It’s strange to think that there’s such a thing as a complexion trend, but it’s true – the way our skin looks, what’s attractive, etc., can change over time. During the Elizabethan period, faces couldn’t be paler (although the lead ingredients probably weren’t the smartest!), while tans were all the rage during the 80s and 90s. Today’s complexion ‘trend’ is one we can all get on board with – glowing, healthy-looking skin. And while this trend may be a welcome trend, it’s not always easy to achieve.
Many products and treatments available now are focused on helping to enhance your natural skin, but they come at a cost. Is it possible to achieve the youthful, radiant look without spending a fortune? It is, and you’ve come to the right place to learn how. Discover how you can boost your skin without breaking the bank for your best complexion yet.
Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons
Start by identifying your skin type
To improve your skin, first you need to understand your skin type. There are different categories of skin, including normal, oily, combination and dry. Your skin can change according to your age, the time of year and even hormones so it’s important to reassess now and then so that you know what you’re working with.
Once you know what your skin type is, you can then focus on your concerns. From dullness to anti-aging, this will help you find the right products and techniques to help you balance your skin and leave it looking radiant.
Look at the ingredients, not the brand
It’s easy to get into the mindset of ‘the more expensive the product, the better it is.’ This doesn’t necessarily work in skincare – a lot of the hype comes down to marketing. Instead of focusing on the brand, look at the ingredients to help you find products that will address your skin concerns. Some of the key skincare ingredients to know include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Vitamin C
- Retinol
- Vitamin A
And the good news, is you can find them in many products from affordable brands like The Ordinary or No.7. Do your research and compare labels – you may find that two products contain the same ingredients, but one is much cheaper than the other one! If you do want to try a pricier product, then gift sets and travel sizes are an excellent introduction without a huge financial commitment.
Practice good habits every day
Good skincare isn’t just about the products you use, it’s about keeping up good habits too. That means learning how to double cleanse to thoroughly remove makeup, and making sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid getting bacteria on your face. These things may seem basic, but they can make a big difference to how your skin looks.
Following a skincare routine every day can soon become a habit, ensuring you’re always giving your skin what it needs.
Sleep in silk
You don’t need a fancy LED face mask at night to keep your skin looking its best, the answer is a little simpler (and cheaper!) – silk! Silk eye masks and pillowcases are known to have positive effects on your skin, helping to reduce friction and minimise bacteria. You can buy affordable options that you can use again and again, helping your sleep feel a little more luxurious at night. They’re also good for your hair too!
Water is free, so stay hydrated
One of the biggest secrets to better skin is completely free – drink more water! Keeping your skin hydrated is important to stop the dryness, as well as flush out toxins. Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day can make a big difference to your skin – transforming it almost overnight. When you’re dehydrated, your skin will show it first, starting with dry lips, so keep a bottle nearby so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Eat well to nourish your skin from within
Nourishing your body can also help you enhance your natural glow. You can eat your way to fabulous skin by eating vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and foods packed with vitamin C and vitamin D. A morning smoothie can be an excellent way to start the day and give your skin what it needs – you can even add a collagen supplement to help support your skin, hair and nails.
As you can see, better skin doesn’t need to cost the earth. With better habits, a regular routine and the help of a few products, you can transform your skin and leave it looking healthy, glowing and fabulous. Save your money for other things because your skin is taken care of!
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