Proper skin care from early on and an all-round approach to skin protection are crucial in keeping your skin healthy and bright.
And you don’t even have to spend a lot of money on products. Yes, you can buy a great skin illuminator and it’ll probably work for you.
However, various easily-available homemade skin products plus basic skincare routines that you should already be practicing are usually enough.
Leave the expensive products for when you need to tackle a really tough skin problem such as severe acne scars or deep wrinkles.
But for everyday skin issues here’s how to naturally clear your skin and make it glow.
2. Diet, exercise and less stress
This is the all-round approach I was talking about.
Many people have the misconception that skin care begins and ends with the skin.
In truth, there are many factors that impact skin quality. Many of them are actually internal. Take stress for example.
Too much stress can cause acne, hives, dull skin and wrinkles.
What you eat matters a great deal too. Healthy foods full of vitamins C and E, proteins and other nutrients keep your skin healthy and youthful. Too many processed foods high in sugar and fats can cause breakouts, sagging and make your skin appear duller.
The same goes with exercise.
Regular exercise improves blood flow which ensures more nutrients and oxygen are delivered to your skin cells. This keeps your skin looking great.
So before you start off on any skincare routine, cover the basics first: eat healthy, exercise regularly and find ways to lower your stress levels.
2. Exfoliate regularly
Letting dead skin cells and dirty oils accumulate on your skin will make you look dull and older than your years.
It slows down skin cell regeneration which is what keeps your face smooth and glowing.
Regular exfoliation clears away debris from your skin and pores. This not only boosts cell turnover, it also prevents breakouts which are caused by clogged pores.
There are many homemade exfoliators you can try. But be careful of using any ingredient that you may be sensitive to.
Whether you use baking soda, sugar or oil, always do a patch test first before applying it on a large part of your skin.
And remember not to exfoliate excessively. That can have the opposite effects from the ones you intend. Keep it to once or twice a week if you have sensitive skin and 2-3 times a week for other skin types.
3. Moisturise
This is the biggest commandment of skin care.
Without adequate hydration your skin will become dull, wrinkly and rough. Dry skin can also cause acne breakouts as the skin overcompensates for the dryness by increasing oil production, which clogs your pores.
At all times make sure your skin is moisturised. At night use a good quality night serum and during the day make sure you apply a moisturising lotion alongside your makeup.
You can also use natural moisturisers like oils and cocoa butter but do a patch test first.
Don’t forget to hydrate from the inside as well. Eat a lot of watery fruits and drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids.
With good hydration your skin will look brighter, smoother and tighter.
4. Protect your skin
As you work hard to nourish and moisturise your skin, don’t let all that effort be for nothing by not protecting your skin.
The number one enemy is the sun.
Don’t go out into the sun without sunscreen and protective clothing. If you have sensitive skin I recommend limiting your time in sunshine. If you want a tan, get a tan spray. It’s safe and when properly applied it’s indistinguishable from a natural suntan.
Another big enemy is pollution. Avoid areas with lots of pollution if you can and find products that protect your skin from common pollutants.
Finally, avoid damaging skin products, harsh soaps and very hot baths. They will leave your skin looking dull and aged.
5. Use homemade products
You can replace most store-bought skin products with homemade products that work just as well.
Whether you want a natural moisturiser, a face mask or a skin lightener, you have many options around your kitchen to choose from.
Some of the best homemade products include natural oils for hydration, lemon for skin cleansing and lightening, turmeric to brighten and tighten your skin and papaya for exfoliation.
Other home products that will make your skin glow include honey, green tea, rose water and carrot juice.
