1. Wash your face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and clear water. This also helps you determine the type of skin you have. After washing your face, if your face is dry and feels tightened; it is a dry skin. If it gets oily around the T areas ie; the chin, forehead and nose then you have a combination. However if it gets oily immediately, then you have an oily skin.
Avoid scrubbing too hard or using rough washcloths or loofahs. These may irritate your skin and cause blemishes to stay on your face longer. If you want to exfoliate, use a cleanser/ soap that is made to do so instead, or invest in a facial cleansing brushes.
2. Use a toner (optional)
If your skin is dry, not combination or oily, you can skip this step. Always get an alcohol-free toner, and get a toner that fits your skin type. Toner helps firm and tighten your skin as it wipes away dirt in your pores. Many in our part of the world call this a cleanser as it clears remaining dirt from the face.
3. Moisturize.
You should never skip this step no matter the type of skin you have! Many have the notion that you don't need to moisturize if you have an oily skin and that is false. It's even better to moisturize the face if it's oily as the moisturizer somewhat fills the pores that produce oil.
Moisturizing will regulate the moisture balance of your skin and prevent excess oil production. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type; If you have oily skin, use a moisturizer with an oil-free formula, if you have acne-prone skin, invest a moisturizer with active acne-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil. Moisturize every time you wash your face, shave, or simply need the extra moisture.
4. Remove your makeup every night.
It can be hard to do this if you're very tired, but it pays off. If possible, purchase a make-up removal oil/cream or mix a little water and apply to a cotton wool pad, as make-up removal wipes can be abrasive to the surface of the skin. Some also prefer using a face wipe and eventually rinsing off with water and facial soap. Anyhow you like it, just get that makeup off.
5. Don't pick (or pop) your pimples.
It's usually not a good idea to pick your pimples. It may be tempting if that blackhead has staring you in the face for a day or two, but it's really not worth it. Picking your pimples can have adverse effects. Pimples are temporary, but scars are forever. If you want smooth skin, don't make it harder on yourself by picking pimples.
6. Decrease your sugar intake.
Not to say cut sugar out of your diet, but try to cut back on "false" sugars, like in soda and in candy. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate isn't bad for you, it's all the added sugars that harm your skin. Natural sugars, like sugar cane sugar, aggravate the magnesium in your body, making it difficult for your body to keep itself healthy. From your skin all the way down to your blood cells, your body will thank you if you eat MORE fruit and less candy.
7. Only use fresh makeup and brushes.
Makeup, like food, gathers bacteria and will eventually go bad. If you've been using the same powders, blush, eyeshadow and mascara for over 6 months, it's probably time to throw everything out and start over. Your skin will thank you for it!
The only exception to this is brushes since they can be cleaned, not thrown away. Pick up an antibacterial makeup brush cleaning formula at the drugstore and, once a month or so, spritz everything down right after you finish your morning routine. Leave the brushes out to air dry throughout the day and overnight.
8. You need your beauty sleep
Sleep deprivation and stress can manifest as bad skin, so make sure you're getting 7 to 8 hours of quality rest every night. In relation to your sleep, you need to keep your pillows and pillow cases clean. Your hair and pillowcase can spread grease to your face. Wash your pillowcase once it's dirty, preferably every week, and keep your hair clean. You need to sleep like the Queen or King that you are!
9. Exercise reularly
Sweating helps your skin, and the strength you feel internally will start to show on your face. So in order to get that clear, smooth skin your body deserves, hit the gym, fire up the treadmill, or slice through the water. Do whatever exercise makes you feel good. Walking just 15 minutes a day is a great improvement over standing still.
10. Drink plenty of water. Most importantly aim to put down 6 to 8 full glasses of water a day, and you'll notice a difference in your skin. The extra fluid makes it easier for you to flush out toxins and waste. The lighter color your pee, the less water you need to drink. When your pee is clear, you're in the clear. When your pee is yellow, it's time to drink more water.
Girls: aim to drink at least 2.2 liters (0.6 US gal), or nine cups of water a day. If you're having trouble drinking that much, cut out all sugary drinks from your diet entirely. Actually, you should try to cut out sugary drinks from your diet for your own health's sake.
Guys: aim to drink at least three liters, or 13 cups, of water a day.
