We all dream of having clear, trouble-free skin, but that’s not always the reality for many of us. Even those with good genetics have their off days when it comes to skin issues.
Your skin’s health can be influenced by various factors, from how much water you drink to the environment you live in. Every little thing plays a part, so it’s crucial to take steps to care for your skin properly.
If you’re currently facing skin troubles, here are eight tips that might help clear up your skin this year:
1. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Your skin, despite its toughness, is actually quite sensitive and vulnerable. As the body’s largest organ, it’s exposed to the elements constantly, making it important to treat it with care. As you age, your skin’s elasticity and collagen—key components that keep your skin looking youthful—decrease significantly. This makes healing slower, and wrinkles or loose skin may start to appear.
By treating your skin gently, you help maintain its elasticity longer, reducing the likelihood of scars or permanent damage. Avoid activities that can harm your skin, such as using tanning beds or engaging in habits that cause repeated skin injuries.
2. Avoid Harsh Facial or Body Scrubs
Exfoliating your skin with scrubs can be a great way to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin underneath. However, it’s important to choose your scrubs wisely. Some can be overly abrasive and harmful to your skin.
Determine your skin’s sensitivity level. Some people may be more sensitive on their face than their body or vice versa. Start with gentle scrubs and only move to more abrasive ones if necessary. Avoid using anything too harsh to prevent damaging your skin.
3. Identify and Avoid Back Acne Triggers
Back acne can be particularly bothersome because it’s in a spot that’s hard to monitor. Several factors can trigger or worsen back acne, such as:
- Wearing non-breathable clothing
- Friction from clothes rubbing against your skin
- Not using body scrubs or washes after shampooing
- Stress
- Oily hair that isn’t washed often enough
- Humid weather
If you notice back acne tends to flare up during certain times of the year, take a closer look at your lifestyle during those periods. Regularly check your back and make adjustments to your habits to reduce the chances of acne.
4. Drink Plenty of Water Daily
Hydrating your skin from the inside out is crucial, and increasing your daily water intake can help. Ideally, everyone should drink at least one liter of water per day, though that’s not always easy.
However, if you can manage to drink an extra pint or two each day, you’ll likely notice a big improvement in your skin’s appearance and your energy levels. Water helps flush out toxins from your body, contributing to clearer skin.
5. Avoid Touching Your Face
Our skin naturally produces oils, and when we touch our face or hair, those oils can clog pores and hair follicles, leading to breakouts. If you often touch your face or hair, it could be a major cause of your skin issues.
Your hands also come into contact with dirt and bacteria throughout the day, so it’s best to avoid touching your face to minimize breakouts.
6. Resist the Urge to Pop Pimples
Popping pimples is a common habit for many, but it can lead to scarring. While it might be satisfying in the moment, popping pimples can introduce more bacteria into the skin, potentially worsening the problem.
If you can’t resist, make sure your hands are clean and be gentle to avoid further damage. Clean the area afterward with boiled water to minimize the risk of infection.
7. Experiment with Your Skincare Routine
There’s a vast array of skincare products available, from glycolic scrubs to retinol treatments and double-cleansing products. Don’t be afraid to try different products to find what works best for your skin.
It might take some trial and error, but eventually, you’ll discover products that are perfect for your skin. Be open to switching things up if your current routine isn’t delivering the desired results.
8. Keep Your Skin Clean
Whether you’re dealing with acne or just feel like your skin is dull, keeping your skin clean is essential. Washing your face daily removes impurities, giving you a fresh, clean slate to work with.
Start both your morning and nighttime routines by cleansing your face. This ensures you’re not applying other products on top of dirty skin, which could cause further issues.
Clearing up troublesome skin takes time, and as our skin changes with age, these issues may reoccur. Regardless of your age, it’s important to take care of your skin. Use these tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing this year and beyond.
