For the past few years, I've been experimental when it comes to choosing the right products in order to attain a blemish-free skin. And throughout those years, I believed in the notion that perfect skin could be achievable by those products commercialized in the market...but I was absolutely wrong. I did a lot of research when it comes to the different approaches in skincare. And I've come to the conclusion that having a healthy skin can be attained through "holistic approach", meaning our lifestyle and health greatly affects the appearance of our skin. So here are some tips that I've been doing for quite some time now and I definitely swear by it:
1.) Choose the MILDEST cleanser as much as possible.
Not because you are acne-prone skin doesn't mean that you should always use cleansers that are strong enough to dry out the face. It's not healthy plus it strips away the natural lipids of your skin. Remember we should maintain a pH balanced skin (5.5) in order to keep pimples at bay. You can start with Dove Cream Bars or Cetaphil which are mostly recommended by dermatologists. Then after cleansing, it's the time for you TO TREAT your acne by using medication such as salycilic acid.
2.) Use a gentle toner to balance the pH level of the skin.
There are plenty of toners out there in the market, but only few are gentle enough. I tried using Pond's Toner and Eskinol before but it did no good for my skin. The alcohol content (and other chemicals) in it was rather drying, and I felt that it stripped away the natural lipids of my skin. I highly recommend Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner because its ingredient is nothing but witch hazel. It balanced the pH level of my skin while retaining its natural moisture, plus it is really affordable.
3.) Oily skin also needs some moisturizing.
Our skin produces oil in order to cope with moisture. If the sebaceous gland senses that the skin is dry from cleansing, it will produce oil (sometimes overproduce). Basically it is a defense mechanism of our skin. That's why we need to apply moisturizer after cleansing and toning to seal in the moisture of our skin so that it won't overproduce oil or sebum. I use Human Nature Day and Night Moisturizers because it is 100% natural and it is Filipino made. :-)
4.) Cleanse the face NOT more than 3 times a day.
Whenever we wash our face, we most likely strip away its natural lipids and that would disrupt the balance of our skin. That's why it is preferable that we only wash our face 2 to 3 times a day followed by toner and moisturizer.
5.) Use facial masks once to twice a week.
Facial masks are great for the skin in order to rejuvenate and to pamper it. As opposed to those facial masks sold in the market, it shouldn't be expensive. You can just make it by using HONEY + RICE FLOUR. As simple as that! Leave it for 15-20 minutes (or more) then after rinsing it you will notice that your skin feels hydrated, radiant, and softer.
6.) Do not invest in expensive skincare products.
Unless you are really sure that the product suits your skin well. I remember buying a lot of skincare products in Korea without assessing if it suits my skin. And I tell you those products are not cheap. My skin became really bad after using those products that's why I end up giving it away so it wouldn't go to waste. Do a thorough research first (especially its ingredients) before purchasing a product or find a natural alternative as much as possible.
7.) Make slathering sunscreen a daily habit especially when you're on the go.
Ultraviolet rays are everywhere even in cloudy days. Make sure to slather sunscreen (spf 30 or up is still preferable) in order to protect your skin from UVA which can cause AGING and UVB which can cause BURNING. I recommend Celeteque Dermoscience Sun Care Matte Moisturizer with spf 30--hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, oil-free.
8.) Exercise and drink plenty of fluid to flush out toxins.
Drinking green tea is not only beneficial to our skin, but also to our body as a whole. It is rich in antioxidant which combats free radicals for prevention of cellular damage. Whilst drinking water everyday will flush out toxins from your body. But in order to optimize the release of toxins, we should exercise more often and sweat a lot! A simple morning jog will do.
9.) Take Vitamins C and E for a youthful skin.
These two vitamins are essential in keeping our skin healthy and youthful looking. Vitamin C is not only good to strengthen our immune system but also it helps in producing collagen which gives our skin firmness, strength, and resilience. On the other hand, Vitamin E is also rich in antioxidant and can also help in preventing skin cancer. I suggest you take the Vitamin C in the morning after eating breakfast and Vitamin E before going to sleep.
10.) Eat good food.
Apparently this tip is self-explanatory. Veggies and fruits are the best in maintaining a healthy skin because it is packed with vitamins and all the goodness that our body can benefit. Since those food are rich in fiber, it will help us to release toxins daily through defecation (or pooping!).
11.) Do not stress yourself, have a good sleep.
According to Total Beauty, stress causes our sebaceous gland to produce excess oil which can lead to clogged pores and eventually acne. It also slows down the healing process of it that's why we need a good rest. 8 to 10 hours of sleep is what our body requires. When we sleep (preferably by 10 pm) our body starts to repair and rejuvenate its system. A good night sleep will not only give us that radiant skin, but also a well being.
Challenge yourself and do these tips for a month and you will definitely see a result. You'll not just have a healthy radiant skin, but also a healthy mind and body. These tips will keep you from visiting your dermatologists or aestheticians every now and then. It will also save you a lot of $$$. Achieving a healthy beautiful skin should not be expensive. You just have to be smart, disciplined, and dedicated to this endeavor. Good Luck!
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