I’ve definitely had my struggles with skin… Of course when I was a teenager, I had breakouts, but it continued into adulthood for me. Finally, I was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis (a kind of adult acne) and I was able to get it under control. I have to work a bit harder than some to keep my skin clear than some and I wanted to share my routine as I know that breakouts and acne can be hard on self-esteem/confidence.
1.SLEEP
I know, I know, everyone’s busy and doesn’t have time to get 6-8 hours. But I find my skin looks sallow, tired and I break out much more easily when I sleep very little. It’s worth it to get that extra hour in.
2. EXFOLIATE
Dull skin isn’t pretty, especially in the fall/winter, and exfoliating is the way to beat it. But nobody uses a harsh scrub anymore (remember the St. Ives Apricot Scrub?); we’ve graduated to brushes (I’ve been using Philips’ PureRadiance– I find it more gentle than the Clarisonic). Not only does it remove residual makeup, it sloughs off the dull, dead skin, boosts circulation and increases absorption of skincare products… My skin literally glows after use.
3. WEAR SUNSCREEN
I used to HATE it when my mom got on my case for not wearing sunscreen as a teenager… but she has the most beautiful skin and now I get it. I wear it every single day (even when it’s rainy and grey out). Not only should you do it for health reasons (i.e. skin cancer), but do it for beauty: the sun responsible for 80% of your skin’s ageing a.ka. wrinkles, brown spots.
4.EXERCISE
So many benefits you can’t even count them: working out not only makes you feel good (endorphins) and look good, but also it helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin.
photo by Britney Gill
5. HYDRATE
Even if you have oily skin (my t-zone can look like it’s wet sometimes), it’s important to moisturize (especially in the winter). Just choose the right formula: I stay away from heavy creams and go for serums. I use Jan Marini Vitamin C serum in the morning (before my sunscreen) and Di Morelli Retinol at night.
PS Hydrate internally by drinking water too!
6. SMILE!
Yes, this is incredibly cliche, and yet, it’s always the happy people who look the most glowing. So even if you’ve got a massive spot on your chin, smile and most people probably won’t notice!
photo by Britney Gill
Any tips/tricks or traumatizing skin stories? I’d love to read them in the comments!
Great post! I also struggle with adult acne since I recently turned 30. But life must go on and I feel using a Clarisonic helps.
Author
That is so true… life must go on hah. At some point, you just deal with it! Thanks for the comment Leslie 🙂
Great post! Don’t forget good nutrition – I just posted on this today! http://www.stylednutrition.com/blog/best-beauty-foods-to-glow-from-within-part-1
Author
Oh great call! I’ll have to up my super foods 🙂
everything you said is so true about keeping that skin healthy, especially sleep and exercise – that’s what i find most helpful! xx
Author
Me. Too. I’m an old lady in that I have to sleep! I can’t function without it and my skin always looks terrible when I’m overtired!
Thanks for your honesty about your skin! I have struggled with acne for years and still do. Sometimes it really gets me down. But we do the best we can right?! I totally need my sleep or I am dead the next day! 🙂
Xo,
Serene
Great Post!! I too faced these problems in my adult age. Acne is truly a problem faced by every individual I am so glad that you had shared your experience. Thanks for the great post.
your post is very interesting to read.it’s very informative and helpful.
Usually, I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job, Keep it up.