OUR SECRET
CONFESSIONS:
"Look
at that girl, isn’t she beautiful and her skin, oh! She has that perfect skin.
Can’t I have a skin like her?"
Do thoughts like these make you jealous?
Everyone wants to grab that attention and look their best. But, thanks to our stressful lives, faulty eating habits, pollution and
most of all our lethargy, we neglect to take care of ourselves. A healthy skin
and perfect radiance tops the wish list of every woman irrespective of her age
and profession.
here we have the whole 30 must-dos to sole the problem of HOW TO GET PERFECT SKIN like her!
1. Slather
on the sunscreen. We know, we know—you've heard it a million times, but
wearing sunscreen is the single easiest way to look younger for life.
"Ninety percent of wrinkles are from sun exposure," says Day.
"It's so much easier to prevent the damage than it is to fix it
afterwards." That means no slacking during winter months either, when rays
are just as strong and can reflect off of buildings and sidewalks. Look for a
formula that offers broad-spectrum protection to guard against UVA rays (the
ones that cause premature aging) and UVB rays (one of the main causes of skin cancer). Try Philosophy Shelter Broad Spectrum Sunscreen in SPF30.
2. Clean your makeup brushes. A British study found that 72% of
women never wash their brushes or sponges, even though they harbor dirt and
bacteria which can cause breakouts. "You should wash loose powder brushes
every two to three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week,"
says Jessica Wu, an LA-based dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face. Mix a
couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo and lukewarm water in a
cup, swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay
flat to air dry.
3.
Munch on mixed nuts. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, which increases skin
elasticity and may decrease skin cancer, according to recent studies. Throw in
walnuts—which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids—to lower inflammation and put
the brakes on breakouts, says Molly Morgan, Board Certified Sports Specialist
Dietitian and author of The Skinny Rules. Finally, add some macadamias.
"They're full of high quality oils and fatty acids that aid in skin repair
and rejuvenation" says integrative practitioner Isaac Eliaz. Aim for a
handful of each daily to reap their pore-perfecting benefits.
4. Start using serum. "It's much more concentrated
than cream or lotion, so you tend to only need a small amount daily to see
results," says Fran Cook-Bolden, Director of New York's Skin Specialty
Dermatology. Look for one with antioxidants, the skin's major defense against
free radicals and stress, and pentapeptides, which are a must-have when it
comes to boosting collagen, the support structure that gives skin a firm,
youthful appearance. Don't worry about spending a fortune on the ingredients;
one of Cook-Bolden's favorites is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum, a
sheer formula whose small molecules can dive deep into pores. For best results,
apply to freshly washed skin; follow with sunscreen or moisturizer to lock in
hydration.
5. Sanitize your Smartphone. According to a Stanford University
study, that iPhone you can't keep your hands off of can get more germ-infested
than a toilet in a subway bathroom. In fact, the glass touchscreens on mobile
devices are so good at spreading viruses that sharing them may be almost as bad
as sneezing in someone's face. Here's a scary thought: All those germs land
right on your cheek and jawline every time you chat away, causing pimples and
irritation. To keep your phone (and face) bacteria-free, wipe it down with an
antibacterial wipe like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes a few times a day.
6. Put your skin stash in proper order. The sequence in which you apply
your products could be even more important than the products themselves. Reach
for those with the most active ingredients as soon as you wash and pat skin
dry. "These are the most powerful, so you want them to come into direct
contact with your skin," says Syed Amiry, a dermatologist practicing in
Reston, Virginia. If you're using more than one active product (like an
antioxidant serum and Retin-A), start with the thinner one. "Anything
that's water soluble should go first, followed by the product that's thicker
and creamier. If you do it in reverse, the heavier cream will block the
ingredients of the lighter one from penetrating the skin, so they won't have
any impact." If you need moisturizer, it's next up in line, followed up
by—what else?—sunscreen each morning.
