How to: Start Taking Care of Your Skin

So, you’re at that age where you think you should start to take care of your skin and want to start using skin care products. Where do you start? What brand do you go to? What am I not supposed to do? Well I’ll tell you! I hope this post helps those who are just getting started and learning about the world of skin care. :)

• Get to know your skin type.

Before splashing any old product on your face, it is crucial to know your skin type to avoid reactions and breakouts. Putting the wrong thing on your face that isn’t meant for your skin type can also damage your skin and make it more sensitive and raw. I remember in high school when I was so down about pimples, I used the very popular Proactiv, only to find out it was way too harsh for me and left my skin raw, peeling and overall just plain miserable! Figure out your skin type by asking dermatologist or pharmacist, though it’s fairly easy to figure it out. You can also read my post How to Find Your Skin Type for help.

• A basic routine.

The basic routine products in skin care is a Cleanser and Moisturizer. Though some have a vigorous skin care routine that include up to 10 products, to start off you need a great cleanser and moisturizer. Start with this routine and you’ll have a great foundation for your skin care. I’m afraid that the only way to find products that work for you is through trial and error. After finding out your skin type, look at your local drugstore or department stores and ask the sales lady to help you find what is suitable for you. You can also  search online for recommendations and tips prior to seeking the sales lady’s help so you have a bit more information beforehand.

• The 2 month trial.

Every time you do start a new product, you should use it for 6-8 weeks, to really see if your skin and it just doesn’t match! I used to stop every time I would get a new zit; which is wrong – it doesn’t work that fast! Sometimes your skin needs to breakout really bad to get good again (did that makes sense?!). Stick it out for at least 1 month (2 is better) and then decide on it.

• Paws off!

Start resisting the temptation to pop those suckers early and you can avoid nasty scars. When you touch or squeeze your zitz, blemishes, whiteheads or blackheads you risk deep scars and prolonged stay of those pesky things. In the meantime, cover those monsters up.

• Sunscreen.

The best thing you can do for your skin is to wear sunscreen every time you go out. Especially if you are a beach lover (hello!) and love the sun. UV rays are the skin’s most destructive force – not only for the health reasons, but the sun accelerates aging and without sunscreen you can bet it won’t be long ’til wrinkles, sun spots, age spots and fine lines become your friends. Furthermore, sun exposure leaves a leathery feel to your skin. I really like this sunscreen and would highly recommend it. It’s raved about by magazine editors and dermatologists!

• You are what you eat.

I have to say that the whole ‘myth’ of your skin and food not having anything to do with each other is not true, at least for me and many others I’ve spoken to. I do find that if I overdo it with greasy pizzas, chips and Coke for a week, I start getting breakouts. My friend has a strict no fried food diet because everytime she has it, her skin will explode. Of course this is not for every one – I just have to say that I personally have found that your skin and the food you put in your mouth do have some sort of connection. Either way, fried food and greasy pizzas aren’t healthy, so try to keep it in moderation.

• Hard partying.

I cannot stress enough how much smoking, second-hand smoke and binge drinking on alcohol can affect your skin. In no way am I preaching – but really, smoking just isn’t cool anymore and it does way more harm than good. If not for the various health reasons, I wrote a post on the effects of smoking on your looks. Also, binge drinking isn’t really doing you any favors either. I know plenty of girls my age who look about 10 years older thanks to smoking and drinking alone. Seriously – I don’t want to judge, but I remember I saw two friends (who are party animals) earlier this year that I hadn’t seen in 6 months, and I couldn’t believe how much they have aged. They seriously looked 5 years older than when I last saw them. It was scary! If you do drink, don’t over do it and hydrate yourself with a lot of water after.

• Educate yourself!

For further reading, you can check out my post The Top 5 Ultimate Skin Care Tips.

Those are some of my tips on how to start taking care of your skin. I will be writing a more in depth post about finding what products to use for beginners, so look out for that. I think I must’ve tried at least 14 brands before I found out what worked for me, so I believe I have some info on how to get there!

What are some of the ways that you take care of your skin? Do you agree with my points above? Do share what you think and I’d love to hear your own tips to help each other out! :)