Letโs be realโyou canโt achieve clear skin overnight. Moreover, there is no one โperfectโ product or skincare routine that can give you glowing, blemish-free facial skin. You need to stick to the right habits day in and day out.
Letโs break down six of these habits:
1. Apply SPF Every Day
Wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of sun damage, blemishes, dark spots, and premature aging. Harmful UV rays can penetrate the deeper layers of your skin and cause permanent damage. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even when itโs cloudy or rainy. Donโt forget to reapply your sunscreen (้ฒๆฌ้ข้) every two hours.
2. Stay Hydrated
You must have heard it thousands of times, but weโll repeat it: Hydration is the key to glowing skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and promote skin turnover. Proper hydration can also reduce puffiness and maintain your skinโs natural protective barrier.
3. Double Cleanse
Dirt, oil, makeup, bacteria, and pollutants build up on your facial skin throughout the day. While cleansing once a day seems adequate, double cleansing can keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, then use a water-based cleanser to remove any excess oil and remaining impurities. Double cleansing can unclog your pores and prevent breakouts.
4. Change Pillowcases Regularly
Your pillowcase might be sabotaging your skincare efforts. Sounds unbelievable, right? Letโs look at it this way: Your pillowcase is where you rest your face for hours. All the excess oil, makeup residue, and dead skin cells on your face are transferred to it when you sleep.
As a result, the pillowcase can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to random breakouts and inflammation. The solution? Change your pillowcases every 2-3 days.
Pro tip: Consider the fabric of your pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases can be rough on the skin and result in drying. Switch to satin or silk ones to reduce irritation.
5. Layer Your Skincare Products
Every product in your skincare routine has a specific purpose. You should always layer the products from lightest to heaviest for the best results. Hereโs a general order you can follow:
Cleanser – to remove dirt, bacteria, and makeup
Toner – to hydrate your skin
Serums – to provide targeted benefits like hydration, anti-aging, and brightening
Moisturizer – to lock in all the products
SPF (if used in the morning) – to ensure protection against UV rays
Remember to let each product fully absorb before applying the next one.
6. Avoid Touching Your Face
Another simple habit for clear facial skin is keeping your hands off your face. Hands are the breeding ground for bacteria. They come in contact with various surfaces. Elevators, doorknobs, countertops, phones, keyboardsโyou name it.ย ย
When you touch your face, all the grime gets transferred to your face. This can spread bacteria and lead to breakouts. Moreover, touching or picking pimples can also cause scarring.
For many people, constantly touching their face is an unconscious habit. If thatโs you, keep your hands busy with a stress ball or a fidget spinner.
