Difference between revisions of "Improve Your Skin Complexion"

[[Category: Skin Tone]]

#Wash your face at least once or twice a day, but do not over-wash. Washing your face will help get rid of all the dust, dirt, grit, and oil that gets on your skin during the day. Washing your face too often, however, will get rid of all the oil. This will cause your skin to produce even ''more'' oil to compensate.<ref name="rf1">You Queen, [http://youqueen.com/beauty/skin-care/how-to-treat-oily-skin/ How to Treat Oily Skin]</ref> In turn, this will lead to even more breakouts and acne.

#* Avoid using hot water when washing your face. Hot water can be very drying. Use warm water instead.<ref name="rf2">Mayo Clinic, [http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237 Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin]</ref>

#Use a gentle facial cleanser meant for your skin type. There are different types of cleansers available, and some are meant to help certain problems, such as acne, oiliness, or dryness. When choosing a cleanser, avoid anything that is heavily perfumed or colored; it can irritate your skin. Try finding a cleanser that is also exfoliating; it will help buff away the dead skin cells, and reveal the bright skin underneath.<ref name="rf3">She Knows, [http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/802378/get-healthy-looking-skin-for-every-skin-type Get Healthy-Looking Skin for Every Skin Type]</ref>

#Try not to touch your face too often. This is especially important for those battling acne. The more you touch your face, the more dirt and bacteria you get into your skin. This will lead to more acne and breakouts.<ref name="rf1" />

#* Fight the urge to pop any pimples that show up. This could lead to more redness, or worse: scarring. Try using a sulfur-based pimple treatment instead.<ref name="rf4">Seventeen, [http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/makeup-skincare/advice/a23933/clear-skin-tips/ Clear Skin Tips]</ref>

#Keep your makeup brushes clean. It may sound tedious, but dirty makeup brushes can spread bacteria onto your face. This may lead to acne, breakouts, and pimples.<ref name="rf4" /> Clean your brushes a few times a week using soap and water or a makeup brush cleaner.

#Enjoy the sun, but be sure to protect yourself from it as well. Sunlight is not a bad thing, because it gives you Vitamin D, but too much of it can do your skin a lot of harm. Aim for about 20 to 25 minutes of sunlight a day.<ref name="rf5">Health, [http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20504538_2,00.html 12 Ways to Get Your Daily Vitamin D]</ref> Too much sunlight can lead to skin cancer and wrinkles. Here are some tips on how to keep yourself safe from the sun's harmful rays:<ref name="rf2" />

#* Green tea is also great for your skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help your skin look more clear. Try drinking iced green tea, without any sugar added; hot green tea may increase redness in skin.<ref name="rf6">Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/skincare-face/strategies-for-better-skin 11 Steps to Better Skin]</ref>

#Eat well for healthy skin. Certain foods are not only good for your body, but also for your skin. They contain vitamins and antioxidants that help your skin look healthy. Here are some things you could add to your diet, and why:<ref name="rf7">BBC Good Food, [http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/eat-your-way-fabulous-skin Eat Your Way to Fabulous Skin]</ref>

#* Some foods do your skin more harm than good. Try to eat less, dairy, carbohydrates/white flour, and sugar. These tend to lead to acne, sagging, and premature aging.<ref name="rf8">Green Beauty Team, [http://greenbeautyteam.com/answers-advice/self-care/3-foods-ruining-your-complexion/ 3 Foods that Ruin Your Complexion]</ref>

#Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day to keep your skin and body healthy. Exercising will help increase increase blood-flow to your skin and make it healthy. It may also reduce stress; too much stress can cause your skin to produce too much oil, which can lead to acne.<ref name="rf9">WebMD, [http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/exercise Exercise for Healthy Skin]</ref> Try going to the gym or enrolling in some dance or yoga classes. If you do not have the time or money, you can always go for a walk or jog around the block.

