Creating a Holistic Skincare Routine: Techniques to Try Before Buying New Products

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Many believe that achieving radiant skin requires an elaborate skincare routine. However, the truth is that actual skincare goes beyond merely applying serums, lotions, and creams that promise miraculous results. It involves a holistic approach that considers what you consume and do daily. Discover ways to care for your skin that don’t solely rely on skincare products.

Creating a Holistic Skincare Routine Tips

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1. Get Enough Sleep

You’ve probably heard the phrase “beauty sleep.” The saying is partially true, as quality sleep is vital in maintaining and repairing the body, including the skin. Not getting enough sleep can affect your skin’s appearance. 

An average adult requires at least six to eight hours of sleep daily. Insufficient sleep can cause any of the following unwanted effects:

• Swollen eyes
• Dark circles below the eyes
• Paler skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hanging eyelids and corners of the mouth

A few simple changes can result in better sleep at night. You can start with a regular sleep schedule — practice waking up and sleeping consistently every day, including weekends.

2. Take Care of Your Gut

Good skin starts from within. The gut contains trillions of strains of bacteria and microbes, which can significantly affect other organs, especially when it becomes unbalanced. The microbiome helps regulate various skin disorders, from acne to skin cancer.

Fortunately, you can support your gut and skin health in many ways. Take daily probiotics to support your gut and immune response. You can find them in yogurt, kimchi, miso, and kombucha. Include gut-friendly foods in your diet such as legumes, fruits, and nuts in your diet.

3. Use Less Skincare Products

How many skincare products do you use daily? Many believe having trendy skincare items is essential to glowing skin. Social media influencers also exacerbate the need to own a lot more than the basics. While trying trending beauty products is fun, too much can be detrimental to the skin, especially when purchasing products without research.

This is where “skinimalism” comes in — the newest beauty trend advocating a simple beauty regimen. At its core, skinimalism encourages you to stick to essential products that cleanse, moisturize and protect. The non-negotiables include a cleanser, antioxidants, moisturizer, and SPF. Simplify your routine by eliminating ineffective products for your skin.

4. Try Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna uses electromagnetic magic and infrared lamps to create warmth, allowing it to operate at a lower temperature. It’s a modern upgrade to the traditional sauna that uses steam, providing more comfort while delivering the same benefits.

Enter an infrared sauna and enjoy the health benefits. As you sweat out, your cortisol levels decrease, temporarily relieving anxiety and stress. It can also help boost heart health as blood vessels widen and improve blood flow. This reaction creates a natural glow and provides the skin with oxygen, helping clear impurities. 

Remember to start low and slow during your first time — monitor how you feel, then build from there.

5. Eat Skin-Boosting Foods

A diet rich in vitamins and healthy fats is crucial for healthy skin. Here are some healthy food options to add to your plate:

• Fatty fish: Salmon, herring and mackerel are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain skin health.
• Avocados: This fruit contains high levels of healthy fats and vitamin E that can help protect skin from sun damage and oxidative stress.
• Sweet potatoes: These contain high levels of beta carotene, a nutrient that helps protect skin from sun exposure, sunburn and cell death.
• Broccoli: Skin-boosting benefits include protecting skin from oxidative damage, a cause of dry and wrinkled skin.
• Tomatoes: These are an excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene that can help prevent wrinkling and maintain healthy skin.

6. Treat Skin Gently

How you treat your skin affects its appearance. Avoid excessive cleansing and regular shaving, as it can exacerbate skin issues. Gently care for your skin with these tips:

• Shave carefully: Apply shaving cream, gel, or lotion before shaving to protect your skin. Always use a clean, sharp razor to avoid razor burn and irritation.
• Use gentle soaps: Formulas containing strong chemicals can strip oil from the skin. Choose soaps that contain moisturizing elements.
• Pat, not wipe: Use a clean towel to pat or blot your skin dry after cleansing. Wiping your face can cause friction and might lead to irritation.
• Limit warm bath time: Hot water can help remove excess oil, but too much exposure can cause dry skin. Use warm water instead when taking a bath.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water helps keep your skin moist and flush toxins out of your body, helping combat acne and dull skin. Many factors affect your hydration requirements. For instance, hot and humid weather may require you to drink more than eight glasses of water daily. Avoid using sodas, coffee, and other sugary drinks as alternatives to plain water.

8. Invest in Silk Pillowcases 

Unlike linen and cotton, silk doesn’t pull moisture from your skin while you sleep. Instead, it allows your skin to retain more moisture, so you wake up with plump and hydrated skin the next day. Consider replacing your pillowcases with satin or silk to keep your skin clear and supple. Another benefit of switching to silk is it can also help maintain healthy-looking hair. 

9. Manage Stress

High cortisol levels can trigger numerous skin problems, such as impaired wound healing, acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Stress is an inevitable part of life. However, prolonged stress can have serious health consequences. 

Always find a way to destress. This may involve listening to relaxing music, practicing yoga every night or making time for your hobbies. Do what it takes to eliminate stressors in your life. Your body — mainly your skin — will indeed thank you.

10. Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure

SPF and sun-protective clothing help protect your skin, even just for quick errands. While sunlight offers health benefits for the body, too much exposure can lead to sunburn and accelerated aging, increasing your risk of wrinkles, discoloration, and fine lines.

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, a wide-brimmed hat, and long-sleeved shirts and pants for full-body sun protection. Remember to reapply sunscreen when spending a long time outdoors.

Maintain Clear Skin With Minimal Products

A beauty product’s popularity doesn’t guarantee its effectiveness for your skin. Choosing lifestyle changes over skincare fads can often be the key to achieving healthy skin. Remember that a slew of skincare products isn’t necessary — simple yet effective lifestyle adjustments can work wonders for your skin.