5 Steps For Better Skin

When it comes to skincare, it seems like everyone has their own tips and tricks to achieve perfect skin.  Some are more realistic (washing your face before bed, wearing sunscreen every day, etc.), while others are more extreme (chemical peels, vampire facials).  However, there are tried and true tips that have been proven to work for every complexion and skin type.  Here are 5 steps for better skin that you should be following ASAP.
 

Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is one of the most essential steps of any skincare routine.  There are tons of moisturizers on the market, so finding one that works the best for you is key to your skin’s health.  For instance, if you have dry skin, you want to look for a thicker moisturizer that will penetrate your skin and give it a thorough boost of hydration.  Moisturizing can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines naturally, something that is a common concern for older women. Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm are also commonly used to treat this issue, and a plastic surgeon can administer these solutions.  However, it is still extremely important to moisturize your skin daily to achieve maximum skin health and daily skin treatment.  
 

Limit Your Dairy Intake

Regardless of how delicious cheese is, dairy can really mess up your skin, so limiting the amount of dairy you are consuming can really improve your skin.  After all, what you put in your body is equally as important as what you put on it, so being mindful of what you eat can really save your skin.  Studies show that the hormones in dairy products can actually clog your pores and lead to breakouts, so if you are having issues with acne, take a look at what you’re eating and assess whether or not you should be eating less dairy.  Additionally, coffee and alcohol can also have adverse effects on your skin, so make sure you’re not going overboard with those things either.
 

Change Your Pillowcase

You would be surprised how much bacteria can linger on your pillowcase, which is why changing your pillowcase frequently is another important step in achieving better skin.  Ideally, you should be changing your pillowcase once a week, but you can practice this more or less often depending on the severity of your skin issues.  If you are experiencing breakouts on one side of your face, there is a chance it could be that you aren’t changing your pillowcase as often as you should be, so make sure to toss it in the wash frequently and swap it out for a fresh one.  Additionally, sleeping on silk pillowcases can help combat wrinkles, acne, and bed head.
 

Drink Water

While this is probably the most commonly preached good skin practice, it’s 100% true.  Drinking an adequate amount of water each day is crucial to achieving and maintaining clear, hydrated and youthful skin.  For most adults, drinking wight 8-ounce glasses of water each day is ideal.  The easiest way to keep track of how much water you’re drinking is by carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day.  Brands like Nalgene and Hydro Flask make some great water bottles that make it easy to track how much water you’re drinking each day, so that you’re never left feeling dehydrated.  Staying hydrated can do wonders for better skin, so the next time you find yourself breaking out, consider how much water you’ve been drinking and increase your intake if needed.
 

Pamper Yourself With Face Masks

Image credit: By Sérgio (Savaman) Savarese (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0 
Using face masks may seem like something reserved only for spa days, but there are tons of affordable masks on the market designed for regular use.  Most drugstores sell different kinds of face masks catering to a broad range of skin issues, such as acne, dryness, and wrinkles.  Sheet masks are some of the most popular face masks on the market right now, as they are coated in serums that are good for your skin and are extremely easy to use. Many face masks are in the $1-$5 range, making it easy to stock up on your favorites and pamper yourself every day of the week!
 
What are your favorite tips for better skin?
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