Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Sometimes it’s hard to know what your skin really needs to be as healthy as possible. Every day we’re bombarded by marketing hype for various skin care and cosmetic products, as well as advice from social media influencers and other beauty gurus.
So, what does the research say your skin actually needs? What helps and what doesn’t in the quest for clear, radiant skin?
This article will help answer those questions by providing 8 evidence-based tips on what you can do to get the glowing complexion you want.
1. Scrub it away
The first step to reveal skin that is fresh and clear is to banish dullness and dead cells. For this purpose, we recommend the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Face Scrub. Created with 100% natural ingredients, this scrub uses the power of apricot and walnut to gently exfoliate away dirt, impurities and dead skin cells. With grime and dullness far away, all you will see is flawless skin.
2. Boost your fiber intake
We always knew veggies were good for our diet but our skin as well? It’s true! Fiber is known to facilitate the removal of toxins which means that fiber-rich foods like apples, pears, blackberries, and leafy greens keep your digestive system (and your skin) on track. That’s why consuming at least a single portion of such foods in any form—steamed, juiced or blended—is advisable to get a clear complexion.
3. Add the right products to your skincare regime
To get clear skin, it’s imperative to follow a good skin care routine. This would mean using the right products, eating healthily, sleeping on time and avoiding skin offenders. To your stash of beauty products, add the Pond’s Pure White Anti-Pollution + Purity Face Wash. This face wash will take care of that smog and dust that affect your skin so unknowingly. You can depend on its Activated Carbon content, a potent ingredient that’s responsible for pulling out impurities, oil and dirt from your skin. Don’t skip out on this step and soon enough, clear skin will be yours.
4. Make hygiene your top priority
Even though you may least expect it, the smallest of habits in your beauty routine can greatly affect your skin. That’s why it’s imperative to go over your skin care habits with a magnifying glass in order to make them more hygienic. If you’re back home after a long night, don’t skip makeup removal as residual mascara and foundation can clog your pores. Keep your skin care tools and brushes spic and span by washing them every few weeks. Change your pillow cover regularly to prevent the buildup of dead cells and sebum on it.
5. Use a mild cleanser
The aisles at most drugstores are packed with all sorts of facial cleansers. Trying to figure out which one is right for you can be overwhelming.
When it comes to choosing the “best” cleanser, fancier may not necessarily be better.
A systematic reviewTrusted Source of 14 studies found that there really isn’t much difference in skin breakouts, no matter what type of cleanser you use.
The studies included everything from cleansing bars and antibacterial soaps to cleansers that contained alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
While this may be disappointing if you’ve spent a lot of money on an expensive cleanser, the takeaway here is that keeping it simple is probably best.
A mild cleanser without a lot of ingredients and fragrances can work just as well as more expensive options.
6. Apply an acne-fighting agent
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), many topical therapies can help fight acne. The key to finding the most effective one for you is knowing what type of acne you have.
Depending on the type of acne you have, the AAD recommends the following:
- Comedonal acne (blackheads and similar bumps). Look for products that contain retinoids like adapalene gel (Differin).
- Mild acne. Topical benzoyl peroxide can help fight mild acne, either on its own or together with a topical retinoid.
- Inflammatory acne. Topical dapsone 5 percent gel is recommended, particularly in adult females.
- Acne with scarring. Azelaic acid preparations can help reduce acne and the risks of acne scarring.
- If you want to simultaneously target different types of acne, the AAD recommends using a combination of benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or adapalene gel.
Using these treatments together may dry out your skin, so be sure to use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
7. Apply a moisturizer
How does a moisturizer help keep your skin clear? Well, if your skin is excessively dry, it may try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result? Breakouts.
Like cleansers, moisturizers don’t have to be expensive or filled with fancy ingredients. More importantly, look for a moisturizer that’s noncomedogenic. This means it won’t clog your pores.
If you have oily skin, moisturizers labeled “lightweight” may be best to prevent a heavy, greasy feeling.
Some people find they have to switch to heavier moisturizers during the winter months when cold, dry air can leave skin feeling tight and dried out.
8. Go easy on the sugar
Although there’s limited research on the connection between your diet and your skin, several studies have shown that foods with a high glycemic index may be linked with acne.
In a large study from 2009, more than 2,000 participants were placed on a low-glycemic diet. Not only did they lose weight, but 87 percent of the study’s participants also found they had less acne. Additionally, 91 percent said they needed less acne medication.
To cut back on foods with a high glycemic index try to:
- Limit processed carbs, like white bread and baked goods.
- Cut back on sugary sodas and sweets.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein.
- Limit alcohol consumption.