Posted October 06, 2015 in Blog
They say the best things come to those who wait. But some things, like monstrous pimples, can really test your patience if you’ve got to look your best for an event. The good news is that Daily Makeover recently compiled a list of tips for clearer skin in a month or less. We couldn’t wait to share a few of our favorites with you (plus add some of our own)!
1. GET RID OF BACTERIA…YOUR SKIN’S ULTIMATE NEMESIS
One of the biggest contributors to oily, acne-prone skin is bacteria. Did you know that you are likely exposing your skin to bacteria on a daily basis? Interacting with common items and indulging in a few bad habits may be contributing to your clogged pores. Here are some ways to improve skin quickly by getting rid of the germs.
For starters, keep your hands off your face! Fingers touch many things on a day-to-day basis, picking up bacteria along the way. One of the items your fingers touch most is your phone—which in turn is likely loaded with germs. Yuck! To minimize bacteria transfer from your phone to your face, make sure you regularly swab it with an alcohol wipe.
But you’re not in the clear just yet! It’s not just during the day that you’re exposing yourself to bacteria—it also happens while you sleep. In order to prevent bacteria seeping into your pores each night, make sure you go to bed with clean skin and wash your pillowcase at least once a week.
2. BREAKUP WITH YOUR MAKEUP
Do you pay attention to the makeup you use on a regular basis? If your skin is prone to acne, get makeup that treats as well as covers, otherwise toss it! It’s also important to check expiration dates and avoid using the same products for too long. Open bottles, pots, and tubes can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Don’t forget to clean off your makeup brushes at least once a week, as bacteria can build up and spread to your face. The main rule: never go to bed without taking your makeup off.
3. FINDING THE PERFECT CLEANSER
Not all cleansers are created equally. Some strip you of your natural oils, leaving your skin overdry and unhappy; others provide too much moisture and lead to congested skin. We recommend choosing a cleanser with salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skins cells while shrinking the appearance of pores, and following with a good moisturizer to avoid drying out your skin. If you wash your face in the shower, make sure you wash your hair first, as shampoo and conditioner residue can irritate your skin.
4. TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL
It’s can be hard to keep track of all the things you should or shouldn’t be doing to your skin. Many folks are unsure how to properly treat their skin, and the root of the problem may be more extensive than simply changing up your cleanser. A qualified skincare professional can offer tips, tricks, and recommendations during a personalized skin evaluation and consultation—and you could walk away with clearer, healthier, and more radiant skin after just a few sessions. Treatments as simple as a facial to freshen your skin or something more comprehensive like a chemical peel could be the ultimate answer to your quest for clear skin.