We’ve all cycled through varieties of face washes, astringents, lotions, and spot treatments. Skin and acne is different from person to person, but there are basic tips everyone can follow to take care of their skin. Some are surprising, but will work wonders if you give them a shot!
1. STOP touching your face!
This works wonders! Keep your hands (and others) away from your face. The germs that transfer are a major cause for break outs.
2. Let your face breath with some no-makeup days
This is usually easiest on the weekends, maybe mornings/afternoons before going out, or on a lazy Sunday. Even if you use quality makeup, your skin and pores deserve a break!
3. Go for oil-free foundations
Neutrogena, Bare Minerals, and Clinique are some examples of brands that offer oil-free products that are good for your skin. Most liquid foundations that aren’t tend to clog your pores!
4. Wash your face TWICE a day!
Once before your day begins, and once before bed! Your skin faces millions of germs a day and even when you’re sleeping so stay on top of this routine the best you can and you’ll see major improvements. Note: NEVER sleep with make-up on!
5. No scented lotions!
Even if Bath & Body Works does offer the best lotion you’ve ever smelled, keep it on your hands and not your face! Most scented lotions aren’t designed to moisturize your face and can be a cause for acne.
6. Drink more water and eat less sugary foods
Sugary foods and drinks can impact your skin more than you think!
7. No heavy scrubs
Although they may leave your skin feelings silky smooth, heavy scrubs can actually cause your face to dry out and do more harm than good. Dermatologists recommend no scrubs at all, but if you must it’s best to go with something like baking soda or Ive’s blackhead clearing green tea scrub, where the components are more sandy feeling and won’t do as much damage to your skin-but you’ll still feel nice and soft after using it!
8. No heavy masks — instead try honey!
This is another skin routine that is deceiving. Masks feel great while they’re on and even better once you’ve rinsed them off, but in most cases actually a recipe for majorly dry skin.
9. Stay away from astringent completely!
Rubbing any product that’s main ingredient is alcohol is a major no-no when washing your face. Try replacing it with an alcohol free substance like Witch Hazel.
10. No cinnamon gum
If you’re victim to acne around the mouth, stay away from cinnamon gum!
11. Basic soap!
With such a variety of face washes it’s hard to believe that basic soap is the answer to your prayers. Don’t be afraid to go for a bar of Dove soap as your main face-washing product. You’ll save money and if you stick to some of the other tips, you’ll be surprised how well something so simple will work to clear up your skin.
12. Condition your hair BEFORE washing your face in the shower
The ingredients in conditioner are oily and can clog your pores just as easily as make-up, so during your shower routine be sure to have face-washing be your last step!
13. Use spot treatment sparingly
We’ve all had nights where we go to bed looking like we have white chicken pocks covering our face. Less is more when it comes to any spot treatment products! Use only a dot or two to cover problem areas and you can avoid totally drying your face out and breaking out even more than you were before!
14. No more popping those zits!
It’s time to part with this nasty habit we’re all guilty of! Even if it’s likely you’ll relapse, at least give it a week and see what a difference it can make it you don’t pick at your skin!
15. Wear your hair in a ponytail to bed
Wet or dry, your hair holds oils that can make you break out overnight. Try a loose a pony or a braid to keep your hair away from your face while you sleep.
16. Brush your teeth carefully
Another trick for those who struggle with around-the-mouth and chin acne, dermatologists often recommend that you brush your teeth with as little mess as possible! Keep the toothpaste foam in the skin, not sitting on your skin!
17. Change your pillow case weekly!
Make it a habit to throw your pillow case in a load of wash once a week. The oils from your hair and face that gather in a week’s time are a recipe for a skin disaster!