10 Things Women with Gorgeous Skin Always Do

It’s no secret that most women want clear and radiant skin. The truth is women with gorgeous skin aren't just lucky, they work at it. Here are 10 natural skincare tips to follow, no matter your skin type or what the current season is.

1. They never go to bed without washing their face.

There are definitely some nights when you’re ready to jump into bed without doing anything. You just want to take off your clothes, hop in and sleep. Unfortunately when you leave your makeup on, you’re also leaving pollution & dirt on. Your pores will absorb all that grime, all night. YUK!

Removing your makeup before bed can make a HUGE difference between having beautiful, glowing skin and a dull looking complexion with clogged pores that is more prone to breakouts and developing fine lines.

2. They stay hydrated from morning to night.

And not just when you're hitting the gym or you're super thirsty (if you get to that point, you're most likely dehydrated already). Hydration; inside and out is one of the keys to keeping your skin radiant. If you’re still wondering how much water to drink; 8 x eight ounce glasses is still the ideal daily minimum to be fully hydrated to sustain radiant skin.

3. They use an antioxidant serum as part of their daily skin care routine.

Did you know that UV light can still damage your skin even if you're wearing sunscreen? To combat this; try adding a layer of serum, with antioxidants to your skin care routine. This way your skin is more likely to repair the damage as it occurs, preventing the onset of brown spots and premature fine lines.

4. They change their pillowcase every three days.

Okay you’re thinking; another step to my skin care routine? Whether we like it or not dirt, bacteria, and hair product residue collects on our pillowcases. Gross right? A fresh pillowcase is also one of the keys to preventing breakouts. Do your best to wash your pillowcases with a dye free, fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softeners especially if you have sensitive skin.

5. They know which skincare ingredients to avoid

Buying cheap face cleansers, shampoos, lotions and other products we put on our bodies can be just as harmful as anything we put in them. Harmful ingredients found in skincare products have been linked to everything from hormonal disruptions to cancer, and what’s worse is that they go directly into your bloodstream when applied to your skin or hair. While there are certainly lots of studies with different perspectives on this topic, women with gorgeous skin can agree that using more natural products are the safest bet for you and the environment. Here are the top 10 ingredients to avoid in makeup and skincare products.

Sodium lauryl sulfate
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Triclosan and triclocarban
Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine (Coal Tar)
Parabens
Polyethylene/PEGs
Petroleum distillates
Propylene glycol
Hydroquinone
Phthalates

6. They workout

Getting to a Barre or Zumba class can have a positive effect on your skin because a workout increases circulation which creates that dewy glow once it's over. Another bonus: Working up a sweat helps lower the stress hormone cortisol which is linked not only to skin aging but breakouts and clogged pores.

7. They avoid junk food

We’re not suggesting you completely eliminate junk food; just don’t eat it every day. Sugar, white bread, pasta, cake, and candy may speed up glycation in the skin. Glycation is when sugar molecules latch onto cells, including those in the skin, and cause them to become malformed and accelerate the breakdown of collagen. Eating junk food will not only result in pimples but a loss of radiance and more noticeable lines. Instead, 80% of your diet should be focused on nutrition filled foods like; green veggies, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, lean protein, nuts and seeds to ensure you skin stays breakout-free, supple, and radiant.

8. They exfoliate at least one to two days a week

One of the reasons you need to exfoliate is so you can reap the maximum benefits of your products. When exfoliating your face, make sure you use a gentle motion. Use small circular movements rather than rubbing roughly up and down. Be even more gentle when exfoliating your lips, as scrubbing too hard can make them crack and bleed. Once you’ve finished exfoliating your face, be sure to finish with a hydrating serum and moisturizer. When you commit to exfoliating, you reveal fresh, radiant skin - the best time to reap the maximum benefits of your targeted products.

9. They are diligent with their skincare routine

Women with gorgeous skin not only have a skin care routine they follow but they know the importance of choosing the right products especially when the seasons change. If you're using the wrong formula for your skin, it can actually have an adverse effect. It could result in being too oily, too sensitive, clogging pores, and more. Did you know that by having a skincare routine now will save you money down the road? If you invest in a skin care routine now, it can help you avoid a visit to a dermatologist or sadly a plastic surgeon in the future.

10. They use a face mask once a week

½ teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tbsp. honey

This mask prevents breakouts, gets rid of excess sebum, unclogs pores, plus gets rid of pollution dirt. According to Dr. David E. Bank, the director for the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery; honey is soothing and hydrating, and because of its own viscosity and consistency can help break apart excess sebum. Lemon again has antibacterial properties. Baking soda is anti-inflammatory, it's antibacterial.

Be careful not to get lemon juice in your eyes. Do not vigorously (or even gently) rub this on your skin. Just apply it (as gently as you can), let it sit for a bit, and then rinse off.

What the ingredients actually do:

Honey can make your skin moist, softer, and can help break apart excess sebum.
Lemon juice can be slightly antibacterial, and a little exfoliating.
Baking soda can be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

If you want gorgeous skin it’s no different than maintaining a healthy weight. You don’t just wing it, you have to have a plan and stick to it consistently. Radiant, flawless looking skin does not happen overnight. Creating and maintaining a regular skincare routine and combining it with the finest natural skin care products is an investment that will pay off in more healthy and radiant looking skin for years to come.