We questioned physicians, aestheticians, beauty gurus, and even a supermodel for their best-kept skin-care secrets. While they may require a lengthier commitment, these easy lifestyle changes are certain to provide major rewards.
Hydrate right after washing
According to Austin, Texas-based aesthetician Renée Rouleau, one of the most common skincare blunders is waiting too long after washing to apply moisturizer. "You only have a limited window after cleaning to put on a hydrating product before moisture begins to evaporate," explains Rouleau, whether it's face or body lotion. "If you let your skin to fully dry, the water on your skin, as well as any moisture in your skin, will begin to be drawn into the air."Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, also suggests speeding up in the shower. "Long showers deplete your body's natural oils. That's why some individuals have an itching place on their back all the time."
Think about your water
"Soft water does not effectively dissolve soap, so it might leave a film on your skin," explains Susan H. Weinkle, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida. Use face and body cleansers sparingly if your water is soft (no more than a nickel- or quarter-size amount, respectively). Hard water, on the other hand, makes it difficult for washes to lather, requiring you to use more cleanser, which may create dryness. Gentle, non-soap compositions that aren't designed to lather may help to reduce this, according to Carolyn Jacob, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Ill. Log on to the Environmental Protection Agency's website to verify the water quality in your region.Maintain a healthy level of stress
It has an effect on almost every aspect of your body, including your skin. Researchers at Stanford University discovered that students who felt worried at test time had more severe acne outbreaks than those who were less stressed. According to Lisa Donofrio, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, stress raises the body's production of hormones such as cortisol, which may make skin oilier and reduce its capacity to fight off acne-causing bacteria. Regularly practice stress-management strategies such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation to keep that frayed sensation under control. Donofrio claims that this "may assist disorders such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrhea."Early and frequent exercise is recommended
"The skin's primary purpose is to control heat, so when you exercise, the blood vessels in the skin widen to bring warm blood to the surface, enabling heat to be transmitted out of the body and into the air. This gives you a flushed appearance "Dr. Marmur starts each day with 30 minutes of jogging, cycling, or basketball. Increasing blood flow also guarantees that your skin receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to be healthy. "Your body's final priority is your skin. Because the blood flows first to the brain and key organs, having blood packed with nutrients rushing all the way to your skin first thing in the morning ensures that your day begins off healthily "Dr. Marmur explainsRethink your skincare regime
Don't let your skincare go on autopilot, advises Dr. Marmur, who prefers to gather a conscious assortment of products before adjusting day by day. "I use a milder night cream if my skin looks well and feels comfortable," she explains. When the temperature lowers in October and my skin gets drier, I opt for a richer product." Similarly, some ladies expressed their love for masks, which aid in the treatment of transitory ailments such as sensitivity and dryness. "When I have my morning coffee, I apply an exfoliating clay mask followed by a moisturizing mask," Jessica Alba, creator of Honest Beauty, adds. Bonafide Beauty Lab's founder, Pamela Baxter.Indoor solar exposure should be monitored
Yes, you read it correctly: UV radiation (particularly UVA rays) may enter your home and workplace windows, causing wrinkling and brown patches. The same is true for automobile windows: Because the left half of the face and upper body is more exposed while driving, studies have indicated a greater prevalence of skin cancer on that side. Aside from cancer, "many individuals have more wrinkles and sun damage on the left side of their faces," Donofrio observes. Make sun protection a no-brainer by always using an SPF moisturizer.Take care of your skin from the inside out
"To maintain my face clean and firm, I consume collagen building blocks like copper, found in nuts and seeds, and lysine, found in legumes and lean meats," says Dr. Marmur, who adds that zinc and magnesium-rich foods also assist with acne. "I've seen overwhelming anecdotal evidence in my practice and in my own skin," says Dr. Marmur, despite the lack of mountains of scientific papers confirming that a balanced diet equals great skin. Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, concurs; one glow-boosting tip she does when her skin seems sallow is to increase her beta-carotene intake by blending carrots or sweet potatoes.Finally, and you've probably heard this before: The majority of professionals polled agreed that drinking water is essential. Josie Maran, a model and the inventor of Josie Maran Cosmetics, uses flavoring to fool herself into drinking more. "I create infused waters with fruits, vegetables, and herbs," she explains. "I like to flavor water with sliced strawberries and basil."
And what should you avoid? Dairy. Scientists aren't sure why milk products might cause acne, but some believe the natural hormones found in dairy may be to blame, according to Leslie Baumann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami Beach, Fla., who adds that even organic milk can trigger outbreaks. Acne has also been related to cottage cheese, quick breakfast drinks, and sherbet. While cutting less on dairy will not fix a pimple issue on its own, doctors believe it may help people who suffer from severe outbreaks. (If you go this way, make sure you're receiving enough calcium from other foods, such as leafy greens, or take a supplement.)
Select water-based hair products
Some conditioners, pomades, volumizers, and styling creams include oils or waxes that may clog pores and cause acne, particularly on the brow, back and hairline. Even if you take care not to get them on your skin, they may run down your face and body when you wash or sweat, or be transferred by your pillowcase while you sleep. Instead, seek solutions that are water-based and avoid ones that include mineral oil, beeswax, or microcrystalline wax. Consider SEEN Haircare, a series of shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids designed to help reduce breakouts.Examine your medical cabinet
Some oral contraceptives, antibiotics, fertility treatments, and antiseizure medications, according to Jerome Litt, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beachwood, Ohio, may cause breakouts. Dry skin may be caused by antihistamines, diuretics, and certain antidepressants. Furthermore, many medicines, diuretics, and diabetic therapies might make you more susceptible to UV damage. "Talk to your doctor if you see your skin responding more while taking a certain medicine," Dr. Litt advises. "He or she may be able to reduce your dose or switch you to a different drug."Have a nice night's sleep
"The skin heals itself at night," explains Dr. Bowe, "therefore the more sleep you receive, the more time your complexion has to regenerate." And the advantages are not just long-term. In many circumstances, you may view the findings the next morning. "The more sleep I get, the less makeup I require," Alba explains, "since my face looks naturally renewed."The inverse is also true. "An increase in cortisol levels may create under-eye puffiness," explains Dr. Bowe. "Beauty sleep is no laughing matter—you really need seven to eight hours. When you don't get enough sleep, your cortisol levels rise, which increases the pace of collagen breakdown, resulting in under-eye bags."
"Yawning and squinting may also tear down collagen and elastin around the eyes," Dr. Bowe adds.
