Healthy and glowing skin doesn’t just happen. Even those blessed with the creamy, soft skin that everyone craves will need to take good care of it in order to keep it looking its best as they age. Remember: the skin is the body’s first line of defense against environmental toxins, and toxins exiting the body through the skin can cause imperfections and skin break-outs. This is also a solid reason why it is so important to drink plenty of water and eat fresh, nutritious foods. Here are some essential tips for achieving glowing skin.
Hydrate and Moisturize
Keeping the skin hydrated is the first step toward keeping it healthy. It is helpful to keep a spray bottle of distilled water nearby to spritz the face and hydrate the skin throughout the day. If you add a couple drops of peppermint oil to your water, you can fight pimples while staying cool and refreshed. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day, and use lotion on damp skin for optimal results.
Swap Washcloths for Wipes
If you are currently scrubbing your face with a washcloth, think again. Bacteria and germs cling to your washcloth, and this will all be transferred to your skin when you use it on your face. Instead, invest in disposable facial wipes to cleanse without the risk of exposure to bacteria or skin damage from harsh fibers. Make sure to read the product labels carefully, though: many wipes recommend that you rinse your face well after use to remove any harsh ingredients that might be harmful if they were to linger on your skin.
Use High-Quality Bedding and Launder Well
It’s easy to think of your bed as the softest, most comfortable place to be, but using the wrong bedding can wreak havoc on your skin. Pillowcases made of rough fibers can scratch and dry out your skin while you sleep. Try switching to soft cotton, bamboo fiber, or even silk and keep your beauty rest wholesome!
Also, check how clean your pillowcase is; you’ll need to launder and replace it more frequently than you might change your bed’s sheets. Launder pillowcases every two or three days to prevent dirt and oil from rubbing off on skin during sleep time. Also, use gentle laundry soaps that won’t irritate your skin, particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Raise Your Head
Sleeping with your head elevated slightly can improve circulation while you rest, and will leave you looking less blotchy and red-faced in the morning. This is because sleeping with your head raised allows for optimal blood flow so you wake looking refreshed and rejuvenated. Furthermore, this contributes to getting a better night’s rest, which can give the skin a more youthful appearance.
Cut Up a Cucumber
There are numerous health benefits conferred on the body by cucumbers, and they have some remarkable effects on your skin’s appearance, too. Slicing cucumbers and placing slices on your eyes for around 20 minutes can reduce any redness or swelling around this area. Also, rubbing cucumber slices over your skin after being out in the sun can cool and hydrate the face and help it recover, similar to the way aloe vera works. Try juicing cucumbers and adding lemon juice for a cheap and refreshing facial that will reduce the sight of scars or sun damage.
Taking good care of your skin now may prevent the wrinkles and dark spots that can surface as you age, and will help to maintain the elasticity of your skin that is so important for a smooth, refined texture. Treat your skin well and take note of how much more radiant and youthful it can look!