From taking notes on your favorite YouTube star’s skincare regimen video to religiously reading every review of a newly launched product, it’s safe to say that many of us are crazy about skincare. Taking care of your skin is in, and in case you need further proof, CNN reports that skincare sales reached a whopping $5.6 billion last year.
Indeed, having clear, glowing skin is one of the biggest confidence boosters out there, aside from being a good sign of proper hygiene. But did you know that there’s more to it than stocking up on an array of skincare products? Read on to find out five surprising tips and tricks for taking good care of your skin.
1. Water, Water, Water
Water is one of the earth’s most essential elements, as it helps our bodies function properly. After all, 60% of our body is made up of it. That’s one huge reason why staying hydrated is a key factor in keeping your skin clear and healthy.
As pointed out in our post on the ‘5 Common Sense Tips to Make Your Skin Glow’, water serves to both cleanse your body from toxins and eliminate those pesky blemishes on your skin. So, be sure to drink the recommended 2 liters of water everyday to reap its purifying benefits.
2. Avoid Key Food Items
You might be familiar with the saying: “You are what you eat.” This holds true today, especially as the food you eat plays a huge role in determining how clear your skin is. Simply put, poor eating habits can cause poor skin. And this is why it’s best to avoid sugary and oily food, as well as dairy products, since they can cause your skin to flare up.
It’s essential to recognize the role that your diet has on your skin. In a post on ‘Here’s How to Get Rid of Your Hormonal Acne’ published by Parsley Health, CEO Robin Berzin shared her own experience during her high school and med school days, when she realized the connection between her skin problems and her food sensitivities. This is why you should skip processed food like potato chips, bread, and anything fried, as they promote the skin’s production of sebum — the more of this substance you have, the more likely acne will appear.
3. Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Another possible culprit behind your breakouts could be your beloved makeup brushes. When you apply makeup using a brush, its remnants can turn into dirt, dust, and dead skin cells that could all damage your skin.
If you suspect that this is what’s behind your own skin problems, there’s no need to throw your brushes away, as all you need to do is clean them. To prevent the build-up of bacteria, wash your make up brushes at least every two weeks with gentle, anti-bacterial soap. But be sure to do it quickly, so that the bristles don’t break.
4. Use Coconut Oil as a Makeup Remover
You should also pay close attention to how you remove your makeup, as some store-bought removers contain harmful chemicals that can aggravate your skin conditions. Instead of going through the trouble of reading all the product ingredients, you have the option of going the natural route, and trade your old makeup remover for a jar or bottle of coconut oil.
Dermatologists Anthony Youn and Carl Thornfeldt recommend coconut oil as a makeup remover, thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-yeast properties. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t use a washcloth or cotton pads when applying coconut oil, as you’ll need to liquify the product in your hands.
5. Invest in a Silk Pillowcase
Before you head to bed at the end of a long day, why not change your regular pillowcase into silk ones? The standard cotton pillowcase can be rather harsh on your skin, and you’ve most likely woken up with marks from the casing. Consider switching to pillow cases that come in a silk material to help protect your skin and avoid the damaging long-term effects of typical cotton cloth.
Not only are they pretty, but silk pillowcases are extremely friendly to your skin, too. They free you from those all-too-common morning creases, while also preventing the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and redness on your face.