We know good skin takes time, and there's no magic cure. But if you want to know how to get clearer skin without spending a fortune, there are some reasonable steps you can take to make your complexion glow brighter and feel softer—provided that you don't have chronic skin condition.
While they're not a replacement for a solid skin-care routine and a healthy lifestyle; we reckon these are you're next best thing (especially if you're in lockdown like so many of us).
Here's our genius hacks for clear skin—or at least clearer skin—that won't cost a cent.
1. Give yourself a face massage.
Got puffy eyes? No problem. Sure, you could stock up on eye cream…or you could use your fingers to give yourself an undereye massage. Your hands are your most powerful weapon. Try these face exercises to help strengthen your facial muscles and boosts circulation.
2. Rinse your face with cold water.
Rinse your face with cool water if your skin is in need of refreshing. Not only does the chilly temperature make you feel more awake; it can quickly reduce puffiness, tighten the appearance of your skin, and calm inflammation.
3. Switch your pillowcase.
We hate to add to laundry to your to-do list, but keeping your pillows clean is a top beauty secret. Pillowcases can hang on to dirt, oil, and bacteria from our faces, hair, and environment, and can become a breeding ground for acne. Aim to swap out your pillow covering at least once a week to reduce the risk of breakouts. Maybe even consider trying a silk pillow.
4. Go makeup-free.
If you're comfortable skipping makeup most days, do—especially if you're working from home because of COVID-19. Save makeup for events, just be sure you're wearing an SPF every single day to protect your skin.
5. Wash your hands.
Probably don't need to say this..but..your hands are covered in tons of bacteria from touching doorknobs, keyboards, etc., When you touch your face, you're spreading that bacteria to your skin, which then can trigger breakouts and other skin problems.
6. Apply skin care to damp skin.
An easy swap to make? Improve the absorption of your skin-care products by applying them to damp skin. After washing with warm water, our skin is generally damp and our blood vessels are vasodilated, by applying our serums and other products at this time, we improve their absorption and efficacy.
7. Move.
While we can't currently step foot into a class, we can still move our body at home. Our skin benefits from poses that send blood flowing toward your face. So try holding a Downward Dog for three to five minutes can boost circulation, helping to give your skin a glow.
8. Make a DIY moisture mask.
Try this great DIY at-home mask recipe for dry winter skin.
Something fun to do while sitting at home watching Netflix, here's a DIY face mask recipe to soothe and calm your skin in an instant...
WHAT YOU NEED:
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ ripe avocado
- 2 drops of lavender oil
HOW IT WORKS:
Like one big glow in a bowl, this delicious-sounding face mask delivers deep hydration from the coconut oil, gives your skin a hit of antioxidants with the honey and soothes redness with the lavender oil. Mix it up and paint it on with a face mask brush for the ultimate at-home spa experience.
9. Clean your makeup brushes.
We know you've been putting it off, but regularly cleaning your makeup brushes can make a huge difference in your skin. Brushes harbour bacteria, debris, and oil and can frequently cause acne or inflammation in your skin when repeatedly used without cleaning.
10. Wash your face as soon as you’re done working out.
While working out is great for your skin, body, and mind, lingering sweat is not. Washing your face immediately after you exercise removes oil, sweat, and bacteria rather than allowing it to sit on your skin, where it can clog pores and cause breakouts. While you may be tempted to wait until you shower, wash your face as soon as you can after your workout to prevent this buildup.
11. Identify your stress busters.
We know “stressing less” is way easier said than done, but it's something to consider. Our bodies and minds are directly linked and stress or lack of sleep can often manifest itself in health conditions and exacerbate skin problems like acne. Stress and lack of sleep induce the hormone, cortisol, which triggers our skin to produce more sebum or oil. This increase of oil then can clog pores and lead to more breakouts.
It's more important than ever to set aside time during the day for self-care, even if it's just for a few minutes,“It can be working out, reading a book, meditation, whatever works for you to de-stress and unwind. Look after yourself and be kind to yourself.