How to improve your complexion: 13 ways that really work

It's actually simple. It is enough to understand what exactly is meant by the phrase “beautiful complexion”, and ways to bring your skin closer to ideal will become obvious.

Here are the key parameters that determine the beauty of the skin:

• Smoothness - without pimples, peeling, creases, deep pores.
• Smooth, uniform color - without pigment spots or redness.
• Moderately thin - so that the face has a healthy pale pink color.
• Moderately dense - so that blood vessels do not show through and there is no network of wrinkles.

Lifehacker has collected 13 simple recommendations that will help you improve your complexion.

Drink enough fluids

This is the first and key point. The skin is 64% The Role Water Plays in Skin Health water. Therefore, the amount of moisture in the body has a direct impact on the condition of the epidermis.

Stephen Deliduca

dermatologist

Without sufficient water intake, the epidermis becomes duller and wrinkles and pores become more visible. The right level of hydration helps the skin become firm and increases its elasticity. This means that it is less susceptible to the appearance of wrinkles, irritation and age spots.

To improve the condition of the skin, it is enough to drink the amount of liquid recommended by Dietary Reference Intakes: Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate daily by physiologists:

• approximately 3.7 liters for men;
• about 2.7 liters for women.

This volume can be gained both from drinks (water, fruit drinks, tea, coffee, juices), and from soups or even solid foods - juicy fruits and vegetables.

Nutrition and hydration

At this stage, it is important to understand that before you can make your facial skin perfect on the outside, you need to nourish it from the inside. It is very important to provide the skin with moisture from the inside, which depends on the activity of transdermal water exchange. To do this, cosmetologists advise drinking more fluids, introducing green tea into the diet (it is better absorbed biologically), and limiting the consumption of caffeine-containing products.

It is also very important to ensure that the cells are saturated with useful substances; nourishing masks and creams that solve 2 problems at once are suitable for this. The first is the introduction of moisture into the upper layers of the epidermis and the method of retaining it in these layers. The second is the introduction of moisturizing components into the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis and, again, enhancing the ability to retain it.

Care is selected depending on the type of epidermis. To simplify this process, we have compiled a table for different types of epidermis with suitable procedures.

How to quickly restore skin in 7 days:

• Wash regularly with antibacterial soap, which relieves inflammation and eliminates redness;
• Every morning, every other day, use scrubs with soft abrasives (for intense peeling, use large ones);
• Stop using cosmetics for a while and give your skin a rest. Instead of classic foundation, it is better to use regular cream. Or any available batter;
• You should wash off cosmetics and creams only with special products designed for this purpose. In the morning it is better to simply wipe your face with micellar water or an ice cube;
• Make cleansing masks with nourishing ingredients twice a week. An excellent option is clay with aloe or honey;
• Do not expose your face to aggressive environmental influences. Protect your face from wind, ultraviolet rays and snow;
• Diversify your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, reduce the amount of fatty, salty and smoked foods. Completely eliminate refined sugar, fried foods and fast food from your diet.

The right makeup will make your facial skin perfect.
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Prefer green tea to black

Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes Green tea in dermatology – myths and facts the skin - reduces the amount of irritation, thereby evening out its color. Bonus: This drink contains antioxidants that slow down aging and wrinkles.

Drink iced 11 Steps to better skin tea. Hot drinks can cause redness of the skin.

Andrea Cambio

dermatologist

For the effects of green tea to be fully realized, you should drink at least a couple of cups a day.

A product for removing puffiness from the face in 1-3 days

It is recommended to drink a decoction of corn silk prepared as follows: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp. raw materials, leave for 3 hours, strain. The resulting decoction should be consumed within 24 hours in 5 doses of 40 ml each, for 1-3 days.

In combination with taking stigmas, to enhance the effect of relieving puffiness, you can use a potato mask. The procedure stimulates blood circulation and gives a fresh glow.

Boil potatoes in their skins. Mash one tuber and add 2 tsp to it. fat sour cream, 1 tsp. fresh dill minced through a meat grinder. Apply the mask to your face, spreading it evenly over the skin in a thin layer, wait until it dries, and then rinse with warm water.

Wash your face

Morning and evening - be sure to 10 SKIN CARE SECRETS FOR HEALTHIER‑LOOKING SKIN. Firstly, water procedures tone the skin. Secondly, they wash away impurities that can clog pores and cause irritation and acne.

