Who doesn’t want perfect skin? The struggle to get that healthy, young, beautiful skin with no wrinkles is real. I never had any problems with my skin growing up. Even in college, I was that girl who didn’t use a lot of make-up but had amazing skin. My skin problems started a little over 2 years ago. At that time, I did not know what the problem was. I just kept looking for a solution by using product after product and most of these did not do much. What I did not realize at that time is that products only contribute a percentage. There’s a lot that one needs to do if they are looking to have perfect skin.
I share my routine below for anyone who might be looking to get clearer skin but is not sure where to start.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a specialist in matters to do with skin. I am just sharing something that worked for me and that I think might be very helpful to those looking to improve their skin.
GREAT MORNING START
I start the day with hot green tea or lemon water. Green tea has great antioxidant properties. It is said to be great for skin and I can definitely attest to that. I try to have at least 2 cups of hot green tea every day. If I do not feel like taking green tea, I take a half a liter of hot lemon water sometimes with a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Vitamin c in lemons boosts immunity and cleanses the body of toxins. Apple cider vinegar also has cleansing properties. These clean the body from inside and thus the skin as well in the process.
I drink at least 2 liters of water a day. This is something that I do without fail. Drinking water is the best thing you can do for your skin and body in general. Warm water is best because it helps in flushing out toxins as well as cause sweating. When you sweat, your pores open and let out any dirt and excess oil that might be underneath waiting to cause those breakouts we hate so much. Water also helps in hydrating the body and thus prevents the skin from drying out as this might also cause breakouts.
GREEN SMOOTHIES AND OTHER HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES
Thank god for whoever invented green smoothies. They are #bae. I drink green smoothies at least 3 times a week. Raw vegetables and fruits blended together have high amounts of nutrients that are not easily found in the everyday food that we eat. This is the reason why green smoothies are so effective in clearing up the skin. They boost immunity too. It has been a while since I visited the hospital. I can confidently say that spinach and cucumber juicing is to thank for that. After God of course. Some of the basics to include in green smoothies and juices include kales/spinach, cucumbers, carrot, beetroot, green apples, pineapples, watermelons, pawpaw and other favorite fruits that you like. There is no limit here.
GOOD QUALITY PRODUCTS AND MAKE-UP
I use Neutrogena products to cleanse my face both in the morning and at the end of the day. I tried several products before Neutrogena but once I discovered it, I haven’t gone back. The products contain salicylic acid. This is an important ingredient as it works purposely to get rid of acne as well as to prevent it from appearing in the first place. The good thing about Neutrogena products is the fact that the price is very friendly to the pocket and these products last a long time.I use the ones meant specifically for oily acne-prone skin(that’s my skin type). The range is however very wide and you can do research and find the one that best suits your skin type and that will work to give the results that you are looking for.
I try to buy the original make-up. Going for industry knock-offs can seriously mess you up. You can never be sure what is contained in these products. If you don’t want to buy original everything, at least buy original primer and foundation since these go directly on your skin and you will spend at least 12 hours with them on your face.
CLEANSING AND FACE MASKS
As I mentioned earlier, I cleanse my face twice a day. In the morning before I get ready for work and before I go to bed. On my tired days, I use face wipes to at least remove make-up and dirt build-up. I have made it a habit to never go to bed with make-up on because this is the number one reason for frequent breakouts.
OTHER IMPORTANT SKINCARE TIPS
- I avoid dairy products, sugary foods, oily foods, and refined foods. I do not stay away from them completely( God knows I love sweets and fries) but I try to eat them at a minimum and I usually feel very guilty after eating them.
- I change my pillowcases as frequently as possible to avoid the transfer of dirt.
- I Use a special towel meant only for the face. I wash this towel twice a week.
- I always use a toner after cleansing to get rid of any dirt or product that may be left on the skin after cleansing
- I use a face mask every once in a while to get rid of excess oils and to tighten the pores.
- I eat sweet potatoes, pawpaws, carrots, oranges, cucumbers, apples, strawberries, and nuts as often as possible. These are great for the skin.
My motto for great skin diet: As long as it comes from the ground or from a plant and has not gone through any kind of processing, it is definitely good.