55 Skin-Care Tips to Live By in 2020
Because beauty woes are so last decade.
It's a new decade and your skincare resolutions are just beginning. Whether stress from work has given way to aging fears or royal family drama has awakened acne breakouts, we've got you covered. Your skincare should strengthen under the most stressful of situations. Find out which foods to cut out of your Trader Joe's runs and why we're embracing tea and shade more than ever before. Below, the 55 tips for a decade full of healthy skin, lots of sleep, and a vat of SPF.
Meet Your Moisturizer Soul Mate
The best defense against dry skin? Making friends with a daily moisturizer. Applying lotion right after stepping out of the shower seals in the moisture that your skin has just absorbed. And since hands are often the first indicators of aging, invest in a heavy moisturizer to keep in your bag, car, and office. Here are a few ELLE.com can't stop talking about.
Kick The Caffeine
Can't figure out why you have dry skin? Caffeine may be the culprit. Replace the java with H2O, and add fruit slices, like orange or lemon, to enhance the flavor. In conclusion, Skincare > Starbucks.
Stopping the Scroll
Tearing yourself away from the 'gram may seem like too high a price to pay. But we promise your skin is paying more. Keep antibacterial wipes handy to swipe your phone clean and help your skin stay clear. Make cleansing your cell—and yourself—of toxins a part of your weekly to-do's.
Stan Sunscreen
Slathering your skin with SPF is a priority, even if you're worried your block will make you break out. "Sunscreen formulas made with zinc are generally nongreasy and nonirritating, making them especially good for acne, sensitive skin," says Colleen Shimamoto, educational adviser for DermaQuest Skin Therapy. "So, opt for physical blocks like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which reflect the sun's UVB and UVA rays."
Survive Sans Salt
If your skin feels parched, it might be time to give up your secret pretzel stash. Excess sodium in your diet can suck the moisture out of skin and leave it dull and dry. Cut back on salty treats and invest in a hydrating facial moisturizer to combat the dehydration. Unfortunately, fresh skin trumps that order of french fries.
Scrub-a-Dub
"When you exfoliate, you're evening out the skin's surface by revealing fresh cells underneath," says Annet King, director of Global Education at the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica. "Exfoliate regularly to remove the dead, complexion-dulling skin cells that can give you a dull appearance."
Sporty Spice
While you may not apply hair products to your face, the residue can often end up there anyway. Next time you use hairspray, cover your face with a clean towel to protect your skin. Also, use a sweatband when you hit the gym to keep the products from dripping down when you begin to sweat.
Dance It Out
Your excuse to practice J.Lo's routine from Hustlers or learn a TikTok dance is here. Exercise gives your face a healthy glow by increasing blood flow. And when you sweat, it clears the body of toxins and removes dead skins cells so new ones can grow. Without regular exercise you may see an increase in age spots, so grab your dancing shoes and get to work.
Sleep In
Kylie Jenner may want the world to "Rise and Shine..." but don't set that alarm just yet. Not getting enough Zzz's can cause stress, which leads to breakouts and a dull complexion. Bottom line: Don't deprive your body and skin of sleep—it uses that time to regenerate and recover from your day-to-day activities.
Treat Yo Self
"Whether it's a facial, massage, or even a pedicure, be sure to pamper yourself," says Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare. "Your health and appearance are positively influenced by increasing your emotional and mental well-being. A visit to the spa is a foolproof way to promote stress relief and relaxation." Doctor's orders!
Eye on the Prize
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest, so it shows the first signs of aging. Even if you're in your 20s, preventative care now will keep your eyes looking healthy for decades to come. Here's some eye masks to get the self-care started.
Look, But Don't Touch
We know it's tempting to mess with that pimple, but resistance is key. Popping and picking at the skin on your face will push dirt and bacteria deeper into pores, which only results in more breakouts. Put your curiosity to use and opt for an overnight treatment instead.
Tone It Up
"Toners are a handy product to keep in your arsenal to help balance pH levels in your skin," says Jennifer Yen, founder of Purlisse Skincare. "Look for ones that are free of irritants like alcohol, fragrance, citrus, menthol, color, and other aggressive extracts." Here, try these to combat oily skin.
Lotion in Moderation
Laying on the lotion is good for your skin, right? Not quite. "Over moisturizing can cause you to break out, and can even give you milia, the tiny white spots that are formed when dead skin cells get trapped," says Dr. Debra Jailman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. So, think twice before you slather.
Fishy Foods
"Foods like salmon, herring, and trout provide our skin with oils that lubricate cells and reduce inflammation," says Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious. "They are also heavy in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in keeping our skin smooth."
Spill the Tea
They say spilling tea of the gossip variety can feed the soul. Apparently, the herbal kind is also good for you. "Antioxidants have proven to be extremely important as an aging preventative," says NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel. "I recommend looking for products that have a complex of antioxidants, such as green tea, vitamin C, and CoQ10."
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