When I was in junior high and high school, my skin was practically flawless. It was soft, smooth and pimple-free. Whenever my skin would break out, I had maybe one or two zits in the corner of my nose -- and they were hardly noticeable.
I was thrilled that I would never have to go through skin treatments, Accutane and other extensive measures to get rid of acne, like most teenagers did. Foundation wasnt even part of my makeup routine. But I got excited a little too soon, because adulthood hit, and my face broke out like crazy.
Now Im dealing with adult acne, and its the worst. Im always on a quest to find the best skin treatments to share with you, and heres what Ive found works best so far:
1. Drink more water
I know youve heard it a million times, but drinking lots of water will make your skin look healthier, younger and smoother. I started carrying a water bottle with me wherever I go, and I refill it throughout the day. My skin looks and feels so much better when I do this.
2. Wash your face twice per day
You might be tempted to crawl in bed before you wash your face, but dont do it! Washing off all the dirt, sweat and residue from the day will do wonders for your skin. You dont want all of that sitting on your face all night.
3. Take your makeup off at night
This is so hard for me. The last thing I want to do before I get in bed is take off my makeup, but its so important. Getting all the foundation, powder, mascara and eyeliner off your face will give your pores a chance to breathe for a few hours and prevent acne resulting from buildup.
4. Wash your pillowcases regularly
Think about it when your head hits your pillow after a long day, tons of bacteria is transferred from your body to the pillow. Maybe your hair is a little dirty or maybe you drool in your sleep -- regardless of how hygienic you are, your pillowcase has bacteria that could be causing your acne.
5. Exfoliate and moisturize
Exfoliating helps you shed your dead skin cells and start fresh. Get an exfoliating face wash, see an esthetician or add some sugar to your normal face soap. Be careful not to rub the soap too harshly, or it could irritate your skin. After youve exfoliated, make sure to moisturize!
6. Switch up your diet
Everyone loves pizza, fries and chocolate cake, but theyre not doing your skin any favors. When you dont get the nutrients you need, your skin reacts -- and its usually not pretty. Make sure youre eating healthy foods. If its good for your body, its good for your skin.
7. Get rid of stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of breakouts. I know its impossible to get rid of your stress completely, but find ways to reduce it. Take a yoga class, try meditating, get some exercise or learn breathing exercises. Do whatever it takes to stay relaxed -- your skin will thank you.
8. Invest in a good face wash
You cant have great skin if you dont have a great face wash. Every skin type needs different things, but I personally look for a wash with salicylic acid.
9. Draw attention away from your skin
While youre in the process of curing your skin, draw the attention to your other amazing features. Take care of your eyebrows and eyelashes, or switch up your hairstyle. Youll look and feel fabulous.
10. See a doctor
If youve tried everything and your skin still cant calm down, you might want to consider seeing a dermatologist. They know everything about skin, and theyll know exactly how to help you.
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their skin (literally). So try these methods to get the skin youve always wanted.
I was thrilled that I would never have to go through skin treatments, Accutane and other extensive measures to get rid of acne, like most teenagers did. Foundation wasnt even part of my makeup routine. But I got excited a little too soon, because adulthood hit, and my face broke out like crazy.
Now Im dealing with adult acne, and its the worst. Im always on a quest to find the best skin treatments to share with you, and heres what Ive found works best so far:
1. Drink more water
I know youve heard it a million times, but drinking lots of water will make your skin look healthier, younger and smoother. I started carrying a water bottle with me wherever I go, and I refill it throughout the day. My skin looks and feels so much better when I do this.
2. Wash your face twice per day
You might be tempted to crawl in bed before you wash your face, but dont do it! Washing off all the dirt, sweat and residue from the day will do wonders for your skin. You dont want all of that sitting on your face all night.
3. Take your makeup off at night
This is so hard for me. The last thing I want to do before I get in bed is take off my makeup, but its so important. Getting all the foundation, powder, mascara and eyeliner off your face will give your pores a chance to breathe for a few hours and prevent acne resulting from buildup.
4. Wash your pillowcases regularly
Think about it when your head hits your pillow after a long day, tons of bacteria is transferred from your body to the pillow. Maybe your hair is a little dirty or maybe you drool in your sleep -- regardless of how hygienic you are, your pillowcase has bacteria that could be causing your acne.
5. Exfoliate and moisturize
Exfoliating helps you shed your dead skin cells and start fresh. Get an exfoliating face wash, see an esthetician or add some sugar to your normal face soap. Be careful not to rub the soap too harshly, or it could irritate your skin. After youve exfoliated, make sure to moisturize!
6. Switch up your diet
Everyone loves pizza, fries and chocolate cake, but theyre not doing your skin any favors. When you dont get the nutrients you need, your skin reacts -- and its usually not pretty. Make sure youre eating healthy foods. If its good for your body, its good for your skin.
7. Get rid of stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of breakouts. I know its impossible to get rid of your stress completely, but find ways to reduce it. Take a yoga class, try meditating, get some exercise or learn breathing exercises. Do whatever it takes to stay relaxed -- your skin will thank you.
8. Invest in a good face wash
You cant have great skin if you dont have a great face wash. Every skin type needs different things, but I personally look for a wash with salicylic acid.
9. Draw attention away from your skin
While youre in the process of curing your skin, draw the attention to your other amazing features. Take care of your eyebrows and eyelashes, or switch up your hairstyle. Youll look and feel fabulous.
10. See a doctor
If youve tried everything and your skin still cant calm down, you might want to consider seeing a dermatologist. They know everything about skin, and theyll know exactly how to help you.
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their skin (literally). So try these methods to get the skin youve always wanted.
