8 Habits of People with Great Skin

Men, skip to point #2, #6, #7 and the tip at the end. Ladies, stay with me. Having great (and not just good skin) is a matter of skinformation – PERIOD. Luck, genetics, and minimum effort guarantee you good skin, but great skin? Great skin comes from great habits.

I learnt this soon after I first got into skincare and started selling skincare products the following year. I know it might feel like rocket science how a “select few” seem to have perfect skin while the rest of us struggle.

Here’s the good news – you can go from dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin, dehydration, oily skin, and texture among other skincare concerns to having healthy skin within months. TRUST ME.

We need to get something out the way; healthy skin does not always equal flawless, glowy skin. What do I mean by this? Well, it typically takes more time for some people’s conditions to clear than others. Sometimes these concerns don’t fully go away but that doesn’t mean that because skin is textured it isn’t healthy.

So, what’s the difference between people who have good skin and those that have HEALTHY skin? Are there any defining habits? What do they seem to know so well that the rest of us don’t?

1.Patch testing

Patch testing refers to using a new skincare product on a small portion of your skin first to determine how your skin will react before officially adding it to your routine. This is a good way to go particularly if you have access to samples or skincare products in small sizes.

If you’ve purchased a product without being sure if it’s right for you, you get to find this out sooner. This might help avoid a situation where you can’t go on that date or long awaited trip because your skin acted up and ruined everything. Imagine breaking the bank just to end up with a flared face and regrets.

2. Cleansing Twice Daily

Cleansing is the first fundamental step in skincare. This step gets rid of dead skin cells, dirt, oil, make up, and other pollutants while nourishing the surface of the skin a.k.a. the skin barrier.

Using a cleanser twice daily is ideal. The feel of the cleanser is a matter or preference. Avoid conventional soaps as they contain fragrances and other ingredients that strip the skin of it’s natural moisture. A good cleanser, one that addresses you skin concerns, is your best bet.

Ingredients like cica are must-haves for calming and soothing the skin while salicylic acid in very low concentrations, for instance, is ideal for mild cleansing if you have acne.

3.Toning

Toners are used after cleansers. They were initially made for people with oily skin but you can now find a toner if you’re trying to balance your skin, improve it’s texture, soothe and hydrate, remove dead skin cells, improve the skin barrier, and protect the skin against external pollutants.

How often you use your toner is up to you although I highly recommend working your way up in terms of consistency. Start by toning your skin every other day then daily before you can start toning twice daily (if your skin agrees to it). Remember, the skin does have a say.

Toners are, however, a must-have for makeup lovers because they help make up glide onto the skin, improving it’s appearance, while removing excess dirt and make up that may be left over after cleansing.

4. Exfoliating 

Exfoliation is the process of doing away with dead skin cells through manual scrubbing and rubbing using tools such as washcloths and scrubs, or chemicals such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s), beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) , and polyhydroxy acids (PHA’s).

AHA’s act on the surface of the skin and can be used on all skin types. They include glycolic acid, citric acid and lactic acid. Always pick one with a concentration of 10% or lower, pH of 3.5 and above, and use with sunscreen.

BHA’s, on the other hand, penetrate the skin to control sebum production levels and include salicyclic acid, tropic acid, and trethonoic acid. You can exfoliate once or twice a week. Ensure to look into the different ways to use AHA’s, BHA’s, and PHA’s before adding them to your routine.

Dead skin cells replenish themselves every 30 days so when they don’t shed off completely they clog the pores and leave the skin looking dry and flaky. Exfoliation essentially reduces breakouts, increases collagen production, improves the appearance of the skin, and improves the adoption of moisturisers and serums.

Physical and chemical exfoliation are both safe if you have normal skin. However, if you have acne-prone, sensitive or dry skin be extremely gentle with physical exfoliators or use a mild chemical exfoliator.

5.Applying Serums

Serums are used after exfoliators to treat specific skincare concerns as they deliver a high concentration of active ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin c, azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, and retinol deep into the skin. Different ingredients address different concerns.

To treat hyperpigmentation go with azelaic acid or niacinamide. Niacinamide also controls sebum production. To target premature ageing use retinol, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C also improves overall complexion and aids collagen production.

When and how you use serums matters. Niacinamide, salicyclic acid, and hyaluronic acid can either be used in the morning or evening. Vitamin C is only used in the morning while azelaic acid and retinol are used in the evening.

Always apply water-based serums before oil-based serums. If in need of an instant boost, sheet masks are your friend.

6.Moisturizing Twice Daily

Moisturizers are used after serums and are yet another fundamental step in skincare. However, people tend to make numerous assumptions when it comes to them.

For instance, it makes sense not to moisturize if you have oily skin because the skin is already producing excess oil. Another common practice is using the same moisturizer you use on your body on your face. These couldn’t be further from what you should be doing.

What happens when we don’t moisturize is the skin produces more sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture resulting in acne and a greasy or shiny complexion. The face is also more delicate than the rest of the body therefore we need to be keen on what we put on it.

One moisturizer I absolutely love and HIGHLY RECOMMEND is the Argan Hydrating Moisturiser by Uncover Skincare. It’s non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), lightweight and leaves the skin feeling and looking supple.

It does contain argan oil which improves skin barrier function and overall skin texture, niacinamide which reduces the appearance of pores and helps improves the discoloration of the skin, moringa extract which has antibacterial properties that reduce acne lesions, and hyaluronic acid which hydrates the outer layers of the skin improving the skin’s elasticity.

Shop this moisturiser here for 10% off your purchase and have it shipped to you anywhere in the world.

7.Reapplying Sunscreen Every 2 to 3 Hours 

Sunscreen is the final fundamental step in skincare. Sunscreen should be applied approximately 30 minutes before going into the sun every day and reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.

Guarding the skin against direct sunlight is the goal. Ensure to supplement with hats and protective clothing and avoid being in the sun between 11am and 2pm. Remember commonly forgotten areas such as the back, ears, neck, and top of the hands and feet whenever you apply your sunscreen.

When shopping for a good sunscreen find one that is hydrating, offers broad-spectrum protection, doesn’t leave a white cast, even better if it also soothes the skin.

8.Healthy Lifestyle Choices 

Eating a balanced diet and taking skincare supplements such as minerals, probiotics, vitamins, collagen, and healthy fats is a 360-degree approach that improves the quality of the skin from the inside out.

Pro tip – Whenever your skincare isn’t working ensure you’re on a basic 3-step routine comprising of a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Once you’ve built consistency add the rest of the steps on need basis and watch your skin go from 0 to 100. It’s really that simple! I hope you found this useful 🙂

You don’t have to break the bank, I got you. You can get a 10% discount on Uncover Skincare products using my discount code JOY10 or my shopping link here. You can click here for more details on how I got into the industry.

#SkincareSeries #Tips #UncoverClub

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