When it comes to taking care of your skin, age really is just a number. While there may be certain techniques and regimens that target aging skin, there are still skincare musts for all ages. 

You see, when it comes to developing a skincare plan that works for your individual needs, there are certain basics that every person should adhere to, regardless of your age or skin tone. And do you know what the best part is? You can start taking better care of your skin at any age. Are you react to learn more?

1. Stop Seeing Your Skin as the Enemy

While we’d all enjoy saying — truthfully — that we really love the skin we’re in, it’s not too helpful to tell a big old white lie! In fact, coming to terms with our own bodies, our skin and our personal goals is something that many of us have had to work really hard toward achieving. So, let’s not ruin the work that you’ve already put it now!

But, the simple matter is that many of us look in the mirror and often hate what we see. Whether it be an unexpected breakout or a pimple right in the middle of your forehead, it’s there. And, sadly, it makes you feel bad about yourself for the entire day. Do you have a big meeting? Are you speaking in front of the PTA board? Do you have a romantic dinner planned? Well, now it feels as if your skin is going to be to blame if things go awry.

However, if you’ve grown to understand your skin, and really listen when it’s trying to give you a hint, then you know it’s not “out to get you.” Like every other organ of your body (and yes, your skin is an organ!), it just likes to stay balanced. If you can begin by changing your mindset when it comes to your skin, you’ll find that the next steps will often come quite naturally.

 

2. Avoid Stress Like the Plague

Sometimes, we all find ourselves in situations where stress seems unavoidable. Perhaps you have a big deadline coming up at work, or your in-laws are coming over — for the second time this month. Whatever the situation, you allow it to take control… and BAM! You have a nice little breakout on your hands. (Well, it’s really on your face, but you get the idea.)

When I tell you that stress can wreak absolute havoc on your skin, it isn’t an understatement or an exaggeration. Stress can make you physically ill, so isn’t it safe to say that it could be responsible for a patch of pimples?

So, how do you avoid stress, but still live a busy, hectic, successful life? Just as you changed the way you look at your skin, you can also choose to change your attitude toward stress. 

As the late, great Walt Disney once said, “Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.” While we can’t always adapt a fantasy-world attitude in all situations, on this one, it’s a perfect fit!

 

3. Drop the Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices

Everyone has that one vice that may be difficult to stop turning back to, especially if you’re stressed. (Do you see how this all works together?) But, when you’re racking up the poor choices like the bonus points on your Macy’s card, then it may be time to take a good, hard look at your decision-making process.

Point blank, lifestyle choices can lead to unhealthy skin. This can include:

• Not protecting your skin from the damaging rays of the sun
• Smoking — whether it be cigarettes or other options
• Not getting the proper amount of sleep
• Lack of hydration
• Skipping out on your skincare regimen
• Stress (Yep, we mentioned it one more time!)

Additionally, pay attention to when you experience breakouts. You can even keep a journal! You may actually be able to pinpoint the exact culprit.

 

4. Never Miss the Big Three

Somewhere along the line, a dangerous rumor was spread that you just need to start taking care of your skin when it shows signs of aging. After all, that would be quite convenient, wouldn’t it?

However, by now, you’ve probably learned that some skin damage and effects of aging may be improved, but it can’t just be erased. That is, unless you’re willing to consider plastic surgery. And, that doesn’t sound like too much fun, does it? Also, it might really dig into that vacation fund!

When you look at how to build your skincare regimen, don’t look at it as “having” to use specific products A, B and C. That’s not how this works. What’s singularly more important is, as you may have guessed, developing the routine and sticking to it. 

In other words, never miss skincare’s Big Three, which includes:

• Cleaning
• Toning
• Moisturizing

It’s imperative to wash your face every night with a gentle cleanser — with no exceptions! Makeup that remains on your face overnight will most likely clog your pores, and can also lead to more wrinkles and fine lines. 

Now, you may not have guessed it, but using a toner may even be more important than washing your face. Why? Toner can help lower the skin’s pH level, as well as balance and calm it.

Finally, your choice of moisturizer steps in to create a replenished environment for your skin. Many opt to use a different moisturizer for around the eyes, which both hydrates and tones. For your entire face, make a selection that promotes elasticity, clarity and an even texture. This is definitely a skincare must!

