We all want to have healthy, glowing skin, but living in a society where we are constantly being bombarded with seemingly endless new skincare products and advice makes it hard to find a skincare routine that works best for you. Growing up with acne and eczema in middle and high school really took a toll on my self-confidence. I tried multiple topical creams, medications, facewashes and diets, but still couldn’t get rid of it. We have all heard the basics like drinking enough water, getting 8 hours of sleep and eating a lot of vegetables, but I have compiled a couple of tried-and-true tips to help you out with your skin. Although I still struggle with these skin problems, I was able to develop a routine that worked for me, and I have compiled a list below of my top five skincare tips.
- See a dermatologist
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The first and most important step is to seek professional help. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in conditions involving the skin, and they can help identify and treat numerous issues you may be having. They have spent years studying these issues, so they will be able to identify your problems quickly and efficiently. They can also help you learn more about your own skin, for example, if you have oily, combination or dry skin. When I saw a dermatologist for my skin problems, they were able to prescribe medications for my specific issues, instead of me going to the drug store and trying a multitude of products that could’ve irritated my skin.
- Clean things that touch your face often
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Ever since the pandemic started and people started wearing masks around their faces, there has been a rise in facial acne. This is because people are wearing dirty masks with substances like oil, bacteria and dead skin cells that result in clogged pores. Acne can also be caused by dirty pillowcases or putting your phone screen against your cheek. This is why it is so critical to wipe your phone with a Lysol or other disinfected wipe a couple of times a week. Additionally, ensure you are washing your pillowcases and masks often. If you are going to be touching your face, ensure you wash your hands.
- Try minimizing dairy
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Although I won’t get into the scientific basis or reasoning behind cutting out milk and cheese, I have found doing these things has helped my acne significantly. You can read many articles online that get into the scientific details of why dairy and hormones can cause acne, but it doesn’t hurt trying to cut it out for a couple of weeks and seeing if you notice any differences. I would also recommend getting tested for being lactose intolerant, which I found out I was, and cutting dairy out helped my skin a lot.
- Let your skin breathe
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Much like masks, makeup and other skincare products can trap dirt and oil into your skin and clog your pores. Additionally, using too many products with fragrances, or using dirty makeup brushes on your skin can cause a lot of irritation. Try to take breaks from makeup or switch from heavy foundations to just some concealer and powder. Moreover, make sure you are removing your makeup properly and washing your face with a cleanser like Cerave or Cetaphil. Some makeup like mascara may need waterproof makeup remover to properly remove. Additionally, when you are taking showers, try to stay away from the scorching hot water. Instead, use room temperature water with a gentle soap like Dove so that you don’t irritate your skin.
- Be patient
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Dealing with acne and other skincare problems can be a huge headache, and it can also take a big toll on your self-esteem. It is important to remember these issues are normal and be patient when trying new products as they can take a while to work. Unfortunately, these things cannot be fixed overnight and expecting every product you buy to be a miracle worker for your skin will only leave you disappointed.
Overall, many teenagers and young adults deal with skincare issues. However, with some patience and help from professionals, you can improve the health of your skin.