8 things you should be doing for amazing skin
If you’ve ever looked at a friend’s skin and felt envious over how clear, smooth and radiant it is, know that it’s not out of the realm of possibility for you.
A good cleansing and moisturising routine will go a long way to ensure healthy skin, but there’s also a few extra things you can do to get the complexion you’ve always dreamed of.
1
Remove your makeup properly
One cleanse at the end of your day isn’t always enough to remove makeup (as well as any dirt or oil that’s accumulated), which means it’s essential to dedicate the time to properly remove your makeup before cleansing your skin – a double cleanse, if you will. By adding in this pre-cleanse step, you’re essentially getting rid of the hard-to-remove dirt and bacteria, enabling your regular cleanser to do a thorough job, which can mean reduced congestion, and improved efficacy of the ingredients in the rest of your products.
We recommend using a nourishing cleansing oil like Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil to shift your makeup, but if you prefer a wipe, you can’t go wrong with the reusable Santé by Enjo makeup removal discs.
2
Wear sunscreen every day
Summer, autumn, winter or spring – whatever the weather, it’s essential to wear sunscreen, especially one that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays. While protection from UVB rays will help prevent dangerous burning, it’s the protection from UVA rays that will help keep your skin more youthful and even. Kick off your morning routine with a moisturiser with SPF in the formula to ensure your sunscreen needs are covered. We like Dermalogica Age Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50.
3
Use a scrub regularly
Slough away those dead skin cells that can lead to pimples by using a gentle scrub, like Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub. A soft exfoliation done in circular motions can also help improve circulation, which can improve skin radiance in the long-term.
4
Don’t forget chemical exfoliants
A manual exfoliating session is good, but including AHAs and BHAs into your routine can help work at a deeper level to prevent congestion and breakouts, as well as improving your skin’s overall glow. AHAs like glycolic acid, which is found in endota spa 10% Glycolic Serum work on the surface to exfoliate away dead skin cells, helping to rejuvenate and refine your skin. Just be wary that AHAs should be used with caution as they can cause some sensitivity if overused, and should always be used in conjunction with a sunscreen (see #2!).
The most common BHA is salicylic acid, and it basically works to rid the inside of your pores of the gunk that can lead to congestion and breakouts – making it a great product for those prone to pimples and oiliness. It’s one of the key ingredients in the famous Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, which is why people rave about it for its pimple-fighting abilities!
5
Schedule regular extraction facials
In regards to facial treatments, an extraction facial is probably at the bottom of the list when it comes to indulgent, relaxing experiences. But it’s this functional treatment that can change your skin. In a nutshell, an extraction facial involves a clean, steam, and squeeze, where a professional (yes, professional! Do not try it at home!) clears your blackheads and whiteheads, and extracts all the congestion that lies under the surface of your skin (think: those Dr. Pimple Popper videos). Is it pleasant? No. Will it work to clear your skin in the long-term? Certainly, so long as you invest in one every six to eight weeks.
6
Add vitamin C to your routine
If a dull or uneven complexion is your biggest skin bugbear, you’ll do well to include a vitamin C serum, like Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Day Serum, into your routine. Used daily, the hero ingredient can work wonders to restore skin clarity and radiance.
7
Ensure your skin is always hydrated
The healthiest skin is hydrated skin, so it’s imperative that you are diligent with your moisturiser. Don’t skimp on your morning or evening moisturising routine, and if you need an extra dose of nourishment, try a weekly mask (we like Garnier Hydra Bomb Ultra Hydrating Rejuvenating Tissue Mask), a nightly oil like Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil, or a moisture-building vitamin B serum, like Alpha-H’s aptly named, Vitamin B Serum.
8
Up your water intake
It’s the answer almost every celebrity gives when asked for their skin care secrets, and while it sounds like a cop-out, it all links back to that hydration thing. The more hydrated your body, the better it works in terms of cell renewal and rejuvenation, which in turn means clearer, more radiant skin, so aim for two litres of water a day. (Non) doctor’s orders!
Want to make your cleansers work harder for you? Here’s how to improve cleansing routine.
Image credit: @gisele
