For a long time, skincare has been an essential part of our lives. Whether minimalist or extremist, everyone takes care of their skin in the way that they can.
However, skincare goes beyond what we see on the surface. Modern-day skincare has introduced various techniques and routines for achieving that perfectly glowing skin, and guess what? They work!
In this article, I’ll explain the nitty-gritty of an effective skincare routine, how to achieve that coveted glow, and how to maintain healthy skin for as long as possible.
So place your hand in mine as I walk you through the essential skincare basics.
Let’s get started!
Basics of Skincare: Cleansing, Balancing, Hydration and Protection.
Cleansing
The skin is constantly exposed to environmental pollutants. And it’s not about staying indoors or going out; these pollutants are carried in the air all around us, so there’s no escaping.
Exposure to environmental pollutants can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to several skin problems. The solution, therefore, is to get rid of pollutants on the skin through regular cleansing, especially when it’s been exposed for a long time.
So basically, cleansing can be described as hitting that refresh button for your skin to help remove accumulated dirt, unclog your pores, remove dead skin cells, and consequently reveal the brighter, smoother skin underneath.
Balancing
Our skin naturally has a protective barrier that helps keep it healthy and hydrated. This barrier has a slightly acidic pH level, which is important for maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria on the skin’s surface. The good bacteria helps to keep the skin healthy and fight off harmful invaders, while the bad bacteria can contribute to irritation and breakouts.
However, products like harsh cleansers or even environmental factors can disrupt this delicate balance. When the pH level gets thrown off, the skin can become dry, irritated, or prone to breakouts. This is where balancing comes in.
Skincare products like Toners, Essences, and gentle cleansers can help restore the skin’s natural pH level. They’re like reinforcements for your skin’s protective barrier, creating a more optimal environment for it to function correctly.
Hydration
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin—dry skin never looks good on anyone. Therefore, proper hydration using moisturizers and serums that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid should be an essential part of your skincare routine. These will help lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
When your skin is well-hydrated, it becomes plumper and smoother. Hydration also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you that dewy, youthful glow everyone strives for.
Tips for Achieving a Natural Glow from Within
Have you ever wondered what the secret is to that from-within glow some people seem to have?
The truth is, skin health isn’t solely dependent on the skincare products you use—it goes way beyond that. While using the right products is important, other critical factors such as nutrition, exercise, stress level, and mental health should also be considered.
Yes, makeup can help sometimes, but this isn’t about covering things up, rather it’s about achieving a healthy, vibrant glow that seems to emanate from deep within.
That said, here are some important tips to help you achieve that natural and radiant glow.
Eat right
Cliché, quite alright, but I’ll say it again: You are what you eat. Don’t underestimate the power of nutrition in skincare.
Nourishing your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides your skin with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to thrive.
Consuming healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, can also be beneficial. These are essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes, which contribute to a healthy, radiant complexion.
Of course, reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods. These can cause inflammation in the body, which often manifests on the skin as breakouts and dullness. Excessive sugar and sodium intake is also bad for overall health. So, instead of processed foods, opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
Drink plenty of water
I have mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day flushes toxins and keeps your skin plump and hydrated, so ensure you take enough of it. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, but you can always adjust based on your activity level, and weather condition.
Manage your stress levels
Stress wreaks havoc on your body, including your skin. It can lead to breakouts, dullness, and even premature aging. So, if you’re looking to achieve and maintain that youthful look, find healthy ways to manage your stress levels. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, spending time in nature, or simply reading a good book, find something that works for you.
Also, make sure you get enough sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, it shows, no matter how you try to hide it. So, to reach your skincare goal, stick to taking approximately 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. During sleep, your skin repairs and regenerates, so getting enough sleep can play a big role in achieving that healthy glow.
Regular exercise
Exercise gets your blood pumping, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. It can also help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, which contributes to a healthy glow.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days if possible. If you can do it everyday, that’s even better. But we all have different schedules. 😊
Before you go….
Cleansing, balancing, and hydration might seem like a simple routine, but the benefits for your skin are undeniable. By consistently following the steps and tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that healthy, radiant glow everyone desires.
But bear in mind that it’s not just about achieving some unrealistic perfection, rather it’s about taking care of the skin you have and letting its natural beauty shine through.
So, keep glowing!
