5 Skincare Tips That Help With Common Issues

Photo by Sunny Ng on Unsplash

Skin issues are something everyone experiences because no one is going to have perfect skin all the time. It's just a fact of life and there will be instances where the slightest changes to our routines can lead to all manner of skin problems from maskne to redness to inflammation. Changes to our skin can occur due to a number of different factors:

• Poor stress management
• Emotional struggles
• Lack of sleep
• Changes to your diet
• Sudden changes in weather or temperature
• Poor hydration
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Aging
• Traveling
• Allergies

There are some ways that you can take better care of your skin that will help to prevent certain issues as well as help you to feel better overall. Here are five of them.

1. Drink more water

So this tip might not exactly be a secret but we’re all guilty of not drinking enough water from time to time which is why it has earned a spot on this list. Be more conscious about your water consumption and ensure that you drink between 6-8 glasses per day, This is a good start to taking better care of your skin. Adequate hydration helps to ensure that optimal blood flow reaches the skin to help deliver necessary nutrients and remove toxins. Your skin will be moisturized and maintain elasticity better which lessens the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Drinking more water is actually beneficial for all aspects of your health. You may notice that you’ll have more energy in addition to achieving glowing skin. If you find it hard to remember to drink enough water each day, try investing in a cool water bottle that you can carry around in your bag. You can also set a reminder on your phone to drink up. The more you focus on drinking water, the easier it will be to turn into a habit.

2. Less is more

It seems like new skincare product hits the market every day and you may feel as though you have to have an entire shelf in your bathroom dedicated to skincare products and that your daily skincare regime should have at least 10+ steps. When it comes to skincare, quite often less is often more as using too many products can throw off the balance of your skin. A basic routine should include a cleanser, toner, a targeted serum to address skin concerns, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You should also ensure that you pay close attention to the ingredients in your products as you don't want to mix products with ingredients that could counteract each other. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to figuring out which skin products you should use, consider any issues you want to target and your skin type. Some products are designed specifically to fight off acne and scarring, whereas others can be used to brighten dull and tired skin. If you are not sure about your skin type, you can check out this guide.

3. Wear sunscreen every day

While it may seem unnecessary to slather on sunscreen on an overcast or rainy day, this actually is a way to take better care of your skin. The UV rays from the sun can still reach your skin even when the sun is hidden behind clouds. Wearing sunscreen will help protect you from skin cancer as well as prevent signs of aging and keep your skin in top shape. There are many different sunscreens on the market and it is important that you choose the right product for your needs and skin type. In the debate between mineral versus chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen is better for those who are taking on a more minimal approach to skincare, as it usually contains only two active ingredients. People may prefer chemical sunscreen since it doesn't leave a white cast on your skin. Be sure to do your research to find the product that is right for you. Then make sure to incorporate your sunscreen into your morning routine.

4. Get rid of puffy eyes using a cold spoon

Whether you’re feeling stressed, have allergies, or haven’t gotten enough sleep there are a number of reasons as to why your eyes might appear red, swollen, and puffy in the morning. There’s actually a quick and easy fix for this and it lies within your utensils drawer. You can banish puffy eyes by gently pressing a cold spoon onto the affected area. Ensure that you clean and disinfect the spoon beforehand and place it in your fridge or freezer a few minutes prior to using it. This home treatment method works as the cold temperature of the spoon constricts the inflamed blood vessels. Some studies suggest that the cold spoon method can also be great way to deal with spots and pimples, too, as it can reduce redness and inflammation. Alternatively, you can try to banish puffiness around the eye area with cold compresses.

5. Use a silk pillowcase

It goes without saying that developing good sleep habits will have a positive effect on your skin. Studies suggest that using a silk pillowcase can be beneficial for skin and hair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help your skin stay healthy and smooth while helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face. This is due to the fact that silk pillowcases do not draw away moisture from your skin like cotton pillowcases do. Silk doesn't attract dirt, dust, and grime which makes them kinder to your skin. They are also great for your hair because they cause less friction which translates to less irritation and damage. If you like to wear a sleep mask be sure to invest in one that is made from silk.  

While a good skincare routine is definitely beneficial and can increase your overall confidence, it’s also important that you learn to accept yourself for who you are. Blemishes, spots, and scars are something that we all deal with despite what the pictures that people post on social media may lead us to think. Learn to be more comfortable start by accepting the fact that no one really has flawless skin and that’s okay.  It's also important to remember that it might take you a little while to find a skincare routine that works for you as the condition of everyone's is entirely unique and dependent on a number of factors. Don’t be afraid to try out a different products and regimens until you find one that works for you. If your issues persist, you might also want to consult with a licensed dermatologist who will be able to provide you with expert advice and guidance. 

This is a contributed post.