Flawless Faces — 4 Tips to Improve Your Skin Care Routine

We’d all love clearer skin, and a smooth complexion isn’t as hard to achieve as it might seem. Although you may struggle to find the right products, there are some steps you can take to learn more about your skin and how to care for it. 

No one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive cleansers, and the good news is that the secret to clear, fresh skin is grounded in some core skin-care principles. 

Learn Your Skin Type

You may be using the wrong product for your face and not even know it. Your unique skin type will influence how it responds to certain chemicals and dictate its needs. You may need something that dries out oil, or you could require a moisturizing cleanser. Read the four primary skin types below to gain a better understanding of how to care for it. 

Oily: Oily skin is prone to breakouts. Clogged pores are common, and you may find that your breakouts often leave dark spots in their wake. These marks are the result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). A good exfoliating face wash and anti-bacterial toner will help prevent future breakouts. 

Dry: Rough, flaky skin can be caused by the environment including your diet and the weather. Dehydration can also lead to dry skin. Buy a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and apply a moisturizer after to keep skin smooth. 

Combination Skin: People with combination skin frequently have an oily “T-zone” or experience dry cheeks. Balancing the T-zone and cheeks is key with combination skin, so look for a daily exfoliant that can help dry up oil while adding moisture to dry skin. 

Sensitive Skin: People who are acne-prone and tend to break out regardless of their products have sensitive skin. People with this skin type are more likely to have scars after a breakout, so it’s important to practice good acne care. You should test products on your forearm before you use them on your face to avoid any adverse reactions. 

Look for natural face products that don’t have added scents or parabens. You can even try to make your own face wash with green tea leaves and honey. 

Don’t Over-Exfoliate

Aggressive scrubbing, cleansers with micro-beads and harsh exfoliating products can irritate the skin. Never exfoliating can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells that cause flaking and itching, but too much exfoliant can cause irritation and even skin damage. Strike a happy balance with your exfoliating process; a couple times every week should be enough. 

Wash Fabrics

Your pillows collect bacteria from your face, which can lead to breakouts. Change your bed linens at least once a week. You should also avoid using a washcloth when you clean your face as this pushes dirt around and collects bacteria that is passed on the next time you use it. Stick to bare hands and lukewarm water. 

See a Doctor

If you have some skin abnormalities, you shouldn’t try to cure them on your own. Cystic acne, for example, is marked by red, painful lumps under the skin that do not have a head and are typically filled with blood. Excessive redness on the cheeks and face can be rosacea, while severe dryness with a rash could be eczema. 

Whatever the problem, find a local dermatologist and schedule an appointment. They should be able to get to the bottom of everything so you can take the necessary steps to achieving those clear skin dreams

Skin care is more than just what products you use. The skin is a reflection of our health, so breakouts, dryness and oiliness can be a sign we need to change our diets. Stay hydrated, bathe regularly and properly remove makeup every night before bed. Our skin may have different needs depending on the season or our age, so pay attention to yours and make adjustments to your regimen as needed.