From dry skin to dark marks, we all struggle with insecurity regarding our skin. Unfortunately, despite the almost overwhelming amount of products lining the drugstore shelves, it can take a lot of work to figure out the best things to do for your skin. That’s why I have compiled this guide to help you care for and feel comfortable in the skin you’re in!
First of all: Do NOT compare yourself to others!
With all the airbrushed supermodels, seemingly flawless influencers, and shaving ads crammed with baby-smooth legs, it’s easy to feel self-conscious about your skin. That’s why it is important to remember that images you see on social media are NOT REALITY! Countless influencers, models, and actors edit their photos, so much so that Norway has created a law that bans influencers from secretly editing their photos because of its negative effect on society. To feel better and enjoy your smooth, healthy skin, EMBRACE your skin first and do not compare it to unrealistic standards. You will never reach your goals if you keep chasing ones that are not grounded in reality.
Now let’s get started!
- Moisturize, Baby!
First things first: Get in the habit of moisturizing often. You can’t skimp on conditioning and hydrating and expect smooth and supple skin – That’s just not how it works! Invest in a good moisturizer that your skin likes and stick to it. This goes for your face AND body. Plenty of body oils, lotions, and body butters exist for you to choose from, and it doesn’t hurt to try them all and see what fits your needs best. Investing in a hydrating body wash is also smart if you are a gal with dry skin.
- Slough Off that Dead Skin!
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! This is super important! Letting dead skin linger can cause rough, dry, and patchy skin. Exfoliating will eliminate that, allowing moisturizers to penetrate your skin layers and not sit on dead, flakey skin. If you want to learn more about exfoliation, check out this link!
- Cleanse Properly
This may seem self-explanatory for some, but it’s more complex than commonly thought. If you bathe every day and still suffer from dry skin, you might be bathing too much! According to Robert H. Shmerling, MD, a senior faculty editor at Harvard University, bathing daily could pose problems such as dry, chafed, or irritated skin. Invest in a gentle, moisturizing body wash, and bathe as you would, but try bathing every other day instead. If you’re not ready for a big change, consider making a small change, such as ditching your loofah. Loofahs may be able to exfoliate, but they also harbor loads of bacteria, even after rinsing. Consider ditching your yucky bacteria net and switching to a washcloth or a silicone body scrubber.
- Pamper Yourself with Face and Body Masks
Is there anything more relaxing than a spa? How about an at-home spa? At-home spa sessions have all the benefits of going to a spa, except at half the cost and not having to leave the comfort of your home. You can do everything from steaming your face to applying face masks at home!
As far as what to look for in a face/body mask, this part is completely up to you. Use gentle ingredients, such as Aloe, before you move on to products that include acids (like Benzoyl, an acid commonly used in Acne medications). Some ingredients, especially acids, can irritate sensitive skin, so spot test before using the entire product on your face/body. If irritation does occur, do NOT continue using the product. If you are concerned about an ingredient in the product you chose and if it can clog your pores, you can use this free tool by Acne Clinic NYC.
- Use SPF Like You Mean It!
There is arguably nothing more important than protecting your skin from harsh UVA/UVB rays. The sun may not be the first thing that comes to mind during the harsh winter, but that doesn’t absolve it from existence! SPF products prevent wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Scout out products and sunscreen that have at least 30 SPF. Dr. Jennifer Lin, an esteemed dermatologist and co-director of the Melanoma Risk and Prevention Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, recently weighed in on the importance of SPF in an interview with Harvard University. If you are interested in reading the powerful interview where she expertly busts myths and explains the importance of sunscreen, I have linked it here!
- Change Your Bedding Often
So, this tip follows a similar logic as our bathing tip. Just like you don’t want to use a loofah because of the grime it collects, you wouldn’t want to keep sleeping on dirty, bacteria-filled bed sheets. Imagine this: You just finished your relaxing shower after a long day. You exfoliate, moisturize, brush your teeth, and put on a fresh pair of PJs. And now you lay your head on a filthy pillowcase and snuggle up under smelly covers. Ew! You cleansed your skin just to introduce it to bacteria, not even 24 hours later! That is why it is important to wash your pillowcase and bedding regularly. Use a gentle, non-irritating detergent to prevent any allergic reactions and breakouts. Plus, the amazing scent will help lull you to sleep at night.
- Pay Attention to Allergens!
Do you have patchy, inflamed, and incessantly itchy skin? It could be an allergic reaction/contact dermatitis! While serious, life-threatening allergic reactions are rare, it is important to watch products that can irritate your skin, especially stronger Acne medications. If you have strange breakouts and cannot find the solution, seeing your dermatologist and an allergy specialist may be beneficial. You can get an allergy test and further understand what ingredients you may or may not be allergic to. A dermatologist can also determine what you may be battling, such as hormonal or fungal acne.
- Shave Smart!
Listen up, gals! If you want to shave, that’s awesome. If you don’t want to shave, that’s cool too! It is your body, your choice, and we believe everyone should live the lifestyle they want without societal pressures. If you are a gal that does choose to shave, though, you have to do it right. If you take a blade (or a razor with multiple blades) and push it against your skin to shave your hair, you must know how to prep your skin and give yourself proper aftercare.
If you’re in a rush, I’ll give you the short version! It pretty much goes as follows:
Wet the skin
Exfoliate (rinse off the product after exfoliating)
Lubricate with shaving cream/gel (or any alternative you prefer)
Shave with the grain of the hair (to prevent knicks)
Rinse razor between strokes, rinse off shaving cream/gel
Moisturize
Make sure to leave your razor in a dry area as well! Leaving your razor damp or in a damp area could grow harmful bacteria or rust. This article covers shaving basics, but everyone tweaks their steps to fit them!
- Diet Changes
Your diet affects your skin. High glycemic diets and cow’s milk have been linked to inflamed skin and breakouts. A low-glycemic diet has been linked to fewer breakouts and clearer skin. If you are dealing with stubborn blemishes, try changing your diet! Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains!
- Manage your stress
For our last tip, we recommend looking at your stress levels, namely, how you manage that stress. Stress can indirectly cause blemishes, change hormone levels, and cause stress-related hormone breakouts. You may be incredibly stressed if your blemishes seem stubborn and stay no matter what. Getting into a new hobby, exercising, or attending counseling may help lower your stress levels.
That’s all for now, gals! If you want more beauty tips in your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a like! Let me know what topics you would like to be covered next in the comments below, and I’ll see you all soon!
Sending Love ♡
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