It’s no secret that perfect skin is a goal for many people. Social media and advertisements promote airbrushed beauty as something to strive for. While pimples, redness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation are common, they aren’t things anyone wants to see.
Unfortunately, achieving flawless skin isn’t easy. That’s because there are so many things that can impact the health of your skin. From environmental factors to hormonal changes, achieving your skincare goals is more than just finding the right product. But don’t let that deter you! In this article, we share a few tips you need to know:
1. Address Hyperpigmentation
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you’re not alone. Hyperpigmentation is a term used to describe dark patches on the skin. It is incredibly common and can happen for many different reasons.
A common condition that causes hyperpigmentation is melasma. This typically appears on the face and is usually the result of hormonal changes. For instance, many women experience melasma during their pregnancy, which is why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma, like other forms of hyperpigmentation, can also be the result of sun damage.
Regardless of the reason for your hyperpigmentation, your goal is to make those spots disappear as quickly as possible, right? Good news, there are ways to do that. Hydroquinone cream is a prescribed topical used in the treatment of melasma. This cream has also been found effective at reducing hyperpigmentation and reversing signs of sun damage and aging skin.
Other topical treatments include retinoids and azelaic acid. These all help with skin turnover, which typically fades dark spots. Other treatments that provide similar results include chemical peels, laser treatments, and exfoliants. All of these options have a variety of benefits and consequences, so talk with your doctor about what’s best for you.
2. Always Wear Sunscreen
As mentioned above, sun damage can cause dark spots. Sun damage can also speed up signs of aging and cause wrinkles and fine lines. And it doesn’t stop there. Sun damage can also lead to skin cancer. In fact, research shows over 90% of skin cancers are caused by sun damage.
It’s incredibly important to protect your skin from the sun. One of the best ways is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. When applied regularly, wearing sunscreen protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays, helping you avoid sun damage.
Another way to protect against sun damage is to be mindful of what you’re wearing. Make sure you have on a hat or a visor before spending the day outside. You should also consider wearing sun-protective clothing. A great hack is to wear dark colors during a warm day. These colors will absorb harmful UV rays, keeping them from touching your skin.
3. Make Lifestyle Changes
Believe it or not, your lifestyle may be the reason you haven’t reached your skincare goals. (Yes, really.) You may not know this, but what you do during your day-to-day life can impact the health of your skin. For example, stress increases the inflammation in your body, which can cause breakouts. Stress can also change the proteins in your skin, reducing its elasticity and causing wrinkles.
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to reduce your stress. Easier said than done. While regulating your stress levels isn’t easy, it’s not impossible. Exercising regularly, practicing yoga, meditating, and spending time in nature have been known to help combat stress. If these practices don’t help, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor.
If you smoke or have an irregular sleep schedule, these habits can also have negative effects on your skin. Smoking takes oxygen and antioxidants from your skin, which can lead to premature aging. Being chronically tired raises your cortisol levels, which can trigger inflammation. Do your best to quit smoking and make sure you’re getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep at night. It will take time, but you’ll see great results in the long run.
4. Pay Attention To Your Diet
If you have an unhealthy gut, there’s a good chance your skin isn’t healthy either. The bacteria in your intestines influence your skin. If the bacteria is bad, that can lead to breakouts, dry skin, wrinkles, and other unpleasant symptoms. If you experience constant bloating, diarrhea, and other signs of poor gut health, it’s time to do something about it. Once you do, you can feel better and achieve flawless, healthy-looking skin.
The first step to improving your gut health is making sure you’re eating a healthy diet. It’s important your meals are nutrient dense. For example, lean protein, like fish, can improve poor gut health. Fish is also great for your skin because it contains collagen and vitamin E.
Taking a prebiotic or a probiotic supplement can also help improve gut health and, in turn, your skin. Both stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Make sure you consult with a doctor before taking a new supplement or medication.
5. Don’t Forget To Wash Your Face
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t wash their faces every day. The truth is regular cleansing is essential to achieving healthy-looking skin. During the day, your skin comes into contact with dirt, oil, and debris. All of this creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow and thrive.
If you don’t regularly wash your face, these impurities build up and can wreak havoc on your skin. Not only could you notice redness and dry skin, but acne could also form. Regular skin washing can also boost hydration so your skin doesn’t look and feel rough.
Now that you know why it’s important to wash your face, let’s talk about how often you should do it. According to dermatologists, you should wash your face at least twice a day. Doing so will help maintain your skin’s pH levels, keep your pores from clogging, and help you reach your skincare goals.
While there’s no such thing as “perfect” skin, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to get your skin healthier. The tips above are a great place to start to help you reach your skincare goals. Remember it takes time to develop habits, but once you start doing so, your skin will thank you.
