15 Tips To Get Smooth, Clear Skin

There's so much that can go wrong with your skin: wrinkles, acne, redness, washed out, etc. Some people will spend hundreds of dollars to get perfect skin, but there are a ton of simple and low-cost remedies for skin problems that will have you looking radiant in no time!

Sunscreen Is A Must

We know you’ve heard this time and time again, but diligently applying sunscreen is the single easiest way to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free. Sun exposure is far and away the number 1 cause of wrinkles, and it’s much easier to prevent this damage than to try to fix it afterwards. And don’t stop slathering up in the winter, either — UV Rays aren’t afraid of the cold!

Clean Your Brushes

A large majority of women don’t take the time to clean their makeup brushes or sponges. The dirt and bacteria that they harbor over time can cause breakouts on your face. To avoid this, wash loose powder brushes every other week, and every week for foundation brushes. To wash, mix a few drops of facial cleanser or shampoo into a cup of lukewarm water and swish your brush in it.

Go Nuts

Mixed nuts are a great snack that will do wonders for your skin. Brazil nuts have been shown to increase skin elasticity and decrease the risk of skin cancer. Walnuts are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation and decrease breakouts. Macadamias are aweomse at aiding in skin repair and rejuvenation.

Steer Towards Serums

Skin serums are much more concentrated than creams or lotions, so you only need a little bit daily to see major results. Look for serums with antioxidants and pentapeptides, which will ward off the damages of stress and increase natural collagen, respectively. Apply the serum to your freshly-washed skin and follow it with sunscreen or moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Clean Your iPhone

You probably tough your smartphone more than anything else in your daily life, but chances are you never wash it. A Stanford University study has found that the average iPhone is more germ-infested than a toilet in a subway bathroom. And this is the thing you press up to your cheek on a daily basis! To prevent irritation and pimples, clean your phone’s screen with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes every so often.

Get Your Routine Down

The order in which you apply your skincare products is as important as the products themselves. The thinner products with the most active ingredients need to go first. You want products with the most active ingredients to be sure they get direct contact with your skin as they are most powerful, and applying heavier creams first could block out the water soluble serums and lotions. End the process with moisturizer if you need it, and of course sunscreen.

Ditch The Dairy

Dairy products are devils when it comes to stimulating your oil glands and pores. Limiting your dairy intake or switching to skim products are great ways to prevent acne. Also, be on the lookout for some common foods with hidden dairy, such as salad dressing, protein bars, and shakes.

Use Retinol

Most dermatologists agree that retinol is the best anti-aging skin product available. Retinol boosts collagen production, reverses cancerous growth, and helps cure sun damage. THe produc also has great anti-inflammatory benefits and is just as good at treating acne as wrinkles.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Yes, it’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Depriving yourself of sleep lowers your circulation, and will have you looking pale and washed out if you don’t get enough rest. Nighttime is also optimal for skin rejuvenation treatments, as it is when the body’s cellular renewal system is in high gear.

Wine About It

Reservatol, a powerful antioxidant found in red wines, can prevent lines, wrinkles, and sagging caused by smog and second-hand smoke. It’s been shown to be a more powerful antioxidant than even Vitamin C, and has a mild-to-moderate influence on skin tightening.

Remember Your Neck And Chest

So often we stop our skincare routine after we finish our face up, but the neck and chest are actually areas more susceptible to skin damage since the skin is thinner and has a less strong blood supply. Use the same routine you do on your face on your neck and chest as well, although keep it light on the heavy duty stuff, which might case some initial irritation.

Soy Milk Magic

Always keep a carton of soy milk in your fridge for those mornings after a restless night. The natural anti-inflammatory will reduce swelling while the soy hydrates the skin, which will be great in faking a good night’s sleep. Soy milk is also great for reducing redness and irritation — just dunk some cotton balls in it and hold them to the irritated areas for 5 minutes.

Avoid Hot Water

Sadly, even though a hot shower feels great, it’s a disaster on your skin. The heat strips the body of essential oils and imbues the skin with a ruddiness. This response is only temporary, but it takes longer to recover from as you get older. After you hit 40, your skin will have lost its ability to recover from the ruddiness.

Tweeze Carefully

Waxing and tweezing can cause scarring or spots on your skin. To avoid this, prep your skin with an antibacterial wash before the removal. After the process, implement an aftercare plan that includes anti-inflammatory ingredients that will quickly heal and calm the skin.

Eat Some Watermelon

Watermelons are a lycopene-rich treat that reduces damage from sun exposure, prevents wrinkles, and may even lower risk of skin cancer. Try to get a cup of watermelon a day by using it in salsas, salads, or smoothies.