5 Habits for Flawless Skin - The Why and The How

 

Sophia Loren once said “Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.”  What this means is that feeling good about yourself is the connection between beauty and self-image. The more comfortable you are in your own skin, the more beautiful you are.  To hve the utter most confidence in the way we look requires some work.  The following 5 habits will help to give you flawless skin that we all want so you can officially be comfortable in your skin and finally make that connection between your beauty and self-image:

1.  Always wash your face before going to bed...NO EXCUSES!

• Why: Going to bed with a full face of makeup can lead to clogged pores, pimples and inflammation.
• How: The cleansing process only takes a minute. Using a cleanser and lukewarm water, wash your face in circular motions and pat dry. A quick alternative is to keep gentle cleansing cloths on hand to wipe away grime before you hit the sack.

2.  Take care of your skin, even while you sleep!

• Why: Night is the ideal time to use cream or serums that restore moisture and prevent and treat signs of aging. During the day, UV rays, wind and pollution can damage skin, but as you rest, skin cells are renewed.
• How: Make sure to check for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, protective antioxidents and anti-aging peptide properties. Apply the serum to your face and neck, avoid the eye area unless it is specified that it is safe to use around the eyes.

3.  Exfoliate at least once a week!

• Why: Removing dead skin cells not only reveals fresher, more radiant skin, it also prevents clogged pores...which ultimately helps reduce the likelihood of breakouts!
• How: If you have sensitive or dry skin, exfoliate once a week...Otherwise go for at least 2-3 times a week.  You can exfoliate after washing or simply by using an exfoliating cleanser.

4.  Give extra TLC to your eye area!

• Why: The eye area needs extra hydration to stay healthy so your regular face moisturizer may not cut it. Skin under the eye is extra delicate, so using an eye-specific retinol and antioxidant concoction minimizes the chances of irritation.
• How: Pick a formula or serum that addresses your specific concerns. Make sure your under eye cream is tailored to your needs.  Apply in the morning and night after you moisturize, using your ring finger (this finger provides the least amount of pressure under the eyes).

5.  Protect your face from the sun regardless of the time of year it is!

• Why: Minimal exposure to UV rays can cause damage to your skin -- even if your are just sitting by a window!  This can add up over time and lead to freckles, brown spots, uneven skin tone, and reduce natural collagen and elastin in the skin.
• How: Choose a moisturizer that provides an SPF of 15 - 30. Using an SPF of more than 30 can cause reverse effects!  Try to find a moisturizer that also provides tons of vitamins like A, C, and E along with green white tea and idebenone - this will help combat free-radical damage.

Now that you have the information for flawless skin, go forth and beautify yourself!