Many people mistakenly assume that a skincare regimen must be complicated to be effective. The truth is, simpler is often better when it comes to taking care of yourself and getting that healthy glow. Here are our top tips for keeping up with an at-home beauty routine.
Wash Your Face Twice a Day
When you wake up and before you go to sleep, cleanse your face with a gentle face wash – not regular bar soap, which can be drying. It might take a bit of trial and error to find a facial cleanser that suits your skin best, especially if you have combination or breakout-prone skin. Be sure to choose an oil-free product, and if you wear makeup, remove it thoroughly before you go to bed, no matter how tired you are.
Use Moisturizers
Moisture is a must for healthy, youthful skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face and patting it dry. For best results, use smooth, upward strokes, and don’t neglect your neck! For daytime, we recommend using a lightweight moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, and at night, you can apply a slightly richer, heavier cream to deliver continuous hydration while you sleep. If you’re prone to dark circles under your eyes, you may also wish to supplement your nighttime moisturizer with a specially formulated eye cream to combat premature aging in the delicate skin around your eyes.
Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation is your secret weapon in the battle against dull, tired-looking skin. However, exfoliating too often is a no-no, because it can cause irritation, breakouts, and redness. Over-exfoliating can also slow the natural cell turnover of your skin, which can lead to accelerated aging. For best results, exfoliate no more than two to three times per week, or less, if you have sensitive skin.
Stay Hydrated
For optimal overall health, it’s essential to drink water throughout the day. Avoid sugary, caffeinated beverages, which can leave you dehydrated and make your skin more prone to breakouts. When you wake up, drink a full glass of water to replenish the hydration you lost overnight and continue to keep H2O on hand throughout the day. For a nutritional bonus, you can also get hydrated by eating water-rich foods like lettuce, melons, and cucumbers.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
A full night’s sleep is vital if you want to look and feel your best every day. Your body revitalizes and repairs itself while you sleep, which is why you should always strive to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Ideally, it would help if you got into a routine of going to bed and waking up at consistent times, even on weekends and holidays.
Use Top-Quality Skin Care Products
At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer a full line of effective, medical-grade skin care products for all skin types. Regardless of your concern, you can address it with VCPS Neos products. If you’re seeking a customized solution for your skin, contact us today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.