Sometimes it’s hard to imagine what having perfect skin would feel like. We see it online, in advertisements, on social media, on TV. But the reality for most of us is pretty different.
The truth is, just like anything worth having, a gorgeous, glowing complexion takes discipline and can feel a lot like hard work! But you’ve also got to fall in love with your own skin and figure out what works for you. Just because the internet thinks you’re interested in a new miracle face mask, doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin. Discipline alone won’t cut it – you need knowledge too.
So we’ve brought together some knowledge, just for you. It’s true, not all of these tips will be suitable for your skin type – you’ve got to get that far on your own. But if you read something and think, “huh, that could work”, then go right ahead and try it!
1. There’s no such thing as a quick fix
Skincare regimens used to be three steps and done. These days, we know more about the science behind skin, and understandably we’ve developed to incorporate that.
But no matter how complex your skincare routine is, when you try out a new product, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to see amazing results overnight. You have to invest time, effort and money into getting the glow – even if you can’t see any immediate difference.
Usually wait around a month before dismissing a new product, and even then it might be your unique combination that’s failing to show results.
As for shortening your skincare routine – sometimes that can be beneficial. But the chances are you chose your routine and products for a reason. Stick with it.
2. Never underestimate the power of hydration
What goes into your body can have a phenomenal effect on your skin. While clean eating is always an excellent decision, hydration is even more so.
For glowing, radiant skin, water is your new best friend. Which means get used to that water bottle, because she’ll be with you everywhere you go. Experts recommend 3.7 litres per day for men, and 2.7 litres for women – but you can drink more if you like, just don’t overdo it.
Ideally, you need to be absorbing that water for it to get to work. Which means ensuring you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals in your diet to allow your body to put the water to work. So it turns out clean eating is crucial after all!
3. Pre-empt your pimples
When we’re in our teens and early twenties, our skin can often surprise us with a break-out that seemingly comes from nowhere. However, as we age, most of us get more in tune with our skin, and it’s not unlikely you can feel a spot or pimple coming on.
If this sounds like you, then as soon as you start to grow suspicious, act. Drink plenty of water, avoid sugar, cleanse and exfoliate. Maybe even try a mask to calm things down before they get out of control.
4. Seek out nature (sort of)
No, we don’t mean go outside and hope for the best (though fresh air is certainly good for the skin!) What we mean is, try to find products with naturally potent ingredients that are active enough to have a real effect on your skin.
Tea tree, lavender and witch hazel are all natural and great at clearing up the skin, and commonly found in a variety of skincare products. And clear skin is the first step toward glowing skin, is it not?
5. Don’t be fooled by pricier products
This one may be difficult to swallow, but spending a small fortune on one product doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a) good quality or b) going to work for your skin.
It can be tempting to splash out when the marketing campaign offers miracles, but if the cleanser you already use works out well for your skin, why fork out? You can’t know whether a newer, more expensive product is going to work until after you’ve paid for it, and it’s better to set aside those pennies for investing in something worthwhile.
So if your eye cream isn’t doing its job and you see something new and expensive that promises to work – sure, go for it. But if your current eye cream is already everything you need, don’t be fooled by fancy marketing.
6. Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen
We don’t know how often we’ve had to say this, and we’re sure this won’t be the last time… but you can’t skip sunscreen!
Sun exposure and tanning are one of the biggest causes of premature aging, and can dry out your skin, making it dull and lifeless. Protection from the sun’s UV rays is non-negotiable, so if you’re after a bronzing, fake it instead. Your skin will thank you for it.
7. Mix it up
We already mentioned that discipline and knowledge are key to getting that healthy glow, but here’s where the knowledge comes into play. Understanding your skin type is only the first step to creating the complexion of your dreams.
You also have to pay close attention to what each of the products you use is actually doing for your skin, which means a little trial and error for long-term rewards.
If your skin is dry, but you found one time you borrowed your friend’s moisturiser to top up your own, your skin was gorgeous… well, try mixing it up! There’s no rule that says you can only use one of each type of product. If there are benefits in one that aren’t in the other, but you like how the other product works with your skin, you can mix and match to find what works for you.
8. Get your night-time routine down
When we sleep, our body enters into healing mode, which means it’s the best time to apply your skincare products and take control of your skin.
It also means that you can step it up a notch from the morning, pre-make-up routine, and really give your skin some attention. Cleanse, tone, apply serums, moisturise – do what works for you. But extra, because this is the time of day your skin will really benefit from your hard work.
Yes, even if you’re sleepy.
9. In case of emergency, stop
Not exactly a tip for everyone, and we’re not recommending that you stop washing altogether, honestly. But sometimes, the sheer number of products we’re using has a counterproductive effect on our skin.
If you’re constantly hopping between products and trying everything you can to get the glow, maybe it’s time for a break. Pausing for a while will give your skin some breathing space to recover and recuperate, and for some of us, that’s enough to get our skin fresh and dewy.
10. There’s such a thing as too much sugar
We’ve all heard about what eating too much chocolate will do to your skin. But it’s actually more complicated than that. Too much sugar, particularly refined sugar, can undo all the benefits of your skin care regimen.
11. Try a laser treatment
If you feel like you’ve tried everything, or even if you’re just curious, a skin resurfacing laser treatment can do far more than you’ve ever imagined.
Whether you just want to look and feel youthful, or you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles creeping up on you, there are a whole host of treatments that can do far more for your skin than any face mask or eye cream ever will.
12. Find your faux glow
Let’s be honest: we’d all love perfect skin. But the truth is, we may have the very best intentions and still find we’re not getting the complexion we’re looking for.
However, there’s an entire beauty industry out there dedicated to helping you fake it ‘til you make it. Which means no matter the look you’re going for, there’s a foundation, a concealer, a BB cream or maybe even just a bronzer that’s designed to make you look and feel amazing.
Just remember to thoroughly remove it all before you go to bed!