10 Essential Steps to Radiant Skin
ealthy skin means a healthy body. Many do not realize our skin is our largest organ and is our first defense against a plethora of daily attacks from bacteria. It provides a waterproof covering for our entire physical being. It allows us to cool down during insufferable heat via sweat and alerts us to feelings of pain, pressure, temperature, and even pleasure. Our skin is pliable enough to allow movement, but durable enough to avoid most breaks and tears. When we think of our organs, we rarely think of our skin. In fact, our skin can be viewed as a barometer of our health as oftentimes, our skin is the first to show signs of stress or poor health.
In the Glamour Lifestyle Industry, especially within pageantry and modeling, our skin can be viewed as friend or foe. Our skin projects our outward appearance and is the first thing a judge, agent, or casting director will notice. Some may call it judging our complexion. Healthy looking skin will always lead to a more positive view regardless of the title or job you’re wanting or seeking.
Healthy skin is one of our most valuable assets and should be regarded as such. Gone are the days of spending hours under a hot sun lathered in baby oil, essentially cooking our skin. We now have indisputable knowledge of the consequences of ignoring the health of our skin. However, hope is not lost and with an easy-to-follow skincare routine, we’re sure to put our best skin, or should we say face forward.
Here are our Top 10 Steps to healthy skin.
1. Protect your Skin from the Sun
We hear about it daily and who truly wants leather skin? Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days or during the winter months. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors or engaging in water activities.
2. Establish a Consistent Skincare Routine
Cleanse your face twice daily using a gentle pH-balanced cleanser suited to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, or sensitive). Follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin from external challenges which can stress your skin.
3. Hydration is Key
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration helps plump the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a radiant complexion. Also, incorporate a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and maintain a smooth, supple complexion.
4. Sleep is Essential
Quality sleep is essential for skin repair and regeneration. Our goal should be 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to allow our skin cells to rejuvenate. Lack of sleep will lead to dull, tired-looking skin, dark circles, and an increased risk of breakouts.
5. Exfoliate on Schedule
Using a gentle exfoliant helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promotes new cell growth, resulting in smoother, brighter skin.
6. Gently Does It
Our skin may resilient, but it’s not indestructible. Never pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. It may be a nervous tic or unconscious habit, but this can lead to pit scars, increased inflammation, and possible professional intervention.
7. Nightly Routine
After a long day of competition or interviews, sometimes we just want to hit-the-sack. But, sleeping with makeup or dirt on your skin can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Taking a few minutes before bed to clean your skin is crucial for healthy skin. Always use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil to dissolve makeup, followed by a facial cleanser to cleanse the skin thoroughly.
8. Eat a Balanced Diet
Cut back on the fast-food apps. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids will promote healthy skin from the inside out. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals.
9. Avoid Smoking, Vaping, and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Anything in excess is detrimental, not only to your skin, but your entire health. Smoking or vaping narrows blood vessels in your skin and restricts healthy blood flow, while alcohol dehydrates the body. See #3.
10. Manage Your Stress
Sometimes, this is easier said than done. Chronic stress will present itself on your skin. This will occur through breakouts, inflammation, and premature aging. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and maintain healthy skin. This is one area that apps can be beneficial.
Everyone is different, but the basics of healthy skin with a tried-and-true skincare routine are the core principles of taking care of our largest organ, our skin. Our easy-to-follow 10 step skincare routine will help you keep putting your best face forward.
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