For the longest time, I fantasized about having great-looking skin. At one point, it became almost an obsession. As someone who struggled with acne, I looked up to people with great skin. Over time, I was able to decipher a few habits they all had in common. Eventually, I made those habits my own and rested assured after a lot of trial and error, I’ve finally found what works for me and the habits that help me keep my great skin.
1. They Wear Sunscreen Every Day
I’m not kidding when I say I consider myself the sunscreen patrol. Wearing sunscreen every day and reapplying as needed is mandatory if you want to achieve great-looking skin. Sun breaks down collagen, which can result in fine lines and brown spots. But most importantly, sun damage can lead to skin cancer.
Habit: Wear sunblock with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 3 hours.
2. They Have a Retinoids Treatment
The best investment you can do for your skin is to get yourself a retinoid treatment. Vitamin A is incredibly helpful at stimulating collagen production, as well as improving fine lines and skin tone. Speak with your dermatologist to get a prescription-strength retinoid that meets your skin needs.
Habit: Include a retinoid treatment as soon as possible. Use it every night.
3. They Moisturize
I confess this was a habit I didn’t have. As someone with oily skin, I believed moisturizer would only make my skin oilier. I was wrong. Moisturizing creates a protective barrier on the surface of your skin to help improve complexion and keep all environmental stressors away.
Habit: Use a lightweight moisturizer in the morning and at night.
4. They Take Off Their Makeup
Probably the most common bad habit among all of us. Even if you’re only wearing the minimal amount, sleeping with your makeup clogs your pores and promotes breakouts. Make sure to remove your makeup using a gentle makeup remover before bedtime. Here’s my trick: keep makeup removing wipes on your bedside table for last-minute removal.
Habit: Remove makeup before bedtime and before any workout.
5. They Cut Down on Sugar
One of the most challenging skincare habits to adapt to. Sugar is highly inflammatory, which leads to wrinkles, breakouts, and saggy skin. Sugar initiates a process that breaks down collagen and weakens it. If you want great-looking skin, it is time to cut down on sugar. Not to mention, getting rid of sugar has other health benefits as well.
6. They Workout
Skincare is much more than following a 10-step Korean routine. What you do every day affects how your skin looks. Avoiding alcohol and smoking can positively impact your skin’s health, so does working out. Several studies have categorized exercise as anti-aging, partly because movement brings blood flow to the face making skin appear more glowing.
Habit: Incorporate at least a 30-minute fitness session each day.
7. They Have a Skincare Routine
Following a skincare routine is a must if you want to achieve great skin. Whether you’re just looking to create a skincare routine or you’re aware of how to change the routines by the season, having one is paramount. Men, skincare routines include you as well. Developing this habit will help you be more in-sync with your skin and notice small changes as they occur.
8. They Work Skincare from the Inside Out
Our bodies are more connected than we think. What we eat, breathe, and do impacts the way our skin looks. If you want to achieve great-looking skin, it’s time for you to be in-sync with your body. For example, your skin is continuously sending you signals about your gut health. Incorporating probiotics can help improve your skin’s appearance. And, you can eat your way into healthy skin.
Habit: Keep an eye on your food choices and supplements, caring for your skin starts from within.
A Note from GR8NESS
Developing healthy habits takes time and dedication. Don’t feel discouraged when you get a breakout or if your skin is not looking its best yet. Keep working on your healthy skin habits, and one day, I promise, the efforts will pay off.