Looking After Your Skin (Without Following the Trends)

We can get sidetracked by creating the perfect skincare routine based on the traditional ingredients out there. Looking after our skin is not necessarily about a good skincare regime or even using the most popular ingredients that everyone seems to recommend. If you are looking for flawless and glowing skin, it can be tough to get there, but here are some approaches that you can try.

Natural Ingredients

While there are plenty of bottled products out there that come with so-called “natural” ingredients, you've got to do your research and find what truly is natural. Products that come with hyaluronic acid can work wonders for your skin, but you should also try some of the newer kids on the block. For example, this firming and toning CBD gel is certainly jumping on the CBD bandwagon but because of the natural components, you can be assured this won't have a major impact on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Consider the Water You Use

If you like long showers, this can get rid of the natural oils in your skin, resulting in chronic itchy spots. Using a hydrating product after you cleanse can help to mitigate some of that moisture exposure. Additionally, making sure that you look at the water you use to wash can make a big difference. If you use soft water, it doesn't remove soap very well and can leave residue on your skin. On the other hand, hard water doesn't allow washes to lather, so you end up using more cleanser, causing a lot more dryness. Instead, you need to get the balance right by using non-soapy, gentle formulas, but also check out the water quality in your area.

Mind Your Sun Exposure

You need to be careful when you are out in the sun, but you need to remember that the UV rays from the sun can also find their way indoors. There have been instances of skin cancer only occurring on one side of the face and the upper body because of UVA rays penetrating the windows in the car. Therefore, using an SPF moisturiser will make a big difference here.

Are You Actually Keeping Stress in Check? 

It seems that most skincare articles talk about stress and how it impacts your skin health, but a lot of people don't give a second thought to it. Because stress increases stress hormones like cortisol, this can result in your skin being oilier, making it less effective at fighting off bacteria that result in acne. Regular stress management techniques can also help with other conditions beyond acne, for example, psoriasis and rosacea. And let's not forget, sleeping regularly and exercising can help to regulate your body. Exercising boosts your blood flow, ensuring your skin gets the nutrients and oxygen it needs.

While looking after your skin is critically important, a lot of people tend to look at products being the one true solution. There are a number of alternative methods you should try, but also look at your own skincare regime and see if you can fine-tune it.