Taking your care of your face should never feel like a big deal. However, if you think that washing your face with a bar soap then scrubbing it dry will help you get a clear, younger-looking face, then you are totally mistaken.
Creating a daily skincare routine especially for your face will prevent breakouts, sunburns and keep acne at bay. Hydrating and moisturizing your skin will leave you not only looking good but also feeling great.
Here are tips to achieve a glowing younger skin.
Cleanse Your Skin
Make it a habit to cleanse your face daily. This helps to deep clean and remove dirt and oil clogged in the pores that could cause acne and blemishes.
Don’t use just any bar of body soap as it can irritate your skin causing it to flake and dry out. Get an appropriate cleanser depending on your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry or ‘normal’ skin. If your skin is sensitive, choose a mild cleanser specifically made for sensitive skin.
Cleanse your face with warm or cool water only once a day, washing often can dry out and damage your skin. It could be in the morning or evening but the evening is most preferred as you tend to come into contact with germs and bacteria during your day’s activities. If you have to freshen up in between, splash water on your face gently without using a cleanser.
After cleansing, pat your skin dry to prevent loosening and eventual sagging caused by scrubbing with a towel over time.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliate your face at least once or twice per month to remove dead skin, dirt, and oil that may be trapped on the surface of the skin and which may have escaped your regular cleansing.
Exfoliation leaves your skin healthier, clearer and brighter. When done before shaving, it helps to soften your skin and hair making it easier for a smoother and closer shave with less irritation. For those on acne treatment, it’s best to avoid exfoliating as it can worsen the problem.
As with a cleanser, choose an exfoliating product specifically formulated for your skin type. There are two types of exfoliation methods;
- Chemical exfoliation:
This method is more aggressive as it uses chemicals; alpha and beta hydroxyl acids to dissolve dead skin cells. It’s best for people with oily skin.
- Physical exfoliation:
This method uses scrubs, brushes, and washcloths to remove the dead skin physically. You may buy the scrub or make one in the house using sea salt or oatmeal as it contains granules that scrap off the dead skin. When using this method, rub the scrub in a gentle circular motion then rinse with warm water afterward. It’s the best option if your skin is dry.
Since exfoliation tends to dry out your skin, it’s important to hydrate and moisturize thereafter.
Moisturize
Most men just wash and go, literally. However, it’s important to apply a moisturizer every time you wash or exfoliate your face. This makes your skin more appealing and kissable. It also helps in soothing a dry and flaky skin and retaining its elasticity, as well as delaying aging.
Be sure to use a moisturizer, it could be a cream or light oil specially made for the face as body lotions contain oils that could cause breakouts. A moisturizer containing sunscreen is an even better option.
Again, choose a moisturizer meant for your skin type by looking at the label on the bottle. If you have a dry skin, a moisturizer containing lanolin, olive oil or shea butter is preferable. For oily skin, use one whose ingredients are light. Don’t forget to moisturize your lips are they are prone to drying and eventual cracking.
To moisturize after a shave, use one that can soothe the aftershave irritation.
Use Sunscreen
Using a sunscreen when going out can never be overemphasized. This is because the facial skin is light and can easily get damaged when exposed to the sun over time. Even during winter and cloudy days, you need to apply some sunscreen to ensure a healthy and youthful skin.
Apply the sunscreen generously 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply immediately after swimming or engaging in an activity that triggers sweating.
When choosing a sunscreen;
Ensure that it has an SPF of 30 and above. This provides more protection from the UV rays.
Get a sunscreen with a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.
Don’t sleep with your sunscreen on. It may contain ingredients that can cause breakouts if left overnight.
Finally
Your skin care routine should be consistent in order to maintain that enviable look. Ensure that your diet is balanced and you are properly hydrated as these play an important role in ensuring a youthful appearance.
