Six tips for clean and glowing skin

Keeping your face free of pimples, blackheads and blemishes is a tough exercise. Each person’s skin is different, and what may work for one may cause another to suffer breakouts. The situation is exacerbated during the summer time, since heat mixed with chemicals such as make up and certain moisturizers can clog pores. Although different routines are used to ensure a healthy glow, there are a few things that everyone can include in their skincare routine to maintain clean, healthy-looking skin.

1. Drink Plenty Water: I cannot stress this enough- water is a free solution to clean and glowing skin. Water flushes out toxins from the system, ridding the body of waste. Water also helps to keep the body hydrated; when skin is dehydrated it becomes more vulnerable to skin disorders such as blemishes, and wrinkles.
2. Be consistent with your skincare routine: Your skin and face will only continue to be clean and free of blemishes if you remain consistent. Some people tend to stop, for example, deep cleaning their pores or applying facial masks or scrubs when their skin finally obeys. But, this is a recipe for breakouts. When your skin becomes accustomed to a routine, it’s best to continue using it since you can see the results. Try not to experiment with too many products, or products that belong to various skincare lines. Also, be wary of the products that you use on your face. It is best to use ones that are non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested and paraben free. You should always read the labels of the products you’re using, since you may be allergic to one of the ingredients.
3. Moisturize, even on a hot day. When your skin is dry, the body produces more oil to keep it moisturized so you’ll only be adding an extra shine to your face if you skip your moisturizer. You should always moisturize after washing your face which, ideally, should be done twice per day: morning and evening. However, this can change if you have strict instructions from your dermatologist or are following a suggested skincare routine. Moisturizer can also help to protect your skin from sun rays, which are out in full force during the summer time.
4. Keep your hands away from your face. It’s tempting to want to pop that pimple or remove that blackhead that’s poking out. Not only would you risk scarring your face, but there is a lot of dirt trapped in the ridges of your fingertips that can be transferred to skin. Usually, pimples and blackheads pop on their own while you wash your face. There is also a specific tool that are used by aestheticians, that can coax stubborn pimples from their hiding place.
5. Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly. Over time, dead skin from your face and oil from your hair become trapped in your pillowcase. This exposes your skin to the dirt stored within the fabric. Washing and changing your sheets regularly can ensure that your skin is in contact with a clean surface even while sleeping.
6. Watch what you eat. If water is the antidote for clean skin, then sugary foods and most chemically-enhanced products is the poison. No one is saying you can’t reach for that slice of double-chocolate cake, but sugar must be eaten in moderation. Try to offset the sugar intake with a few glasses of water, and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet especially ones with a high water content such as watermelon. Our bodies are made up of up to 60% water so we need to be constantly replenishing it with this vital resource.

Serious skin issues such as cystic acne, eczema or rosacea cannot be treated using these mild methods. If you suffer from any of these, it is best to see a dermatologist who can prescribe a treatment that is right for you. Whether dry, oily or combination skin a dermatologist is the best resource to set you on the path to clear skin.