How to get a Better Complexion Without Makeup

Using too much makeup can actually worsen your complexion.

While many women use makeup to cover flaws in their complexion, wearing too much makeup can actually worsen your skin's condition. Heavy, non-mineral foundation can clog pores, and greasy or oily cosmetics can trigger skin acne. The use of several different cosmetics at one time can irritate the skin, leading to rashes or an uneven complexion. Get a better complexion, without makeup, by implementing a consistent skin-care ritual. Perform the ritual twice daily, and do it steadily over time, for a noticeable improvement in your complexion.

Things You'll Need

• Lukewarm water
• Face towel
• Facial cleanser
• Cotton balls
• Toner (or witch hazel)
• Moisturizer (or olive oil)
• Oil-free sunscreen

Instructions

1. Wet your face with lukewarm water. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of cleanser onto your fingertips. Apply it to your face and rub in gentle, circular motions for 30 to 60 seconds.

2. Wash the cleanser gently off your face, using running warm water and a wet face towel. This allows you to exfoliate your skin, while removing cleanser and dirt from your face.

3. Soak a cotton ball in toner. Sweep the cotton ball over your entire face to remove trace amounts of dirt and makeup.

4. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of moisturizer onto your fingertips. Apply it gently to your face, using circular motions, until completely absorbed. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of oil-free sunscreen onto your fingertips and apply in the same manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Smoking can seriously damage your facial skin's appearance, so if you are serious about getting a better complexion without makeup, consider throwing away your cigarettes for good.

• Use a mineral foundation if you feel you need a cosmetic to even out your complexion until your skin clears from the daily skin-care ritual.

• Routinely cleanse all makeup brushes with soap and water to minimize oil and dirt transferred to skin during cosmetics application.

• Scrubbing skin can damage or scar skin cells, so never use anything other than a face cloth to exfoliate your face without first consulting your dermatologist.

References

• Seventeen Magazine: Fix Skin Flaws
• Medline Plus: Acne
• MedicineNet.com: Smoking Effects Picture Slideshow
• Oprah Magazine: What Does "pH Balanced" Mean?