By the way, pay attention to the product you use to wash your face. If after a hygiene procedure your skin seems tight and dry, most likely this cosmetics is not suitable for you.

If you can’t find a cleanser on your own, consult a dermatologist. There are many skin types (oily, dry, normal, combination, sensitive), and finding suitable cosmetics without the help of a specialist can be really problematic.

Cleansing

Clear skin is healthy skin, this is something you need to remember if you want to have perfect facial skin.

The cleanser should be selected according to the type of epidermis:

Problem skin. For problem skin, the most important part of care is cleansing. Without high-quality, deep and, at the same time, careful cleansing of problem skin prone to rashes, other products will not work effectively. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate products, the choice of which should be given special attention. It is better to use products with antibacterial and protective functions. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, so they quickly eliminate any redness and inflammation, and also dry out fresh pimples.

In the morning, you need to wash your face with a product that suits your skin type. In the evening, it is recommended to remove makeup with a suitable product (micellar water, hydrophilic oil) and wash again. Under no circumstances should you sleep with makeup on your face. It is better to remove makeup with special removers, since ordinary gel and water will not be able to clean well, and this can cause the appearance of blackheads and clogged pores.

An important nuance of washing is the temperature of the water. The water should not be excessively cold or hot, it should be an average, comfortable temperature, closer to cool. Otherwise, it can affect and irritate problematic skin and lead to congestion.

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Dry skin. Dry skin also does not tolerate washing with both hot and cold water: cold water narrows the blood vessels, and hot water dilates them, which is why wrinkles appear earlier. When cleansing dry skin, it is important not to dry it out even more. Due to the harsh effects of soap, it can become thin and sensitive and may show premature signs of aging. In this case, use herbal infusions, special foams, fluids or thermal water to wash your face. Soft infusions, such as cucumber or lemon, are ideal.

To cleanse dry skin, you need to use soft lotions - for example, from red rose petals. Dry rose petals (3 cups) are poured with peach or almond oil so as to cover the petals, then placed in a steam bath and kept until the petals become discolored. Wipe your face with the prepared lotion 2-3 times throughout the day. In the evening, dry skin should also not be cleansed with water; a cleansing cream, herbal infusion or kefir is best; after cleansing, do not forget about a nourishing cream.

Combination skin. The most common type is combination skin. Caring for combination skin differs from caring for other types, as it requires choosing different products for different parts of the face. This skin type combines areas with oily skin and areas with dry or normal skin.

Cleansing should be done 2 times a day: after waking up and before going to bed. In the morning, it is enough to wash your face with water and gel or foam. During the night, the body removes some of the toxins and waste to the surface of the epidermis, and it is necessary to remove them. If you do not do this, then with a new layer of cream and other products, dirt will get into the pores. In the evening, it is necessary to cleanse the skin and do make-up removal: with hydrophilic oil, non-comedogenic natural oils or micellar products. When choosing products, you need to give preference to those that suit your skin type. You should not buy products that cleanse the skin until it squeaks and feels tight, since the skin loses not only fat, but also precious moisture and there is a risk of drying it out.

The product should be washed off with cool water. If you use hot water, the sebaceous glands will begin to actively work, and problems in the T-zone will only increase.

It is recommended that after washing your face, go over your face with a cleansing sponge or microfiber cloth. If such an attribute is light, then you will see slight remnants of foundation and other cosmetics on it, since it is really difficult to get rid of makeup with one product. For combination skin types, it is recommended to do peeling and face masks 1-2 times a week.

Oily skin. Oily, problematic facial skin causes a lot of trouble for its owner. The main sign of increased fat content of the epithelium of the integument is the presence of a characteristic shine. Increased sebum production contributes to the appearance of shine. Often, those with oily skin use alcohol-containing products and neglect moisturizing. It is not right. In this case, it is worth abandoning alcohol-containing lotions, since the skin will immediately begin to replenish this removed fat, and will produce even more excess fat.

When washing with water, choose a low temperature, approximately 15 - 18 C. This type of washing for oily skin helps to narrow pores. You should not use regular toilet soap. It is better to purchase different models of soft cleansers - gels and foams - and wash your face with them several times daily. The main thing is that cleaning products do not contain alkali, and their pH is no more than 4.5. Choose gels and foams for cleansing oily skin that contain antibacterial components and essential natural oils.

