To unlock radiant and healthy-looking skin, incorporating certain habits into your daily routine can make all the difference. This comprehensive list of 21 essential habits will empower you to achieve the clear and glowing complexion you’ve always desired, starting from today!
21 Habits for Clear Skin
Double Cleanse Your Skin
To achieve optimal skincare, a two-step approach is often recommended: starting with an oil-based cleanser that dissolves makeup, dirt, and other surface impurities before proceeding with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove any lingering debris. This double cleansing method not only ensures the skin is properly cleansed but also prevents the buildup of congestion that can lead to breakouts.
According to skincare expert Caroline Hirons, proper cleansing is crucial, as leaving even a small amount of impurity on the skin can cause blocked pores and subsequent acne.
Drink Water – 8 Glasses per day
While maintaining clear skin is a common beauty goal, many people overlook one crucial factor: hydration. Drinking an adequate amount of water plays a vital role in flushing out toxins and keeping skin cells healthy and plump. In fact, it’s recommended to consume at least 8 glasses of water per day for optimal results. The benefits of drinking water don’t stop there. It also has both direct and indirect effects on acne-prone skin.
By removing bacteria and toxins from the body, you reduce the likelihood of pores becoming clogged and congested. Additionally, regulated blood sugar levels may contribute to clearer skin overall.
Use a Good Face Serum
When selecting a face serum, look for one that incorporates active ingredients like salicylic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid, as these can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your skin. One of the primary advantages of serums is their concentrated nature, allowing them to tackle specific concerns such as fine lines, dullness, and dehydration more effectively than other skincare products.
For instance, if you’re plagued by dark spots, incorporating a vitamin C serum into your routine can be particularly beneficial, as it helps to fade these imperfections and smooth out uneven skin textures. Additionally, hyaluronic acid is a valuable ingredient for achieving clear, radiant skin. By rehydrating and plumping up the skin, it can help alleviate dehydration-related issues that might otherwise lead to excess oil production and subsequent blemishes or pimples.
Eat Plenty of Fruit and Vegetables
Consuming a well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining overall health, and it has a direct impact on the condition of your skin. A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants acts as a shield against skin damage, resulting in an enhanced appearance. To reap these benefits, focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats into your daily meals. Moreover, adopting good eating habits will also contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.
Avoid Eating Sugary Foods
The consumption of sugar has been linked to inflammation within the body, which can significantly contribute to acne breakouts. As such, it’s crucial to minimize your sugar intake when striving for clear skin. When blood sugar levels rise, the body releases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that, in excess, triggers the production of sebum by the skin, increasing the risk of acne.
Foods with a high glycemic index, such as white bread, pasta, and white rice, can cause a surge in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, unexpected sources of sugar include granola, protein bars, sports drinks, ketchup, and barbecue sauce.
Regularly Eat Fatty Fish
Omega-3 rich fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, have been linked to a reduction in inflammation, which can exacerbate acne. Consuming these fish may thus contribute to clearer skin. In fact, a 12-week study involving 13 individuals with acne found that moderate to severe cases of the condition showed significant improvement after supplementing their diet with fish oil.
Take Probiotics
The benefits of probiotics extend far beyond digestive health, with live bacteria playing a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. This balance is believed to have a direct impact on skin health, as evidenced by the growing body of research suggesting that a healthy gut microbiome contributes to clearer skin. By calming inflammation and protecting the skin from external damage, probiotics can be a valuable tool in promoting overall wellness.
Drink Herbal Teas
While some may prefer the bold flavors of black tea, herbal teas like chamomile and green tea offer a wealth of benefits for the skin. Packed with antioxidants, these teas have been shown to reduce inflammation, making them a great addition to any daily routine.
In fact, studies suggest that incorporating herbal teas into your daily regimen could lead to a significant reduction in acne lesions, as evidenced by one study that found women who supplemented with green tea extract experienced improved skin clarity. Additionally, camomile tea is renowned for its soothing properties, which can help calm redness and inflammation, leaving skin looking smoother and more radiant.
Avoid Too Many Dairy Products
While it’s well-known that dairy products can cause issues for those with lactose intolerance, their impact on skin health is equally significant. The hormones present in milk and cheese can stimulate oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne. To promote clearer skin, it’s recommended to restrict your consumption of these products. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests that cow’s milk may be linked to increased acne risk.
Research has shown that women who drink two or more glasses of milk per day are 44% more likely to experience acne breakouts.
Avoid Junk Food
While it’s not the sole cause of acne, a diet rich in whole foods and low in processed ingredients can play a significant role in mitigating its severity. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be staples of your diet, as they provide essential nutrients without the added sugars or unhealthy fats that can exacerbate breakouts. Conversely, steer clear of overly processed foods, high-sodium options, and those with excessive fat content.
These types of foods have been linked to acne flare-ups, and adopting a balanced approach to eating can help keep your skin in check.
Regularly Exfoliate Your Skin
Removing dead skin cells through exfoliation is crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin. This process helps eliminate buildup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts, while also allowing other skincare products to reach their full potential. Ideally, incorporate exfoliation into your routine at least once a week. It’s essential to do so with caution, as aggressive or improper exfoliation can exacerbate acne-prone skin.