 

In a Nutshell

You may have noticed a pretty obvious theme in what you’ve been reading. While we can take every positive action under the sun, if we don’t change our attitudes, then we’ll usually end up right back at the drawing board, where we hate our skin.

Before you begin buying new eye creams and doing that morning meditation, first learn how to understand your skin, your stress levels and even why you opt for the choices you make. Once you can create that balance, it will make every decision that follows that much easier. 

Isn’t that a beautiful plan?

 

In this day and age, it seems that we’re always in this imaginary “competition” with models in ads or other celebrities that we see on television. In this mythical world, where common skincare challenges don’t seem to exist, it can be difficult to look in the mirror and see a blemish — any type of blemish — no matter how small or how noticeable.

However, your connection with your skin can mean a lot more than just whether or not you have breakouts or flareups. And the sooner you begin to realize that, the quicker you can begin to “love the skin you’re in.” 

Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you get started!

Pay Attention to Your Diet 

If you’ve ever heard the expression “you are what you eat,” it’s much more than just an old adage. In fact, it can greatly affect the relationship that you have with your skin.

You see, the lifestyle choices that you make every day can often be the differentiating factor between whether you’ll have healthy, glowing skin, or if you’ll be plagued with a dull, dry or oily complexion. So, what kind of diet should you follow to love the skin you’re in?

For starters, do your best to “eat clean.” What this means is eating fresh foods that are not processed or contain additives. Sticking to a diet that restricts dairy and sugar, but is high in unsaturated fats and fresh vegetables, will also do the trick.

However, for specific skincare needs, you can also try the following.

To tighten your skin – Foods rich in Vitamin C have actually been shown to help tighten the skin, especially oranges. They also contain collagen, which can help slow the skin’s aging process.

To help clear your skin from blemishes – According to Healthline, there is a whole list of foods that can help keep your skin clear, including:

• Tomatoes
• Brown rice
• Turkey
• Blueberries
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes

 

Go a Little More Natural

By now, you probably already know that makeup can clog your pores, which can then lead to breakouts and all sorts of other skin challenges. But, learning to love your skin means that you love the way your skin looks — naturally. 

Now, this doesn’t mean that you must choose to never wear makeup, but start looking at makeup as a way to accentuate your particular skin, rather than cover it up.

If you work from home or have lazy Sunday afternoons, give your face a “makeup break,” and instead, pamper it with an all-natural face mask, or splurge on that moisturizer that you’ve had your eye on for a while now.

 

Steer Clear of Stress

When you’re making a real effort to pamper your skin, one of the most important things you can do is avoid stress — quite like the plague that it is. Of course, there are always situations where moments of stress can’t be avoided. However, if you can minimize it as much as possible, then you’re on the right path.

Worrying about your skin can cause stress, and stress can cause skin breakouts. So, as you can see, it’s a bit of a vicious circle. Try to surround yourself with people who are positive and give you plenty of reasons to love yourself — including your skin. If you follower influencers on any of your social media platforms, be sure to take tips from those who are body — and skin — positive. Never hate your skin again!

 

Stop Poking and Picking At Your Skin

We saved this one for last because, unbelievably, it’s actually the most difficult habit to overcome when it comes to your skin. When you see a pimple or a blackhead, your first instinct is probably to start squeezing and popping, even though it’s causing damage to your skin. However, avoiding this at all costs is a skincare must!

The lengths that people will go to when they don’t like their particular skin tone is too extreme, especially when they actually consider bleaching their faces. And, to the other extreme, many bronzers can be harmful to your skin and, you guessed it, can severely clog your pores. We all know where that leads now, don’t we?

Instead, treat any skin blemishes with all-natural solutions, whenever necessary. Using harsh skincare products with questionable ingredients is also not a good idea. Sometimes, all your skin needs is to be washed with warm water and a gentle cleanser, patted dry, and topped off with a good moisturizer. Easy, right?

 

In Closing

As mentioned, understanding how to love the skin you’re in requires that you completely revolutionize — from within. Take a step each day to appreciate the uniqueness of your skin, whether it be your freckles or the radiant flush you may experience when you’re happy. Chances are that these are all things your loved ones have already noticed. Now it’s your turn!