It seems somehow unfair. How come some people seem to have flawless, glowing skin no matter the season? It seems like some unattainable dream reserved for the lucky few, but in reality, it’s the result of a few consistent habits and a little extra care.
The good news? Many of their skincare secrets are simple enough to incorporate into your routine. Here are the tried-and-true habits people with perfect skin swear by.
They Never Skip Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days – it’s a daily must-have for anyone with great skin. Anyone with radiant skin will tell you sunscreen is non-negotiable. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the number one way to prevent premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer.
The secret is using it daily, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, as UV rays can still sneak through windows.
They Keep Their Skincare Routine Simple
Perfect skin isn’t about using dozens of fancy products. Many people with flawless skin stick to a few essentials: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It’s about consistency. Overloading your skin with too many products can actually do more harm than good, causing irritation or breakouts.
They Always Remove Their Makeup Before Bed
The fastest way to clog pores and cause breakouts is to sleep in your makeup. Folk with flawless skin know that no matter how tired they are, cleansing at night is a must. It’s not just about removing foundation and mascara, it’s about washing away the day’s dirt and pollutants, too. Removing makeup allows their skin to breathe and repair while they sleep.
They Stay Hydrated
An important cornerstone of great skin is keeping it hydrated. It’s something people with glowing complexions take very seriously. They drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep their skin cells plump and flush out toxins.
But they don’t stop there: they also use hydrating serums and moisturizers to seal in moisture, especially after cleansing.
They Exfoliate, But Not Too Much
Removing dead skin cells is important, but exfoliation can strip the skin and cause irritation if used too often. People with perfect skin know the importance of balance. They prefer gentle exfoliators used once or twice a week. Chemical ones like AHAs or BHAs are especially popular for their effectiveness without harsh scrubbing.
Regular exfoliation brightens their skin, improves product absorption, and keeps their complexion smooth and even, but they’re careful not to overdo it.
They Get Enough Sleep
To help get perfect skin you need to do nothing more than just go to bed. Sleep isn’t just for resting the body, it’s when the skin repairs itself, too. While you sleep, your body increases blood flow to the skin and regenerates new cells. Folk with radiant skin sleep for seven to eight hours and take precautions like using silk pillowcases to minimize friction and changing their bedding frequently to keep bacteria away.
They Pay Attention to Their Diet
You are what you eat and that applies to your skin, too. What you put into your body matters just as much as what you put on your skin. People with glowing skin focus on eating foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens, and nuts, to fight free radicals.
They Never Skip Moisturizer
For people with perfect skin, moisturizing isn’t optional – it’s a daily habit. They apply it morning and night to keep their skin hydrated and protect its natural barrier. Even those with oily skin use lightweight, oil-free formulas to prevent dryness and irritation. They know that skipping moisturizer can cause the skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, leading to breakouts.
They Practice Stress Management
Stress shows up on your skin in the form of breakouts, redness, and even wrinkles, which is why people with perfect skin prioritize managing their stress. Yoga, meditation, or simply a daily walk, are ways to relax and unwind.
Cortisol is a hormone that can wreak havoc on your skin and you can keep it in check by lowering stress. This benefits mental health and gives your skin a calm, healthy appearance that stress can’t steal.
They Use Products Consistently
Stop experimenting and stick with a routine that works. Flawless skin doesn’t come from trying the latest trends. People with glowing skin know it takes time to see results and are patient with their products. They don’t switch up their skincare too often, which can disrupt their skin’s balance.
They Protect Their Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is the body’s first line of defense against environmental stressors, so people with perfect skin do everything they can to protect it. They avoid harsh products, over-cleansing, or anything that can weaken the barrier. They rely on gentle, hydrating products to strengthen it.
They Don’t Pick at Their Skin
You wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and – horror of horrors – a big red spot has appeared overnight. Your first instinct is to get rid of it. Popping pimples might feel irresistible, but people with great skin know it’s a recipe for scarring and more breakouts. They avoid picking at their face altogether, letting blemishes heal naturally or treating them with spot treatments.
They Use Retinoids Wisely
Wonder products are out there, but they come with a danger of side effects. Retinoids are skincare powerhouses, but they require careful use to avoid irritation. People with perfect skin introduce them gradually into their routine, starting with a lower concentration and applying them just a few times a week.
They pair retinoids with hydrating products to counteract dryness and always follow up with sunscreen, as retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
They Avoid Overwashing
It sounds counterintuitive to cut down on how often you wash your face, but it can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation. People with glowing skin stick to cleansing twice a day: once in the morning to refresh their skin and once at night to remove makeup and grime.
They See a Dermatologist When Needed
Don’t be afraid to consult the experts. Great skin sometimes requires professional advice, and people with perfect complexions aren’t afraid to seek it out. They consult dermatologists for persistent issues like acne or rosacea and even for preventative treatments. Professionals can provide targeted solutions, like prescription products or in-office treatments, that aren’t available over the counter.
They Keep Their Hands Off Their Face
Everyday life sees your hands in contact with all sorts of muck and germs. Touching your face transfers dirt and bacteria that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Folk with immaculate skin are mindful of this habit, avoiding unnecessary contact with their face.
They also clean items like phones, glasses, and makeup brushes regularly to minimize contamination.