If there is one goal I strive for every year, it is to have clear, dewey skin all year round. Nothing makes me more envious than a girl with a good complexion. Unlike some of you who can get by perfectly with only using that basic St. Ives scrub, I actually have to work to have perfect skin. So, in the name of full transparency, here are six skincare secrets to avoid a dull and dry complexion that I’ve learned over the years.
- Get a humidifier.
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Have you ever walked outside in December and described the air as cool and crisp? Well, it feels cool and crips because there’s a lack of moisture in the air. Despite what humidity may do to your hair in the summer, it is great for your skin. One way to curb your skin from cracking in the cold season is to buy a humidifier to turn on in your bedroom while you sleep.
- Drink more water.
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Side note: drinking more water also means to choose water over other drinks. Yes, even your kombucha. Water is essential for the maintenance of your body fluids, let alone. I’ve done some research, and it seems the best rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces.
- Protect with SPF.
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I know that there could be multiple consecutive days in which the sun seems like something you hallucinated once in a fever dream. However, it does still exist, and it can do some real damage despite the cloud coverage. Our skin is sensitive and still needs protecting, and if you already have scars or dark spots from acne, SPF is a great way to not only prevent further damage, but also begin a healing process.
- Know your exfoliators and choose accordingly.
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Before you moisturize, you have to make sure you have a good base. Ideally, one that isn’t just a fat layer of dead skin cells. There are two types of exfoliators: chemical and physical. A chemical exfoliant is made up of enzymes that work over time to break down dead skin. A product will act as a chemical exfoliant if it has ingredients like salicylic acid or natural enzymes like pumpkin. A physical exfoliant is a product like a scrub, or a tool like a loofa, that lets you physically rub dead skin off. However,you can also find exfoliators that are both chemical and physical, meaning there is a chemical ingredient that will work on breaking down dead skin cells for days after use, and a physical component that will give you immediate results upon use.
- Invest in a good moisturizer.
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I can’t stress enough how important it is to find a good moisturizer. I usually look for ones that have natural ingredients and no fragrance, but you should be fine as long as there are no parabens. Although the price of some moisturizers may be daunting, quality should definitely be prioritized above quantity, i.e. you may as well buy a good moisturizer instead of buying tons of cheap ones that don’t work. However, you can still find affordable moisturizers that do work, so don’t lose hope!
- Use masks or serums consistently.
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When my skin looks tired and dull, I will wear a sheet mask for quick results. You can find really great ones for an even better price at the skincare isles in stores like T.J. Maxx or Target. For more of a daily routine, opt for a serum. I prefer Vitamin C based serums myself, because Vitamin C is effective at reducing inflammation and brightening skin. Overall, masks and serums can have a range of ingredients, so they are great for specific skincare needs!
Skin is like the outfit of a cartoon character, you’re stuck with it for the rest of your life. So be confident, and make the best of it by treating your skin right this winter and for seaons to come!