Everyone knows at least one woman with seemingly perfect skin.
Every time you
1. She uses the correct cleanser for her skin type.
"For oily or acne prone skin, a salycylic gel or benzoyl
peroxide wash works great," says Dr. Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa
Monica. "For dry mature skin, use either a moisturizing glycolic or milky
cleanser. For skin with brown spots or melasma, use a brightening wash, such as
an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser."
2. She drinks the right liquids.
Though it's tempting to grab a coffee the minute you wake up,
Joanna Vargas, a skincare facialist in NYC, says choosing the right beverages
can be a game changer. "Drink a shot of chlorophyll every morning to
brighten, oxygenate, and hydrate your skin. Drinking chlorophyll also helps
drain puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system, so it's also good for
cellulite."
If you're not keen on downing a shot of the stuff, chlorophyll
supplements can be found at many drugstores and health food stores. She also
advised drinking green juices with lots of veggies in them: "It will
transform your skin in a matter of days — and it helps oxygenate the skin and
stimulates lymphatic drainage, so it's de-puffing, too."
3. She maintains a healthy diet.
"Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and
essential to that is omega-3 fatty acid," Joanna Vargas advises.
"Flax seeds on your salad or even walnuts will be an instant boost to your
omega-3, thus increasing your skin's ability to hold onto moisture." And be
sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex
carbohydrates).
4. She moisturizes every day and night.
5. Her fingers never touch her face.
Dr. Julia Tzu, an NYC-based dermatologist, says this is very
important. It doesn't just spread bacteria and cause breakouts — it can lead to
scarring, an increase in wrinkles, and even the flu.
6. She doesn't use too many products.
Using more than one or two all at once is a big no-no, says Dr.
Tzu. It can be harsh on the skin, resulting in more breakouts and clogged
pores.
7. She wears sunscreen 365 days a year — rain or shine.
"Many people feel they only need to protect themselves on
sunny days or when visiting the beach," says Dr. Debbie Palmer, a New York
dermatologist. "But the truth is that we need to protect our skin even
when we're driving a car, flying in an airplane, or running errands. It's
the daily UV exposure that contributes to the visible signs of aging."
What kind of sunscreen is best? Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen
with a SPF of 30 or greater — and remember that it needs to be reapplied every
2 hours.
8. She hydrates — in every way possible.
Every skin expert we spoke to emphasized the importance of
hydration. "A lack of water means less radiance and more sag," says
Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in Connecticut. She suggests choosing products
(cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging) that have hydrating formulas. And, of
course, drink around eight glasses of water a day.
9. She avoids direct heat exposure.
Don't just watch out for the sun — getting too close to heaters
and fireplaces can also wreak havoc on your skin. "It causes inflammation
\and collagen breakdown. I recommend staying at least ten feet away," explains
Dr. Palmer. So next time you're roasting chestnuts or s'mores over an open
fire, take a step back.
10. She exfoliates a couple times per week.
"We lose 50 million skin cells a day, and without a little
extra nudge, they may hang around leaving the skin looking sullen," says
Dr. Gohara. To fight this, you should "choose a product that is pH neutral
so it doesn't dry as it exfoliates." And don't just stop with your face —
the skin on your body needs exfoliation, too.
11. She doesn't just eat her vitamins.
A balanced diet is important, but there's more than one way to
give your skin vitamins. There's also topical antioxidants, which are serums
and creams that contain ingredients that nourish the skin. "These can
really help to repair the skin from sun damage and they also have natural
sunscreen properties," says Dr. Palmer. Not sure how to use them? The best
time to apply them is right after cleansing, or they can be layered under your
sunscreen for added protection.
12. She cleans her makeup brushes regularly.
To fight infection and clogged pores, Dr. Prystowsky recommends
washing concealer and foundation brushes once a week. For brushes you
use around your eyes, she recommends twice per month, and for any other
brushes, once a month is fine.
Here's how: Put a drop of a mild shampoo into the palm of your
hand. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Then, massage the bristles into
your palm to distribute the shampoo into the brush. Avoid getting the metal
part of the brush wet/or the base of the brush hairs because the glue could
soften and the bristles could fall out. Rinse the shampoo out and squeeze out
the water with a towel. Lay the brushes on their side with the bristles hanging
off the edge of the counter to dry.
13. She knows that protection doesn't stop at sunscreen.
We're talking SPF makeup, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
"Preventing sun damage is a million times better for your skin than
treating it after the fact," says Dr. Prystowsky.
14. Her skincare routine is easy to follow.
"Fad products and fancy ingredients are fun to try, and
sometimes they work well," says Dr. Prystowsky, "but usually they're
off the shelves just as quickly as they're on them." Find a cleanser and
moisturizer that you know work for you, and keep them at the core of your
routine.
15. She sleeps well.
It's not just about getting eight hours a night. Skin will also
benefit from regularly using clean silk pillowcases. "The material
glides easily and prevents creasing and wrinkles,"says Jesleen Ahluwalia,
M.D., a dermatologist from Spring Street Dermatology in New York
City."Silk is also easier on hair — it helps avoid tangles and
breakage." Better hair and skin while you sleep? Yes, please.
Source link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a34301/best-skin-care-tips/
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