When it comes to skincare, the products and options seem limitless. Even more so today as we move through the trend of less make-up and a more natural glow. But, what products actually enhance and support that glow?
Take a peek online and you will find influencer after influencer promoting a variety of brands, creams, face washes, and more. But, be warned, that doesn't necessarily mean they are the best. Those influencers are sometimes cashing in on these various promotion opportunities.
The truth is, with the ingredients and practices used to create them, some of those products should never go near your skin cells. So, how do you sift through the many options to create a personalized routine that not only works but is also nourishing your skin? Here are 5 tips to consider:
Choose Experts Wisely
The best first step in choosing a new product for your face is looking at who recommends it. There is a difference between an influencer, a beauty guru, and a dermatologist. The best person to listen to is the dermatologist who has seen the effects of each ingredient on many different skin types. Remember, your skin is an important organ that deserves support. It’s in your best interest to carefully choose which expert you listen to.
Sensitivity
In a study by Dr. Miranda Firage, 60-70% of women reported having sensitive skin. While many women do have naturally sensitive skin, this is not always the case. Many of the products on the shelves today are advertised as exfoliants, taking off extra dead skin cells. The reality is usually much harsher, especially as more and more of these products are introduced into your routine. There is a difference between sensitive and sensitized skin. Overuse of these exfoliating products can lead to serious skin damage as too many layers are peeled off in the process. Be careful what you add to your routine and don’t overload on products with the same function.
SPF. SPF. SPF.
Cloudy or not, UV rays will find their way to your skin. Even by 20, your skin has seen a great deal of environmental stress, but it's not too late to start indulging in a protective barrier. You can easily check each day on your phone’s weather app what the UV index will be. If it’s not zero, make sure to add your favorite SPF to your skin. This doesn’t have to be a thick, white sunscreen, but can be a smooth and healthy choice. Avoid chemical-rich, pore-blocking sunscreens, and look for the presence of vitamin C and collagen.
Treat Your Inside as Good as the Outside
The reality of beautiful, healthy skin is that it starts much deeper in your body. Skin can often be a signifier for how things are running on the inside. While what we put on the skin is incredibly important, what we put inside is going to have a similar, if not greater, effect.
Think of it this way, preservatives are designed to prevent food from spoiling, not to be inside your body. In other words, junk foods and fake foods aren’t doing you any favors when it comes to achieving a natural glow. Rather, turn to whole foods like fresh strawberries, spinach, nuts, and quinoa to nourish your skin from the inside out and incorporate probiotics into your diet to help support your gut-skin axis.
Feed Your Skin
When you think about supplements, you probably imagine a capsule or powder. However, topical supplements do exist and they can be highly effective when it comes to caring for your skin.
Interested in putting one to the test? Check out Nutrabeautiful™ by New Earth. Nutrabeautiful is filled with antioxidants and vitamins, is super lightweight, fast-absorbing, and hydrating. It comes with amazing benefits like promoting soft and supple skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Unlike many other topicals, like lotions, creams, and serums, it’s a true supplement for your skin composed of highly nutritious ingredients including soothing aloe vera, moisturizing coconut oil, protecting jojoba oil, restoring rose, cleansing witch hazel, nourishing organic Wild Microalgae™, balancing rosemary, and rejuvenating neem.
When it comes down to it, buying the most expensive or most beautifully packaged skincare products might seem like the route to take, “if they can make this box so pretty, they can definitely make me look pretty!” This is just simple marketing though. The key to skincare is to look at the ingredients and keep it simple. You will have your skin for the rest of your life, it's never too late to begin treating your skin with the love and care it deserves.