As I entered middle school, skincare became my personal nightmare. I blossomed into blemishes and acne—and only exacerbated the problem by caking my face with foundation.
To be fair, even as I entered my 20s I didn’t have the best skincare habits. And the issues I faced (no pun intended) made me embarrassed to show my skin. I’d cover my chin with my hand when I met my friends for coffee or styled my hair to fall over my cheeks to hide any redness and blemishes.
I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way. Oddly enough, the pandemic was the beginning of my journey to clear skin. Without an office to go to, and a new stage of life that came with moving across the country, I suddenly had more time to play with skincare products. And now that my skin is clear, supple, and beautiful, I’ll never go back to my old habits.
Here are my five top tips to glowing skin.
I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen that a consistent routine with products you enjoy is key to healthy-looking skin. I’ve always been a fan of a good exfoliating face scrub—even before I started daily skincare. It removes dead skin and particles from your face to leave a smooth, fresh surface. I’ve incorporated GHK-Cu peptides into my routine for their rejuvenating properties.
Find a cleanser you like and use it both morning and night—I use one formulated specifically for oily skin, but you can find all types to suit you best (oily, dry/sensitive, or combination). Follow up your cleanse with any other toners, serums, or skin-loving treatments you adore. And seal it all in with the final step—moisturiser.
Turn your skincare experience into time you look forward to and anticipate. Think of it as a few minutes of self-care, self-indulgence, and luxury—even a simple facial oil in a snazzy bottle or a luxuriously skin-drenching sheet mask can elevate your skincare game and make you feel like royalty.
And remember consistency is key—morning and night.
An investment in good, healthy food is an investment in your appearance. Studies have shown processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can actually lead to skin damage—or at the very least, they won’t help keep your skin clear. Many clean foods that are good for your face support your overall health, too. So next time you’re at the grocery store, add some of these tasty ingredients to your basket:
Another life-changing step for me. About a year ago, I moved to a drier climate where I had to drink water to feel good. When the very air you breathe dehydrates you, water is definitely a must! So after buying several water bottles and habitually sipping, I’ve noticed the extra hydration has helped my skin stay clearer and glow brighter.
Not only does ample water help keep your skin moisturised, it also helps to flush out toxins, maintain your skin’s pH balance, aid elasticity, and prevent blemishes. And hydration’s skin benefits are a mere bonus when you look at all water does for your body.
If you’re not a big water-drinker, infuse your beverage with fruits or vegetables for a boost of flavour. And carry a reusable water bottle with you so you’ll always have H2O on hand.
Some skin conditions aren’t fixed so easily. Many times, genetics or other medical factors may affect your skin. If your skin needs a little more TLC than skincare, water, and a clean diet can remedy, consult your health care provider or dermatologist for advice. They can point you in the right direction to give your skin the nurturing it needs.
Life’s too short to feel self-conscious about your skin. No matter what your skin looks like, don’t let it hold you back from new experiences or enjoying your favourite activities. Get out of your comfort zone, flash your stunning smile to the world, and own the space you’re in.
The journey to clear skin is exciting and empowering—and once you start, you may even see a difference within mere days (I know I did!). Healthy-looking skin is within reach. And with a little motivation, planning, and consistency, you’ll be showing off your new glow in no time.