Opt for gentle, nourishing formulas that combine vitamins and enzymes to shield the skin from any adverse effects.
Get Enough Sleep
When it comes to achieving radiant, healthy-looking skin, getting a good night’s sleep is often overlooked as a crucial factor. Research has consistently shown that inadequate sleep can lead to inflammation and increased susceptibility to breakouts. In fact, the general consensus is that aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night is essential for maintaining overall health. But what’s behind this link between poor sleep quality and acne?
One theory suggests that stress caused by lack of sleep triggers a hormonal response, resulting in elevated cortisol levels. This surge in cortisol can lead to increased inflammation and sebum production – a perfect storm for breakouts.
Use Sun Protection Every Day
One of the most significant contributors to premature ageing and breakouts is sun damage. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, regardless of the cloud cover. This simple yet crucial step helps shield the skin from hazardous UV rays that can lead to dark spots, premature wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Furthermore, excessive sun exposure can cause unsightly dark patches on the skin.
As such, it’s imperative to always apply sunscreen before venturing out into the sun.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes
The cleanliness of your makeup brushes is crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin. When left uncleaned, these brushes can harbor bacteria and dirt that can be transferred to your skin, potentially causing acne or rashes. To avoid this, make it a habit to clean your brushes at least once a week. During the washing process, opt for a gentle clarifying shampoo instead of soap, as the latter may strip the brush of its natural oils and cause drying.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your skin looking its best while also extending the lifespan of your makeup tools.
Regularly Use Face Masks
While traditional skincare routines often fall short in deeply cleansing pores, using a face mask can be a game-changer. These treatments not only remove impurities but also provide essential hydration and nourishment to the skin. For optimal results, aim to incorporate a face mask into your routine at least once a week.
When it comes to selecting a face mask, there are countless options designed to detoxify and brighten the complexion.
Kaolin clay-based products, for instance, excel in absorbing excess oil, leaving skin feeling balanced and refined. If you’re looking for a more natural approach, you can also create your own DIY face masks using ingredients like lemon and potato juice – perfect for addressing acne concerns.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
When it comes to achieving clear and healthy-looking skin, there are several factors to consider beyond just topical treatments and skincare routines. One often-overlooked contributor is alcohol consumption. Not only can excessive drinking lead to dehydration, but it can also trigger inflammation in the body. As a result, it’s recommended to keep your alcohol intake in check if you’re trying to clear up your complexion.
While alcohol itself may not be a direct cause of acne, it can still have an indirect impact on your skin health. This is because booze can affect hormone levels, which can then disrupt the natural balance of sebum production. When this happens, oil glands can go into overdrive, leading to clogged pores and potentially even breakouts.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking has been shown to inflict significant harm on one’s skin, potentially leading to a plethora of problems including breakouts. In fact, quitting smoking is essential for achieving clear skin. Research has identified a stark correlation between smoking and acne, revealing that smokers are four times more likely to experience acne than non-smokers.
Furthermore, the chemicals found in e-cigarettes have been linked to increased oil production in the skin, subsequently elevating the risk of acne.
Regularly Wash Your Hair
Maintaining a clean scalp is crucial in preventing breakouts, as oily hair can exacerbate acne. A dirty scalp can lead to the formation of scalp pimples, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Regular washing with non-comedogenic products is essential to keep your scalp free from oils that can contribute to clogged pores. When selecting hair care products, it’s vital to check the ingredients for any comedogenic substances that could worsen acne.
Don’t Touch Your Face
When it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant skin, there’s a simple habit to break: touching your face throughout the day. Unbeknownst to many, this seemingly harmless action can actually transfer bacteria from your hands to your skin, triggering breakouts. To avoid this, make sure to wash your hands before reaching for that pesky zit or scratching an itch. If you’re prone to oily skin, touching your face can have even more detrimental effects.
The constant spreading of oil from one area to another can clog pores and lead to acne and other skin problems. By breaking the habit of frequent facial contact, you’ll be taking a crucial step towards achieving the clear, healthy complexion you’ve always desired.
Wash Your Face After Working Out
When engaging in physical activity, it’s common to experience excessive sweating, which can result in a buildup of oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin. This combination can clog pores and lead to unwanted breakouts. To maintain healthy-looking skin, make it a priority to wash your face with a gentle cleanser within 30 minutes of completing your workout.
Manage Your Stress Levels
When it comes to achieving clear skin, managing stress is a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked. Research has shown that chronic stress can lead to inflammation in the body, making you more prone to acne and other skin issues. To combat this, incorporating stress-reducing habits into your daily routine becomes essential. When we’re under stress, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that stimulates oil production in the skin. This increase in sebum can clog pores and trigger breakouts.
By acknowledging the impact of stress on our skin health and actively working to reduce it, we can create a more favorable environment for clear, healthy-looking skin.
Habits for Clear Skin
As a token of appreciation for your interest in my 21 habits for achieving clear skin, I’d like to express gratitude for taking the time to read about these actionable tips. It’s truly empowering to know that with the right combination of habits and skincare routine, anyone can unlock healthy and radiant-looking skin. If you have any additional insights or habits that have worked wonders for your own skin, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