7. Drop dairy from your diet (even that little bit in your
latte). "Dairy products—even those that are organic—contain
cow hormones that stimulate your oil glands and your pores, leading to
acne," explains Wu. Beware of hidden dairy in foods like salad dressing,
protein bars, and shakes. And if you have to go there, stick to skim. "The
hormones are concentrated in the fat, so it's your best option."
8. Start using retinol. "Everyone should use
retinol," says New York dermatologist Doris Day. "It has decades of
clinical data to support its efficacy, helps skin cell turnover, and boosts
collagen production to keep skin firm and youthful." Most dermatologists
agree that if you're only going to use one anti-aging product, prescription
Retin-A (and even over-the-counter versions like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep
Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 or Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment) is the
magic bullet, and can even reverse abnormal and cancerous growth, among other
forms of sun damage. "It has great anti-inflammatory effects, which is why
it's as effective at treating acne as it is at treating wrinkles and other
signs of aging," adds Amiry.
9. Hit the sack early. We know, you've heard it all
before, but it's called beauty sleep for a reason. "Sleep deprivation
lowers circulation, which is why you look pale and washed out if you only get a
few hours," says Amy Wechsler, one of only two U.S. physicians board-certified
in both dermatology and psychiatry. It's also the best time to rejuvenate your
skin. "Your body's cellular renewal team has the night shift, so this is
when you want to equip your skin with as many nutrients and hydrating
ingredients it needs to do a fine job,".
10. Exfoliate for smaller-looking pores. It's amazing how something so tiny
can feel so huge, but enlarged pores are one of the most common beauty
complaints. "Pores appear larger when they're filled with dirt, oil, dead
skin cells, and keratin, a protein that lives on the surface of skin,"
explains Amiry. "Remove those plugs, and they seem to shrink." To
clear out the gunk, start exfoliating regularly with daily applications of
salicylic and glycolic acid, like those in Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment
Gel. Then add in microdermabrasions (like Physicians Formula Derm@Home Mineral
Microdermabrasion System) once or twice a week to clear the dead surface cells.
To keep pores from getting even bigger as you age, practice safe sun. "Sun
damage breaks down collagen, which can affect pore size as well."
11. Give your skin a sip of merlot. Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant
and polyphenol found in red grape skins, has been found to prevent the lines,
wrinkles, and sagging caused by environmental skin saboteurs like smog and
second-hand smoke. "In many preparations, it's an even more powerful
antioxidant than vitamin C, and studies show it creates mild-to-moderate skin
tightening for a firmer look," says board certified dermatologist and research
scientist Erin Gilbert. Apply a small pump of B. Kamins C-Resveratrol Serum
each night to plump up lines and smooth skin texture.
12. Don't neglect your neck and chest. Most of us are guilty of stopping
our skincare routine as soon as we hit our chin. And our neglected neck and
chest take vengeance by wrinkling, sagging, and displaying dark spots that beg
to be hidden by a turtleneck. "The skin on these areas is thinner, and
doesn't have a strong blood supply, so it doesn't heal well," explains
Amiry. "Plus it's an area that we often forget to protect with
sunscreen." Use the same products as you would on your face, but start
lightly (every other day) when applying active ingredients like retinols or
acids since they may cause some initial irritation.
13. Strip off your makeup before bed. Leaving makeup and dirt on skin
doesn't just clog pores; it can cause excessive dryness and even skin dandruff.
"Most makeup contains a sugar-type molecule that can grow yeast
overnight," says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, assistant clinical professor
of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Don't forget to thoroughly remove
eye makeup too. "It can lead to bumpy rashes around the eyes or small
white bumps called milia cysts," says Wu, who loves Neutrogena Oil Free Eye
Makeup Remover, a gentle, oil-free cleanser that even melts away waterproof
liner and mascara.
