This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
Paid Content

The Daily Routine: Why It's Time To Change How You Moisturize Your Skin

It's Time To Change How You Moisturize Your Skin
Getty Images

People with healthy skin have managed to add their usual skin care to their daily routine; it’s become something they do out of habit, like brushing their teeth.

Great skin doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the routine, the better you will stick to it. We’re here to show you how a simple, smart routine that really treats your skin right can lead to a lifetime of glowing skin.

Sleep

Getty

Nothing can beat the effect of a good night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep gives your skin a chance for cell turnover and renewal. Aren’t getting enough sleep? Your skin can suffer in many ways including a breakdown of collagen and hydaluronic acid — two molecules that keep your face looking plump and youthful.

Cleanse

Shutterstock

There are different types of cleansers, so it’s important to start with the right cleanser for your skin. If you have acne-prone skin, choose a gentle cleanser that’s non-abrasive. If you want to keep skin hydrated, choose a cleanser that has humectants (they draw moisture to your skin) and finally, no matter your skin type, don’t over-cleanse your skin — it’s that dry, tight feeling — that’s not good. Cleanse once a day to remove the day’s accumulation of dirt and makeup that can cause breakouts.

If you’re wearing heavy makeup, choose a makeup remover that can break down the cosmetics and get rid of it in a few swipes.

Moisturize

Shutterstock

Clean skin is a great canvas for moisturizer. Once you’ve found the right moisturizer for your skin’s needs (oily, dry, normal, dehydrated, fine lines and wrinkles, anti-aging, etc.), start using it every single day. By using moisturizer on a daily basis, it will help support your skin as it repairs itself.

Exfoliate

Shutterstock

Your skin naturally sheds its cells, but sometimes it needs a little help. A gentle exfoliation can help reveal fresh skin. A good exfoliator shouldn’t inflame your skin but gently remove dead cells. For texture, that’s personal preference — you can use one with grit or an alpha or beta hydroxy acid (AHA/BHA) that will also do the same job.

If you decide to add an exfoliating product to your routine, don’t use it every single day. That may cause inflammation. And don’t forget to embrace full-body exfoliation; healthy skin isn’t exclusively reserved for your face!

SPF

Shutterstock

Sun exposure is one of the reasons for skin damage. Too much exposure can lead to dark spots and dilation of small blood vessels that gives skin a red, blotchy appearance. Protect all of your sun-exposed skin by wearing sun protection on a daily basis. Many moisturizers have SPF ranging from 10 to 30 so it’s easy to add a multi-purpose tool to your beauty arsenal.

Diet

Flickr

All the external products won’t make a difference if you aren’t giving your skin the nutritional elements it needs. Your skincare routine should include a good diet (fruits, vegetables, protein, etc.) that are the building blocks of good skin. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation of the skin, so start adding berries, dark leafy greens and salmon to your diet.

By adding these to your routine (or starting a new one) you should see a drastic improvement in your skin. Prepare for compliments!

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.