Taking care of your skin can seem super intimidating thanks to the overwhelming amount of products, treatments, lasers and facials out there. But you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars and invest tons of time to get better skin this year.
It turns out, the basics of skincare are pretty simple and highly underrated. And if you’re a health-conscious person, chances are you’re already checking most of the boxes below.
And even though beauty bloggers and influencers may make you feel like you need all the things (like fancy lasers and light devices) to get better skin, there are quite a few science-backed principles that can help you more than a stash of questionable products.
Keep moisture in the skin
Skin moisturizers keep the top layer of skin cells hydrated and seal in moisture. Moisturizers often contain humectants to attract moisture, occlusive agents to retain moisture in the skin, and emollients to smooth the spaces between skin cells.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following ways to keep moisture in and prevent dry, red, and itchy skin:
- Take one 5- to 10-minute shower or bath per day. Excessive washing can strip away the oily layer of the skin and dry it out.
- Use warm water instead of hot water.
- Minimize the use of harsh soaps. Use a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser.
- Stay away from abrasive scrub brushes, bath sponges, and washcloths that can damage the skin’s surface.
- Pat skin gently dry with a towel.
- Moisturize immediately after washing. To trap in moisture, ointments, lotions, and creams need to be applied within minutes of drying off.
- Use ointments or creams rather than lotions in order to minimize irritation.
- Never scratch the skin. Cold compresses and moisturizers should help to control itching.
- Wear non-irritating clothes. When wearing clothing made from wool or other rough materials, wear silk or cotton underneath.
Consider Your Water
And tailor your skin-care products accordingly. “Soft water doesn’t remove soap well, so it can leave a residue on your skin,” says Susan H. Weinkle, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida, in Tampa. If your water is soft, use face and body cleansers sparingly (no more than a nickel- or quarter-size amount, respectively). Hard water, on the other hand, doesn’t allow washes to lather easily, prompting you to use even more cleanser, which can cause dryness. Gentle, nonsoap formulas, which aren’t meant to lather, can minimize this, says Carolyn Jacob, a dermatologist in Chicago. Experts suggest trying Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser ($24; dermstore.com). To check the water quality in your area, log on to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website (epa.gov).
Keep Stress in Check
It takes a toll on nearly every part of your body, including your skin. In a study conducted at Stanford University, researchers found that during exam time, students who felt stressed had more severe acne breakouts than did those under less pressure. That’s because stress increases the body’s production of hormones such as cortisol, which can make skin oilier and decrease its ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria, says Lisa Donofrio, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine. To keep that frazzled feeling under control, regularly practice stress-management techniques, like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. This “can help conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrhea.