14. Running low on sleep? Pick up some soy milk. Wu keeps a carton in her fridge at
all times to "fake a good night's sleep." The natural
anti-inflammatory reduces swelling while soy proteins hydrate skin to soften
the look of crow's feet. The cold temperature helps shrink swelling and
constricts veins to make eyes look less bloodshot. To make soothing,
redness-busting compresses, pour a small amount of soy milk in a bowl, dunk two
cotton balls, and squeeze out the excess. Then hold the cotton balls over your
eyes (or any other area where you have red or irritated skin) for five minutes.
15. Roll away your puffy eyes this morning. "Fluid fills up under our eyes
each night because we're lying down," says dermatological surgeon Anne
Chapas. Start by sleeping on two pillows to elevate the face. In the morning,
massage away the excess fluid with the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew
Anti-Puff Eye Roller, which manually pushes out fluid. To reduce dark shadows,
use your ring finger to lightly tap Origins GinZing Eye Cream, which contains
caffeine, onto the delicate area. "Caffeine constricts vessels to minimize
leaking, which causes the darkening, while titanium dioxide, mica, and iron
oxides reflect light away to brighten."
16. Stay out of hot water. A steamy shower may feel great, but
it's one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Not only does the heat
strip essential oils, but it creates a mild burn. Blood vessels respond by
dilating in an effort to cool the skin, causing flushing and ruddiness.
"When you're in your twenties, you can take a hot shower, be red &
swollen and recover in an hour, but in your thirties, it may take 2
hours," says Alexiades-Armenakas. "By your forties, your skin just
doesn't have the ability to shrink back to its original state so you stay ruddy
all the time."
17. Don't wait to moisturize. Most creams and lotions have key
ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock
in moisture, but because skin cools itself by evaporating water, you only have
a few minutes before that hydration is gone forever. Slather on a moisturizer
with dimethicone, a form of silicone, while your face is still damp.
Alexiades-Armenakas' research shows that it locks in moisture for up to 24
hours, plumping and improving the appearance of fine lines as skin drinks up
the moisture (like the difference between a raisin and a grape). Try NIA24 Skin
Strengthening Complex.
18. Be extra gentle when defuzzing your face. Waxing and tweezing can cause
scarring or spots, especially for women with darker skin. Prep your skin before
hair removal by washing the area with an antibacterial wash, suggests
Cook-Bolden. And to avoid discoloration, make sure to have an aftercare plan
that includes anti-inflammatory ingredients to quickly calm skin and help it
heal. Cook-Bolden recommends a dab of Avène Cicalfate Restorative Cream
immediately after hair removal, and for a few days afterward. "Investing in
this type of product will save you money in the long run since preventing
discoloration costs a lot less than trying to get rid of it."
19. Snack on watermelon. Adding a lycopene-rich food, such
as this juicy pink treat, "helps reduce damage and redness caused from sun
exposure, prevents future wrinkling and possibly even lowers skin cancer
risk," says Elizabeth Somer, nutritionist and author of Eat Your Way to
Sexy. Aim for one cup each day by tossing it in salads, salsas, and smoothies.
Or try her recipe for refreshing ice cubes: Purée watermelon, sweeten with
concentrated apple juice, pour into an ice tray, and freeze. Then add cubes to
water or club soda for a refreshing, skin-saving mocktail.
20. Exfoliate… without scrubbing. "Over time, the natural
enzymes in your skin work less effectively at removing dead skin cells, so they
hang on and prevent your skin from reflecting light," says Wechsler. The
result? You look ashy and gray. Speed up your skin's cellular turnover and
smooth its surface with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic or lactic acid.
But beware: Although lots of products include AHAs, the concentration is often
too low to do much. "Look at the label to see how much it contains and
pick one that's around 8%. Anything more is too much." Expect some initial
stinging at first; it should subside as your skin gets used to it.
21. Slip on your sunglasses. As if you need another reason to
buy a new pair of sunglasses, turns out they provide more protection against
undereye wrinkling and aging than sunscreen. "While your eyes are equipped
to handle sunlight, the area around them is comprised of the thinnest skin,
where most of the signs of aging are," says Amiry. "Every time you
squint from bright light, you're creating lines from that repeat
movement." To keep the wrinkles away, choose a pair of polarized glasses
that's wide enough to fully cover the eye area.