#Try to cut back on the stress. Stress can lead to breakouts and acne. If you can, try to set aside some time during the day or week where you relax, decompress, and de-stress.<ref name="rf2" /> Here are some ideas on what you can do:

#Try to quit smoking. Studies have shown that smoking can lead to premature aging and wrinkles.<ref name="rf2" />

#Use shea butter as a moisturizer. It is completely natural, and free of any harmful chemicals. It also tones down redness and inflammation. It can also be very soothing. Simply apply a thin layer of shea butter to your face, as you would any other moisturizer. Take care to avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes and mouth.<ref name="rf10">Wellness Mama, [http://wellnessmama.com/27324/shea-butter-benefits/ 21 Shea Butter Benefits and Uses]</ref>

#Make a banana face mask to treat oily skin. You will need 1 ripe banana, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Mix everything together in a small bowl and smooth it onto your face. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes, then wash it off using cool water.<ref name="rf1" />

#Brighten dry, dull skin with a Greek yogurt mask. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt with 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, taking care to avoid the area around the eyes. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.<ref name="rf11">Hello Natural, [http://hellonatural.co/greek-yogurt-face-mask/ Moisturizing Greek Yogurt Face Mask]</ref>

#* You can also use plain yogurt, without any honey, lemon, or blueberries.<ref name="rf12">Crunchy Betty, [http://www.crunchybetty.com/food-on-your-face-and-hair-yogurt Food on Your Face (and Hair!) : Yogurt]</ref>

#Try the oil cleansing method. Start with a dry face; your skin does not have to be clean. Mix together some of the oils from the list below, and massage a quarter-sized drop onto your face. Avoid the eyes and mouth. Keep massaging, using a smooth, circular motion, for one to two minutes. Dampen a washcloth in hot water, and press it against your face. Repeat, if necessary, with the other side of the cloth. Use the corners to dab excess oil away from the hard-to-reach parts of your face, such as the nose. You may notice some oily residue, which is normal and actually helpful. Keep in mind that it may take a few days for your skin to get used to this; your skin may get worse before it gets better. Here are some combinations to get you started:<ref name="rf13">Crunchy Betty, [http://www.crunchybetty.com/trying-and-troubleshooting-the-oil-cleansing-method-tips-for-flawless-oil-cleansed-skin Trying and Troubleshooting the Oil Cleansing Method: Tips For Flawless, Oil-Cleansed Skin]</ref><ref name="rf14">Crunchy Betty, [http://www.crunchybetty.com/nitty-gritty-on-the-oil-cleansing-method Nitty Gritty on the Oil Cleansing Method]</ref>

#Make a face scrub to brighten and clarify your skin. Instead of going out to buy a face scrub, you can try making your own at home. You might even have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Simply combine the oil and salt or sugar in a small bowl. Mince the fruit or vegetable of your choice, and add it in. You want to use just enough fruit or veggies to thicken the scrub, but not so much that it becomes clumpy. Massage the scrub onto a damp face for a few minutes, then rinse it off using warm water. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Here are some recipes to get you started:<ref name="rf15">Brit + Co., [http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover Homemade Face Scrubs for Every Skin Type]</ref>

* Consider seeing a dermatologist. He or she will be able to prescribe medication that can help your skin<ref name="rf4" />

* The ingredients in flavored toothpaste (such as cinnamon and strawberry) can lead to skin irritations. If you have acne around your mouth and are using a flavored toothpaste, try switching to a plain one.<ref name="rf16">Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/skincare-face/strategies-for-better-skin/page2 11 Steps to Better Skin]</ref>

* The air inside your home can affect your skin. If you have dry, flaky skin, try getting a humidifier. If you have acne and your home is very dusty, try getting an air purifier.<ref name="rf16" />

* Check your hair products if you have acne or irritation near your hairline. Products that cause these things tend to contain mineral oil, beeswax, or microcrystalline wax. Water-based products tend to cause the least irritation.<ref name="rf17">Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/skincare-face/strategies-for-better-skin/page3 11 Steps to Better Skin]</ref>

* Some medications, like antihistamines, diuretics, and antidepressants can cause dry skin or acne. If this happens to you, speak with your pharmacist or doctor, and see if you can take an alternative instead, or get a lower dosage.<ref name="rf17" />

* The type of water you have at home may affect your facial cleanser. For example, soft water doesn't rinse very well, while hard water prevents soaps from lathering. If this happens to you, try using less cleanser, or going for one that doesn't lather as much<ref name="rf6" />