Skin Saving Secrets

There’s no magical route to a clear complexion, but with a little due diligence and a lot of preventative maintenance, you can keep your skin looking lovely for years to come.

Preserve your complexion with these easy tips:

Remove all makeup before bedtime. Makeup left on the skin can clog the pores—especially when a pillow rubs them deeper into the skin’s surface. If you’re too tired to go through your usual skincare routine, keep a box of makeup remover towelettes on hand to quickly wipe away cosmetics.

Wear sunscreen every day. A sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 is now considered ideal for the face and body, so upgrade your sunscreens if they fall short of that number. Don’t forget to reapply often—every couple of hours if you’re inactive, but more often if you’ve been sweating or swimming. And because sun damage accumulates over time, every little bit of exposure adds up. That means that you should wear sunscreen every day—even when you’re not planning to spend much time outdoors. And remember that UV rays penetrate through clouds, so application is just as important on overcast days.

Stop picking. Poking and prodding your face can cause damage over time, clogging pores and leaving small scars that can lead to visible dark spots and pock marks that are difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of. If there is something on your face that compels you to pick at, consult with a dermatologist immediately.

Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet will help keep the system clear, which in turn will help the skin look healthy and smooth. Consider eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on refined sugar products and foods high in fat. Take a multivitamin or supplements to round out your dietary needs.

Pick a regimen that fits your skin type. Not sure if you’re dry, oily, normal, or combination? Wash your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser, pat the skin dry, and wait for about 20 minutes before looking at yourself in the mirror. If your skin feels tight or looks flaky it’s dry, and if it looks a bit shiny, it’s oily. If you don’t see any dry or oily spots, your skin is considered normal. But if you see dry spots in some places and oily spots in others, your skin is combination. Once you’ve determined your skin type, seek out products that are specially formulated to address your concerns.

Also, bear in mind that our skin types can change from season to season or as we age. Many people, for example, have oilier skin in the summer as opposed to the winter, and it’s common for skin to become drier with age. So pay attention to differences and update your cleansers, moisturizers, and toners accordingly.