22. Drink an extra glass of water. "Water helps clear the toxins
that cause inflammation and blemishes," explains Eliaz. "It also
assists in transporting nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, and preventing
dehydration, which can cause premature aging." It can even make skin
appear fuller since the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in skin will pull
in and hold the water for a wrinkle-plumping effect, according to Day. Both
recommend at least 8 glasses of water each day, more if you're active or live
in a warm climate. To add a little flavor, try a skin-soothing tea like chamomile
or mint.
23. Pour yourself a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast. If your skin has a case of the
blahs, a lack of zinc may be to blame. "People who are trying to lose
weight or eating a lot of processed foods might not be getting enough zinc to
keep their skin glowing," says Wechsler. And since zinc helps repair
damaged tissues and heal wounds, it also helps clear acne and other irritating
skin conditions. A cup of Cheerios has 25 percent of the daily recommended
value of the powerhouse nutrient, which will get you well on your way to a
clear complexion.
24. Be patient with your products. We're all in a hurry to see
results, but putting on the brakes can ensure that the results you get are
positive. When you're starting a new product, use it every other day, and never
try a few new buys at once. "Even if you just got a new skincare system,
introduce one product every three to four days at the least," says
Cook-Bolden. "You'll rarely experience dryness, irritation, and burning.
And if you do, you'll know right away who the culprit is." Give any new
potion at least 12 weeks (and up to 6 months) to see if it's really improving
your skin before calling it quits.
25. Put down the French fries. Research shows that a diet high in
fats and carbohydrates causes more wrinkles. "Creamy cheeses and red meats
are actually known as aging fats because of what they do to our skin,"
says Wechsler. To keep your cells revved up and rejuvenated, stick to lean
protein like fish, white meat poultry, tofu, beans, and lentils.
26. Don't forget your veggies. Look for an anti-aging cream that
has plant-derived antioxidants such as mushroom or soy. Data from
Alexiades-Armenakas' lab shows that the level of antioxidant-free radical
scavenging (i.e. the little warriors that fight off all of the bad stuff that
causes premature aging) with plant-derived antioxidants is off the charts.
"Plants have anti-cancer properties when we eat them, which means they
survive the digestive process," she says. "Think of what that that
means for their long-lasting powerful benefits when applied directly to the
skin." Try Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced
Face Serum.
27.
Eat your broccoli. Move over, oranges. "Just a
half cup of raw broccoli is loaded with 65 percent of your daily value of
vitamin C," says Morgan. Research shows that vitamin C-rich foods not only
mop up the free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging, but can help remove
the DNA damage they form. While you're reaping the wound-healing and
skin-protecting benefits of eating more vitamin C, try smoothing some on your
skin as well. In one study, women who treated sun-damaged skin with a vitamin C
cream for 6 months saw significant improvement in fine lines and discoloration.
28. Keep your hands off your face. "Picking—even lightly—can permanently damage
skin," says Amiry. "I actually have patients whose skin cleared up
with no medications, just because they stopped touching it." Every time
you press against a pimple, it causes inflammation and distress to the skin. At
the same time, bacteria is pushed deep inside the pore, and the oil glands
burst, causing even more trauma. The result? More acne, plus discoloration and
scarring. If you're really hooked on popping, leave it to the pros and schedule
regular monthly extractions with an aesthetician who knows how to do them
safely and gently.
29.
Whip up a berry tasty treat for your skin.
A powerful (cheap!) anti-aging potion is lurking right in your fridge.
Raspberries are loaded with ellagic acid, an antioxidant that research shows
can prevent wrinkles when applied to the skin. "It protects the collagen
that keeps skin plump and beautiful from being worn down by the sun," says
Wu. Add in honey, a natural humectant that holds water against the skin for
maximum moisture, and you've got a recipe for gorgeous, dewey skin. Mash up a
handful of raspberries with a spoonful of honey, and apply the mask to clean
skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
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