1   Wash Your Face Every Day

This is especially to be taken seriously if you wear makeup on a daily basis.  The worst thing for your skin is to sleep in your makeup.  I know sometimes you get home and are so tired you don’t want to or even feel like doing it.  Trust me, that’s the worst thing you can do is be lazy and not clean your skin.  Makeup on your face while sleeping doesn’t allow your skin to breath and rejuvenate properly as you sleep. If the effort of washing it to exhausting, invest in makeup remover wipes. You can take off most of your cosmetics using this.  (I still think a proper washing is more effective, but this is better than doing nothing at all).

Even if you don’t wear makeup, it’s still important to cleanse your skin each day.  After being out in the environment you just don’t know what is sitting on the surface of your skin.  Dust, pollution, germs and all sorts of bacteria.

Choose cleaners that are best suited for your skin type and be sure to avoid harsh cleansers that may actually strip your skin of its natural oils.

2  Drinking Water

I admit, I’m guilty of not doing this enough.  It’s so important to drink water not only for your digestive system, but it also gives your skin, the body’s largest organ, exactly what it needs.  Some argue that water consumption has no real visible effects on the skin.  According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, lack of hydration in your body shows itself in your skin.  It will become dry, flaky and lacks resilience and becomes more prone to wrinkles.  Their report does note that because water reaches the skin last after it passes through all other organs, it’s important to keep hydrated consistently through ingestion and applying it to the skin through hydrating skin care products.

 

 

3  Moisturize Daily and Nightly

Using a moisturizer helps to protect your skin from harsh elements. It also keeps your skin hydrated while giving it a younger looking more softer feel.  The best time to apply to your face is right after washing when your skin is clean and slightly damp.  It’s recommended doing it within 2 minutes of washing.  It will absorb quicker and penetrate the skin for the best benefits.

Also it’s recommended by most dermatologists to use a face cream that has an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.  Although there are some who argue that the chemicals in SPF are also not good for the skin.  If this is a concern for you, there are natural options to sunscreen available too.  Check your local health and nutrition suppliers for your best options.  Best to do your research and try what works for you and your skin care regimen.

4 Get Some Sleep

This may seem like basic information, but so many people don’t get enough sleep.  Exhaustion not only affects your bodily functions, but also your skin.  Looking tired isn’t something that can easily be solved with a ‘miracle cream’ despite what many adverts say.  According to WebMD, getting at least 7-9 hours of proper sleep allows your body to repair itself while you sleep.

Skin makes new collagen during sleep so if you’re not getting enough shut-eye, you can count on it affecting your appearance.  Your skin will reap the benefits of a healthier glow when you get the recommended hours of sleep.  This is because the body increases blood flow to the skin.  Another bonus with getting the proper rest at night is less puffiness under the eyes.

5. Clean Your Cell Phone

Your cell phone is one of the dirtiest things you handle every day. Think about it.  You take your cell phone everywhere. Some people even use it in the bathroom (restroom, lavatory).  Any germs and bacteria on your hands or in your environment remain on the phone.  These germs can easily make it to your face when you talk on the phone or even from your hands (when you touch your face).

According to a study by Proporta, a company that sells antimicrobial cases,  the average cell phone has 25,127 germs per square inch.  That is very alarming.  Recommendations are to clean your phone with a disinfectant every day.  I usually use the Lysol wipes or dab some hand sanitizer onto cotton wipes or tissue then wipe my phone along with the case.