The year has been a wild ride, with change around every corner, we’ve all developed some new habits – good and bad. Well, it’s time to think about the year ahead and get into some healthy habits that will do wonders for our skin.
Clear skin doesn’t happen by accident, and it’s not just about great skincare, either. Here are five life hacks (or healthy habits) to help you keep your skin clear, so you can leave unwanted blemishes in the past.
- Prioritise sleep
Not getting enough sleep can adversely affect your skin. Studies have found that a lack of sleep can cause the body to release inflammatory compounds, which could cause skin to break out.
Aside from breakouts, a lack of sleep is often most visible in your face, as eyes become tired and puffy and skin can start to lose its glow.
But it’s not just about getting enough zzz’s either; germs and bacteria can build up in your sheets and pillows, so make your first healthy habit of 2021 a regular washing routine. We recommend tackling the full bedding wash weekly, and ideally changing pillowcases twice each week, or every couple of days.
- Pick the right makeup
Most of us wear make-up every day, and with 2021 set to bring us back out into normal society once again, it’s time to make sure your makeup routine is skin-friendly!
Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s best to find what works for you and your skin type. The new year is a great opportunity to sit down with a makeup consultant at your local cosmetics store and take the time to talk about your skin situation and what might work best for you.
As well as resetting your makeup routine, take a look at the tools in your kit while you’re at it. Keeping your makeup brushes and sponges clean will also help to prevent future breakouts. If you use your hands to apply makeup, make sure they are washed before you get started, and in between using different products.
- Stop picking your skin!
If 2020 hasn’t already taught you not to touch your face, we’re here to set you straight. Your hands come into contact with bacteria and germs all day, even if you’re regularly washing your hands. The more you touch your face, the more you risk transferring these nasties into your pores where they can cause blemishes.
Picking or popping an infection could lead to more bacteria being spread to other pores on the skin, making things worse. Either leave it alone, or leave it to the professionals, as you may cause scarring or infection by taking matters into your own hands.
Tip: This year give up the pimple popping addiction and live vicariously through YouTube videos instead.
- Watch your sugar intake
Now, chocolate and sweets was how most of us survived lockdown in 2020, so if you’re anything like us you might have developed a bit of a sweet tooth over the course of this rollercoaster year.
It’s time to pare back the sugar in 2021 though, as studies have shown that increased sugar intake can cause breakouts.
Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy proteins – and keep sweet treats to just that, a treat. For tips on what foods fuel your skin health and what foods are getting in the way of you and your dream skin, check out our blog ‘Find out what certain food are doing to your skin’
- Relax
Beauty, if you can handle 2020 you can handle anything! Let 2021 be a year of calm, and set yourself up for success by taking care of your body and mind.
Increased levels of stress can cause your skin to worsen breakouts and other skin conditions. Find a hobby or activity that brings you peace, and make sure you use it to manage your stress.
We love these ideas to get you started:
- Exercising
- Breathing exercises
- Yoga
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Visit the beach or river
- Sketching, pottery or painting
- Catching up with friends
1 comment
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