- Increase the ‘healthy’ fats in your diet
A huge problem with the diet industry is the myth that all fats are bad for you. Thankfully this idea is slowly being challenged and the health benefits of certain fats are recognized now more than ever. Foods like nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocados, and olive oil contain healthy fats. Many of these healthy fat-containing foods have plenty of Vitamin E and other nutrients which are key for soft and radiant skin.
If like me, you aren’t a massive fan of seafood, you can supplement with these
- Go sugar-free
Sugar is a bad skin culprit that causes inflammation, which in turn can aggravate conditions like acne and psoriasis. Excess insulin production from sugary treats can also lead to increased oil production. Try banning it for a week and see the difference it makes. - Banish face wipes
We know face wipes are every lazy girl’s best friend after a long day, but reaching for them could be damaging the skin on your face. As well as smearing the dirt, oil, and makeup you’ve just removed from one part of your face onto another, the harsh cleansing chemicals they contain also strip and dehydrate your skin. Added to that, the dragging and scrubbing action as you pull them over your face also causes irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Need another reason to ditch ’em? – They’re also terrible for the environment as most of them don’t biodegrade. - Get enough sleep
Sleep is important for every area of your health but especially your skin. Ever notice that skincare’s most famous ‘wonder products’ are often overnight treatments? That’s because sleep is when the skin repairs and regenerates itself and your reward for getting enough will be glowing skin. Like water, the amount you need varies individually, but consistency is key. Just focus on going to bed and getting up at the same time, trust us, your body will tell you if you are getting enough or not. - Clean makeup brushes regularly
Ideally, thoroughly clean your makeup brushes once a week to make sure gunk isn’t accumulating. You don’t need a fancy brush cleanser, drugstore baby shampoo will do the trick. As if you didn’t know, clean makeup brushes also help you to get the best results with makeup application, and sees that they’ll last longer before needing to be replaced. - Figure out your skin type
Using the right products for your particular skin type is a no brainer, so stop impulse buying the latest hype product, and start paying more attention to your skin. For instance, if you have dull, dry skin, try to avoid foaming cleansers, harsh toners, and anything that will strip it of natural oils. If you have oily skin, avoid heavy creams and thicker formulations that will clog the skin. Your skin type can change throughout your life, so if your skin isn’t liking your usual routine it may be time to mix things up. If you don’t know where to start, many brands offer a free skincare consultation in stores. - Don’t continue to use products that are too harsh or irritate your skin
If your face doesn’t like something, it’ll let you know pretty fast, but by continuing to use irritating products such as peels that are too harsh, you could be damaging your skin. Don’t carry on using a product your skin doesn’t like just because it was expensive, or Youtubers are raving about it. Try to get your hands on some samples to try out new products before you invest, and always pay attention to what your skin is telling you.
RELATED: Sleep Well Tonight – 18 Tips to Help You Sleep Better Than Ever Before!
I use these products to keep mine clean
Eco Tools Brush Shampoo
Effective and eco-friendly? - We're seriously on board with this brilliant brush cleanser
Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat
A weirdly therapeutic way to clean your makeup brushes, rub the brushes over the plastic scrubby areas with your favorite brush cleaner
Makeup Brush Drying Tower
We're wondering how we lived without this handy bit of kit that gives a place for makeup brushes to thoroughly air dry.
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Expensive skincare is an awesome luxury. But if your bathroom is overflowing with skincare products and you still don’t have the results you want, it’ll pay to make sure you’ve got the basics covered.