We all want healthy and radiant skin, and we can all have healthy and radiant skin! Life may not be perfect, but I believe our skin can be. The healthier our skin is, the less amount of makeup we will feel obliged to use, and the better our skin will be when we are older. As a daughter of a mother who has a passion for anything skincare-related, below are five simple tips that my mother has instilled in me and that you should instill in yourself and others!
1. If you have sensitive skin, try to refrain from using facial cleansers that contain parabens.
Parabens are chemicals found in many products you use- such as shampoo, deodorant, lotions, etc. Although the main function (preventing bacterial growth) of parabens is essentially beneficial, it can cause irritation. I have sensitive skin and love La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser. Not only is this product paraben-free, but is has a milky texture to it that I absolutely love. I love this product because my skin does not feel tight after using it, and it is even gentle enough to use around my eyes. It does an excellent job of removing makeup completely and will leave your skin feeling hydrated and clean. You can buy this product at CVS for only $23.99.
2. Before washing your face with your cleanser, use makeup wipes.
I get it, sometimes you are so exhausted that you have no energy to take your makeup off with wipes and proceed to wash your face with your cleanser. But even as someone who uses a minimal amount of makeup, I am never able to fully remove my makeup unless I use makeup wipes followed by a cleanser. I used to use Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, but switched and stuck to Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes 25 ct (Target for only $6.99). Unlike Neutrogena, I found that with Simple's wipes the area around my eyes does not redden while wiping. I also don't find them to be as oily as Neutrogena's wipes. A plus to using Simple's wipes is that they are very hydrating, due to the vitamins found, such as Vitamin B and E.
3. Carry a replenishing mist with you like it's your cellphone.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! As you go about your business throughout the day, your skin can become dehydrated (even if you applied a moisturizer in the morning). It is good to carry around a replenishing mist in your bag and spray your face with it whenever you feel dry, or even if you want to set in your makeup. I love Pratima's Ratrani Rose Replenishing Mist (only $20.00) because it contains oils of the Ratrani flower, which has a calming effect on your skin. Not only does this mist smell good, but I love using it whenever I am jet lagged and in need of some hydration.
4. To prevent breakouts and keep skin feeling softer than ever, moisturize your face while it is still wet from your replenishing mist.
My nightly skincare regimen consists of three steps: wash, spray (tone), and moisturize. After I wash my face, I spray it with Pratima's Ratrani Rose Replenishing Mist, and then moisturize it right away with Pratima's Botanical Moisture Cream ($36.00 -- excellent for all skin types). The reason why I moisturize while my face is wet is because it gives my skin double the hydration. Just remember: you will appear extra radiant if you consistently apply your moisturizer right after toning!5. Use cotton pads to dry your face.
It is tempting to just dry your face after you wash it with the towel that is conveniently hanging next to your sink. Even though it's convenient, and you may be lazy, don't do that. I guarantee you the towel you sometimes use has been used multiple times (whether for your body or hands), and, therefore, bacteria can spread (who wants that?). Also, a towel's material has a rough texture to it that can irritate/scratch your skin. Cotton face pads are great because they are gentle on your skin. Remember to pat gently when you dry your face with them. I sometimes use Swisspers Organic Cotton Rounds (Walmart for only $4.63).
