Simple Skin Care Do’s And Don’ts: A Guideline

Whether you're in the midst of puberty or experiencing another hormonal change due to external factors; a clear complexion can feel difficult to obtain. Unless you have a perfect diet and a dedicated regime, you will experience bouts of acne. Despite facing the unpredictability of mother nature, there are a few things you can implement and avoid to achieve a healthier complexion. Learn the simple tips that will make all the difference!

The Skin Care Do's

Hydrate

It goes without saying that water is beneficial in more than one way. Not only does this essential nutrient support and function cell health; it also helps to flush out toxins. Little to most, your skin is considered the largest organ. Considering that our bodies are made up of nearly 70% of water alone, this necessary element is in constant need. Also take into consideration water loss through sweat and free radicals dehydrating water cells throughout the day. Hydration keeps skin looking supple, younger and glowing by keeping it pure from the inside out.

It's not enough to eyeball water consumption to determine if you're drinking enough. There is a mathematical method to go about it to ensure you're drinking a sufficient amount to see results.  There are a number of apps that take into account your weight and activity to determine the amount of ounces you need to consume. If you just want a general idea of how much to drink, simply divide your weight in half. However take into account water loss from activity and higher elevations.

Rest

Sleep is a vital function of the human body, without enough sleep your body enters a state of confusion and diminished cognitive functioning. A lack of sleep is also reflected in on your complexion. When you're under rested, signs such as wrinkles, eye bags and discoloration show up. While you can use simple remedies to lessen the appearance of tired eyes , there's nothing like a good night's sleep. Experts recommend that the average adult needs anywhere between 7-9 hours to fully rejuvenate.

Considering that many of us live full lives that leaves little time to get enough sleep, there are some things to do before bed. Our bodies undergo of series of cycles to revamp from the day's activities. In order to experience a more deep cycle (Rapid Eye Movement aka REM), take the following measures before bedtime.

• Refrain from electronic screens (blue light) 1-2 hours before bed
• Keep room cooled (ideally 60-70 degrees)
• Only use room space for sleeping
• Try to go to bed at same time (including weekends)
• Download sleep apps to track cycles
• Avoid naps
• Avoid large meals 1-2 hours before bedtime

Cleanse

This should be ingrained into your schedule, as much as brushing your teeth is. Cleansing removes oil, makeup, free radicals and dirt from your complexion. If you don't take the time to cleanse, these elements have time to seep into pores and cause break outs the next day. Use a cleanser formulated for your skin type to experience the best results that work with your skin.

SPF

An SPF sunscreen should be used daily and reapplied throughout to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays from aging skin. Without a physical barrier, rays penetrate deep into layers and burn skin tissue, this prevents cell turnover. Without effective turnover, skin adopts a leather like texture and loses collagen production.

Diet

Now this isn't about counting calories or avoiding food groups. Diet simply means to become more conscious of what you consume and how it fuels your body. Adopt better habits and reach for foods rich in vitamin A & C to keep skin younger looking and supple. This means eating food in their natural state rather than consume high amounts of processed foods. Those that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are a good example of how skin can clear up from acne due to the high amount of greens consumed (full of Vitamins A & C).

The Skin Care Don'ts

Layering

We often make the mistake that if we layer on more products, the more quickly we will experience results at a more noticeable rate. Considering that there is not one product that can “do it all” so to say, we fill the need to find a plethora of products to serve each cause. This mistake will cause skin to become irritated from the chemicals that can counter act with one another. In this case, simplicity is your best bet; as well as keeping a consistent regime. While its fun to try new products, by changing it up too often, you don't give your skin time to adapt (skin needs about 2 weeks to adjust to a product).

Caffeine

Addicting is as it may be, caffeine is one of the most dehydrating agents that you can consume. While it acts as a great topical treatment for fine lines (especially around the eye area), when consumed it zaps moisture from cell walls. Caffeine also can cause inflammation and trap toxins that your body is trying to flush out. These trapped toxins then in turn become clogged and an acne breakout is in the making.

Alcohol

There's no denying that a little bubbly is great for celebrating a special moment or having fun; however, your skin is not the biggest fan. Next to caffeine, alcohol is one of the most dehydrating things you can consume. It weakens fibers used to build collagen and elastin that keep skin nice and taunt. It can also increase the size of pores that create the perfect storm for inflammation and acne to thrive in.

In addition to consuming alcohol, you should avoid using topical treatments that contain alcohol. Ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol or astringents strip skin of all oils, including nourishing oils that keep skin nice and supple. Instead reach for facial oils  that act as toners and moisturizers to keep sheen at bay.

Hands Off

Think about it, how often do you touch your face? You see, this isn't really something you think about because we all do it without knowing it. Whether you're touching it because of nerves or using it as a head rest at your desk, you experience the consequences. Especially when you're in the midst of a breakout, it is almost possible to not pick at a whitehead or squeeze it (this is oddly satisfying). Popping a zit, only causes scarring and bacteria to spread to create even more havoc on your face. Your hands come in contact with so many types of bacteria that would love to claim real estate on your face. Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face to keep breakouts from starting in the first place.

Oil

Now this ingredient is something that you could consider a frenemy. Understandably your skin creates a multitude of oils to keep skin from cracking and flaking; but, we also add oils to skin. Now this is more about being selective about the oil we place on skin. Oil comes in the form of makeup and facial oils such as coconut or Argan. The important step is to use non-comedogenic oils that won't clog skin and to avoid heavy oils that will clog pores. Once pores are clogged, this creates the environment for acne to develop.