Get Rid of Acne for Smooth Skin

Get Rid of Acne for Smooth Skin

Slather on the sunscreen.

We know, we know—you’ve heard it a million times, but wearing sunscreen is the single easiest way to look younger for life. Ninety percent of wrinkles are from sun exposure. It’s so much easier to prevent the damage than it is to fix it afterwards. That means no slacking during winter months either, when rays are just as strong and can reflect off of buildings and sidewalks. Look for a formula that offers broad-spectrum protection to guard against UVA rays (the ones that cause premature aging) and UVB rays (one of the main causes of skin cancer).

Clean your makeup brushes.

A study found that 72% of women never wash their brushes or sponges, even though they harbour dirt and bacteria which can cause breakouts. You should wash loose powder brushes every two to three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week. Mix a couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo and lukewarm water in a cup, swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat to air dry.

Munch on mixed nuts.

Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, which increases skin elasticity and may decrease skin cancer, according to recent studies. Throw in walnuts—which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids—to lower inflammation and put the brakes on breakouts. They’re full of high quality oils and fatty acids that aid in skin repair and rejuvenation. Aim for a handful of each daily to reap their pore-perfecting benefits.

Start using serum.

It’s much more concentrated than cream or lotion, so you tend to only need a small amount daily to see results. Look for one with antioxidants, the skin’s major defence against free radicals and stress, and pentapeptides, which are a must-have when it comes to boosting collagen, the support structure that gives skin a firm, youthful appearance.

Sanitize your Smartphone.

According to studies, that iPhone you can’t keep your hands off of can get more germ-infested than a toilet in a subway bathroom. In fact, the glass touchscreens on mobile devices are so good at spreading viruses that sharing them may be almost as bad as sneezing in someone’s face. Here’s a scary thought: All those germs land right on your cheek and jawline every time you chat away, causing pimples and irritation. To keep your phone (and face) bacteria-free, wipe it down with an antibacterial wipe like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes a few times a day.

Put your skin stash in proper order.

The sequence in which you apply your products could be even more important than the products themselves. Reach for those with the most active ingredients as soon as you wash and pat skin dry. These are the most powerful, so you want them to come into direct contact with your skin. If you’re using more than one active product (like an antioxidant serum and Retin-A), start with the thinner one. Anything that’s water soluble should go first, followed by the product that’s thicker and creamier. If you do it in reverse, the heavier cream will block the ingredients of the lighter one from penetrating the skin, so they won’t have any impact. If you need moisturizer, it’s next up in line, followed up by—what else?—sunscreen each morning.