Skincare 101: the basics for healthy skin

Maintaining a consistent skin care routine can be challenging for people of all ages. The great news is, caring for your skin doesn’t have to be time-intensive or expensive. These basic practices can help keep your skin as clear and healthy as possible.

Get enough sleep

Prioritizing sleep is important for your overall health and well-being—and as a bonus it can help your skin. Studies link poor sleep to increased acne and blemishes. The reason? Lack of sleep can increase stress levels (cortisol) and release hormones that can contribute to breakouts. Give your body and skin the break it needs by prioritizing seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Wash items that regularly touch your face

You might not think about the amount of bacteria that is transferred to your face. But everyday objects can contribute to breakouts. A few culprits include:

• Pillowcases: Experts recommend changing your pillowcase weekly to prevent the buildup of sweat, grease, and dead skin cells.
• Makeup brushes and sponges: Wash your makeup brushes every seven to 10 days to kill harmful bacteria. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of gentle shampoo; then swirl the brushes or sponges in the bowl. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear, then lay flat on a clean towel to dry.
• Wipe down your phone: Think about all of the places you take out your phone. The amount of bacteria that builds up on your device is staggering. And even if you don’t hold your device up to your ear often to make calls, the bacteria is transferring from your phone to your skin anytime you absentmindedly touch your face. Experts recommend disinfecting your phone daily with a disinfecting wipe, or a disinfectant sprayed onto a cloth or microfiber wipe (never directly onto your phone).

Drink plenty of water

Hydration does a lot more than contribute to a clear complexion, but it definitely is one of the keys to a healthy skin care routine. Our bodies need hydration, both from the inside and outside. Use a moisturizer or serum to hydrate your skin externally, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Aim to drink eight to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

Remove your makeup

Sleeping with makeup on can lead to skin problems like acne, dry skin, eye infections, and even wrinkles. Eliminate these issues by removing your makeup each night with a gentle cleanser and warm water.

To remove stubborn eye makeup, use a cotton pad and an oil-based remover specifically for your eyes. Avoid scrubbing your delicate eye skin. Simply hold the cotton pad over your eyes for a few seconds, then wipe away gently.

You might find it useful to remove your makeup and wash your face as soon as you get home, instead of waiting until just before bed. This way when you're tired, you don't have to worry about skipping this important step in your skin care routine.

Wash morning and night

To keep your skin as clean as possible, experts recommend washing your face when you wake up, before you go to bed, and after sweating. While it might seem excessive to wash so often, it helps remove dirt and bacteria that build up on your face during the day and while you sleep.

To wash your face, use a gentle cleanser and massage your skin gently with warm water. Pat your skin dry, and resist the temptation to scrub it with your towel. While your face is still slightly damp, apply any medications or serums, then follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen (in the morning). A general rule of applying products to your face is to start with the thinnest product, then build up to the thickest.

Use sunscreen year round

One of the most important things you can do to protect your skin against harmful UV rays, sunburns, and wrinkles is to use sunscreen daily. Look for a sunscreen with a “broad spectrum” label for the most protection, and consider a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen to save yourself a step in your routine.

Hopefully these basic practices will help your skin remain as healthy as possible. If you are struggling with skin issues that aren’t easily resolved, consider making an appointment with an aesthetician or dermatologist who can help you safely treat and care for your skin.