How to Get Great Looking Skin, Radiant Skin, Smooth Skin

Attain radiant skin by following the right skin care regimen.

A beautiful complexion not only has the power to make you feel good, but it's a sure indicator of health and wellness. There are many factors that work together to create a beautiful complexion. Even if you weren't born with flawless skin, there are changes you can make in your lifestyle and skin care routine that can reveal more radiant and smooth skin.

Things You'll Need

• Cleanser
• Gentle exfoliator
• Rosewater or witch hazel
• Moisturizer with SPF

Instructions

1. Examine your diet. The foods you eat play a crucial role in the appearance of your skin. There are certain foods that can even improve the appearance of skin by feeding it antioxidants. These help fight off free radicals and slow the aging process, while delaying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

   Dr. Lawrence Gibson for MayoClinic.com notes that foods rich in antioxidants can benefit the skin by providing protection. A few such foods are spinach, blueberries, salmon and tomatoes. Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from the body.

2. Find your skin type. This helps determine the skin care regimen that best benefits your skin to create a luminous complexion. Sensitive skin should steer clear of dyes and fragrances. You may have sensitive skin if your skin turns red or becomes irritated easily. Dry skin needs lots of moisture and may become flaky or ruddy in appearance. Oily skin may be prone to blackheads due to an abundance of sebum production. Combination skin can experience dryness on the cheeks and oiliness in the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose and chin.

3. Choose a cleanser that compliments your skin type. Use it day and night with lukewarm water. Avoid using water that is too cold or too hot, as this can strip the skin of its natural lipid barrier.

   Remove makeup before going to bed each night. An inexpensive and great way to remove makeup is with olive oil. It provides slippage to remove makeup, gently cleansing it from the pores without being harsh or abrasive. Use a cleanser afterward.

   You may also choose to use a toner. Rosewater or witch hazel are both natural substances and work as effective toners to remove the last traces of makeup and cleanse the pores.

4. Exfoliate once or twice a week. You may wish to exfoliate twice a week in the summer if you have oily or combination skin. In the summer, sebaceous glands can produce more oil. Exfoliation helps keep the pores clear and prevents blackheads from forming.

   Exfoliate your skin with a gentle exfoliator that does not contain harsh or abrasive particles with sharp edges. This can cause tiny cuts in the skin, which could leave scars behind.

5. Moisturize your skin twice daily. Allow moisturizer to soak into your face before applying makeup or other products. The website Cosmetics Cop recommends choosing a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. If your skin is oily, choose an oil-free moisturizer. With the array of moisturizers available, look for a product for your skin type that contains skin-loving nutrients such as antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients.

   For hygienic purposes, choose a moisturizer in a tube or pump and stay away from products that are packaged in jars. Apply SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before leaving the house onto your face, neck, arms, hands and any other area that will be exposed to the sun.

References

• MayoClinic.com: What Are the Best Foods for Healthy Skin?; Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
• Cosmetics Cop; 6 Ways to Avoid Buying the Wrong Moisturizer; Paula Begoun