals in the products for too long. In the morning the skin will have absorbed all the make-up, and it will not be a pretty sight. Remove make-up with special products and eliminate any residue with fresh or lukewarm water every night before going to sleep.
- Do not rub to remove make-up, as it irritates and ruins the skin. Use a good makeup remover and dab it with cotton pads.
- Try this trick to remove make-up from the eyes: wipe a cotton swab dipped in petroleum jelly on the lashes and around the eyes. The trick will come off right away. Wash off the petroleum jelly when you're done.
Step 3. Protect the skin from aggressive elements
Leather hardens in response to exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and abrasive materials. Keep your skin soft and sensitive by taking these precautions:
- Wear gloves in the winter to avoid chapped hands. Protect the rest of your body with warm, appropriate clothing.
- Wear gloves if you are using chemical cleaners.
- Protect yourself from calluses by using knee pads, thick work clothes, and other protection when working in difficult conditions.
Advice
- Put on your moisturizer every day.
- Remove your make-up before bed.
