Sunlight, cold weather, and dry air can damage the skin's texture, making it rough and dry. Making some changes to your daily routine and lifestyle can soften and tighten your skin over time. Read on for methods you can use to get the glowing, healthy skin you want.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Daily Skin Care
Step 1. Scrub dry skin every day
Dry scrubbing is an ancient exfoliating technique that aims to remove dead skin and stimulate circulation. Scrubbing your skin every day will make your skin look brighter and if you continue to do this routine, your skin will start to look radiant.
- Choose a brush made of natural fibers, not one made of plastic bristles. The natural bristles of the brush do not feel harsh when rubbed against the skin.
- Scrub your body in short, steady motions starting from the outside of your feet and hands toward your chest. Brush your legs, body, and arms. Use a softer, smaller brush to scrub your face.
- Always scrub dry skin and brush dry. Rubbing the skin wet will not produce the same effect.
Step 2. Flush the body with cold water
Rinse the skin with cold water, not hot water. If you're not too comfortable using cold water, try using lukewarm water and then gradually using colder water. Hot water is harsh on the skin and causes the skin to become dry and stiff, while cold water will tighten the skin.
- In general, it's best to shower once a day for about 10 minutes. Bathing longer than that can dry out your skin.
- When washing your face, wash it with cold water, not hot water.
- Use hot water for other purposes. Hot water is good for the soul, but not for the skin.
Step 3. Exfoliate in the shower
You can use a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating glove to scrub your skin while showering. You can also use a body scrub. Gently rub the washcloth over the entire surface of the skin. Instead, use separate washcloths for the face and body.
Be sure to clean this appliance regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Bacteria can cause breakouts and make your skin texture look rough
Step 4. Don't use too much soap
Commercial body cleansers and exfoliants, such as bar soap, contain detergents that can dry out the skin and leave a residue that makes the skin look dull. Use soap made from natural oils or do not need to use soap, and use only water.
Try to only soap areas of the body that are often dirty or sweaty, such as the soles of the feet, around the genitals, and armpits. For dry areas of the body like elbows, shins, and arms, all you need is water
Step 5. Moisturize skin
After bathing, immediately dry the body, apply lotion or moisturizer to the skin to lock in moisture and protect the skin from dry air throughout the day. Try some of the following moisturizers for glowing and healthy skin:
- Coconut oil. This sweet-scented substance will absorb into the skin and give it a beautiful glow.
- Shea butter. This moisturizer is good for sensitive facial skin. You can also apply this moisturizer on your lips.
- Lanolin. Sheep produce lanolin to keep their wool soft and dry and serve as an excellent defense against cold winter air.
- Olive oil. For those occasions when your skin needs a deep-conditioning treatment, rub olive oil all over your body and let it soak into your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Lotions containing lactic acid are available at drugstores. This lotion makes dry, flaky skin feel supple and soft.
Step 6. Use treatments according to your skin type
Some people have dry and cracked skin, some have oily skin, and some have combination skin. Know which areas of your skin require special care and make sure your daily routine includes these.
- Treat acne either on the face or body with extra care. Avoid scrubbing your face with acne and don't use harsh soaps or chemicals that can make your skin worse.
- Eczema, rosacea (skin inflammation), and other problems associated with dry skin should be handled with care. Use products that do not irritate the skin and if necessary consult a doctor for a prescription for skin care.
Method 2 of 3: Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Start exercising regularly
Exercise can tighten the skin and increase circulation. Exercise also improves overall health, which is evident in the state of the skin. Incorporate the following types of exercise into your routine three or more times per week:
- Cardio exercises such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming. These exercise exercises pump blood flow and make the skin look healthy.
- Weight training with barbells. Strengthening the muscles of the body will tighten the skin, making it look smoother.
- Yoga and flexibility exercises. Exercises like this can tone your muscles and make your skin look firmer.
Step 2. Eat a balanced diet
When you're not getting the nutrients you need, it shows on your skin. Get glowing skin by eating fruits, vegetables, lean protein foods, and whole grains. Eat skin-healthy foods including the following:
- Avocado and nuts. These foods contain healthy fats that the skin needs to maintain its elasticity.
- Vegetables and fruit are rich in nutrients. Focus on vegetables and fruits that contain vitamins A, E, and C, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, and blueberries.
Step 3. Drink plenty of water
Water can enlarge skin cells and make skin look fresh and bright. When you are dehydrated, your skin will dry out. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin healthy. If you don't like drinking water, these options will also keep you hydrated:
- Fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water such as cucumbers, lettuce, apples, and various berries.
- Herbal teas and other types of tea that do not contain caffeine.
- Try drinking a glass of sparkling water with lemon juice as an alternative to a refreshing drink.
- If you don't like drinking plain water, try making infused water by soaking fruits or spices in the water you are going to drink.
Step 4. Avoid substances that are harsh on the skin
No matter how disciplined you are in your daily skin care routine, consuming such substances will hinder your dream of getting beautiful skin. Limit or stop substances that damage the skin altogether:
- Tobacco. Tobacco stains the skin and causes premature wrinkling. When it comes to things that damage the skin, tobacco is the worst culprit.
- Alcohol. Consuming too much alcohol can cause sagging skin, especially around and under the eyes, as it causes the body to retain water. Limit alcohol consumption to one or two servings several times per week.
- Caffeine. Consuming too many caffeinated drinks will cause the body to become dehydrated, so that it is bad for the skin. Limit coffee consumption to one cup per day and continue to drink one large glass of water.
Method 3 of 3: Starting a Habit to Keep Skin from Dull
Step 1. Use sunscreen every day
Sun exposure can temporarily tan your skin, but it can damage your skin in the long run. Allowing your skin to burn or tan during the summer can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and possibly skin cancer.
- Put sunscreen on your face before leaving the house, even in cold weather.
- Use sunscreen on your neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and other areas of skin that are prone to sun exposure. When wearing shorts or going to the beach, make sure you put sunscreen on your knees too.
Step 2. Don't wear makeup while sleeping
Leaving makeup on your face overnight can damage your skin, because you allow the chemicals to soak into your skin all night long. In the morning, your skin has completely absorbed the makeup and it may be getting worse. Use a makeup remover and rinse off the residue with cold or lukewarm water every night before going to bed.
- Don't rub your face with makeup on, as this can irritate and damage your skin. Use a good makeup remover and pat dry by patting your face with a towel.
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Try the following ways to remove eye makeup: Wipe the eyelashes and the area around the eyes with a cotton bud that has been spiked with Vaseline. The makeup will be removed immediately. Wash your face with any remaining Vaseline when you're done.
Step 3. Protect the skin from harsh elements
Hardened skin is the result of exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and harsh materials. Keep skin soft and sensitive with the following precautions:
- Wear gloves during cold weather to keep your hands from cracking. Protect your body with appropriate warm clothing.
- Wear gloves when cleaning with strong chemicals.
- Protect the skin from callus (calluses) by using knee protectors, thick work clothes, and proper safety equipment when working in tough conditions.
Tips
- Use lotion every day.
- Wash your face morning and night for two minutes with cold water.
- Don't sleep with makeup still on your face.