I don’t know about you, but nothing brings me down like waking up to a big, painful pimple. I mean, I get one or two now and then and it’s no big deal. But I swear, something about winter makes my ENTIRE face break out- with absolutely no warning. The stress, cold weather, and the diet of coffee and hot chocolate that winter brings about definitely doesn’t help. As girls, we’re used to it. Our skin is sensitive to many things, including hormonal changes and dry weather. But that doesn’t mean we have to live with it! With a few simple tips, we can have glowing and pimple-free skin all year round.
1. WATER
There’s nothing like a little coffee to start your morning. And your afternoon. And your night-time study sesh. I get it. But if you want clear skin, you need to stay hydrated! Water flushes out toxins from your body and keeps your skin refreshed from the inside-out. It also boosts blood flow throughout your body, which will help keep color in your face during dreary, dry weather.
2. SLEEP
As you have probably heard repeatedly throughout your life, from your mom, teachers, doctors, etc- sleep is essential for your health, including the health of your skin. Sleep is extremely influential in regulating your body’s physiological stress response, and every hour of sleep you lose a night increases your risk of psychological stress by 14% according to a study in Sleep. Stress, in turn, can make conditions such as acne worse.
3. DIET
I’m sure this also comes as no surprise, but sugar negatively impacts the state of your skin. Foods that cause large spikes in blood sugar also cause insulin levels in the blood to rise as a physiological response. Too much insulin in the blood can increase action of oil-glands and lead to the growth of pore-clogging cells. So stick to foods without added sugar! Processed foods that are marketed as “healthy alternatives” may be misleading, so make sure to check labels for added sugar content.
4. TREAT YOURSELF
Treat yourself to a good moisturizer and face mask! It’s important to keep your face hydrated from the outside as well as on the inside to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing night in with your girlfriends and a face mask?! Not only will your body exhibit fewer symptoms of stress, such as breaking out, but a good facemask can deep-clean your pores or rejuvenate them. Charcoal and clay masks are great for cleaning out oily pores, while a gel or cream mask infused with collagen and antioxidants can liven up dry skin! It’s all about knowing your skin type and what works.