After peeling, skin renewal processes are stimulated

Peeling and scrub

Cleansing the skin consists not only of one wash , but also includes periodic scrubbing of the epidermis. Scrub and peeling will help make your face perfectly clean and smooth, without roughness and other minor cosmetic defects. This procedure evens out the color of the epidermis, removes dead skin cells and renews it. After peeling, renewal processes are stimulated, pores are cleaned, blood circulation improves and collagen and elastin are synthesized.

Most scrubs that are sold in stores can be easily made yourself at home. To do this, you will need a base oil (you can choose any, but coconut or shea butter is best) and soft or hard abrasive particles.

Let's consider what components may be included in the peeling:

• Sea salt. An ideal homemade pore cleanser for combination to problem skin. Salt is considered a hypoallergenic product, but is highly abrasive. Helps get rid of scars and acne marks, has a slight lightening property;
• Sugar. It dissolves in water faster than sea salt, so it is recommended to use it for oily skin so as not to micro-injure already sensitive areas. Helps even out color, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, make the epidermis soft and velvety to the touch;
• Coffee. Perfectly massages and cleanses problematic and mature epidermis. It has a strong antioxidant effect, leaving a firming and lifting effect after use. Like sea salt, coffee is highly abrasive, and it is absolutely insoluble in water. Therefore, for peeling it is better to use finely ground coffee, as for a coffee machine.

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How to make a scrub at home

To make an effective scrub at home, you need to combine 10 grams of any of the listed products and add oil (which you have on hand) to it. Apply the prepared mixture to a moistened face; it is better to lightly steam it. For 4-5 minutes you need to gently, but at the same time actively rub the skin along the massage lines, then rinse the mixture with water. After the peeling procedure, cream should be applied to the skin. Repeat at least once a week.

Nourishment and hydration are essential for perfect skin

Be sure to use sunscreen

Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main reasons why unaesthetic pigment spots form on the skin. To maintain an even complexion, you must use sunscreen. Moreover, apply it indoors, before going out into the sun: such products begin to work only 15–20 minutes after application.

Additionally, using sunscreen slows down skin aging and helps prevent cancer. For the face, choose a product with a protection factor of 30 or more.

Makeup

If you urgently need to put your face in order, but your skin doesn’t look perfect, you can use cosmetics and apply makeup correctly.

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Step-by-step instructions on how to achieve perfect skin using makeup at home:

• Before applying foundation, it is important to first moisturize your skin with cream or foundation. This will protect the skin and greatly simplify the distribution of the cosmetic product;
• If you have dry, flaky skin, you should use a moisturizer before applying toner. After it is absorbed, after about 30 minutes you can start applying makeup;
• If you have problem skin, you can disguise red and inflamed areas using a special corrector. Once applied to blemishes and dark circles, it will conceal and even out the skin tone in those areas.
• Foundation should be applied and distributed with a sponge. Use light tapping movements to blot the skin of your face and neck. This will hide roughness and dry areas and guarantee an even, natural color distribution. This will especially help hide problem skin;
• To make the makeup look natural, the oval face needs to be emphasized with blush and powder. The most preferable are products containing mineral particles - they absorb excess fat and do not clog pores;
• The color of the face and chin should not differ in tone, so make an even transition, do not rush. If you have pellets or a mask of a thick layer of foundation on your face, then you can resort to an interesting method: take a mixture of your usual caring cream, moisturizer and foundation on the back of your hand.
• Using a brush, apply a thin layer of product. It will not clump, and you will be able to see if flakes are formed when the two creams interact. If so, then their bases do not fit together, and one of the products will have to be replaced. If all is well, then a very thin layer of the mixture is applied. You will get neat, daytime makeup with an almost invisible even tone. If you use a care cream before applying foundation, you need to blot off any remaining greasy product with a napkin.
• Under no circumstances should you wear multiple layers of makeup. If you need to set your foundation, it is best to use thermal water in a spray. You cannot re-apply a layer of cream - spots, bumps, even rolling will appear in the places where you initially applied the product.

You can achieve the ideal complexion with makeup, but remember that this method is emergency.

Tips from cosmetologists for perfect facial skin

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Learn to manage stress

Stress causes damage to the entire body, including the skin. This harm can be clearly traced. Thus, in a classic study The response of skin disease to stress: changes in the severity of acne vulgaris as affected by examination stress, conducted with the participation of students at Stanford University, scientists found that during exams, students who were more nervous than others developed acne and rashes much more arose than among their calm comrades.

Stress is a 10 SKIN CARE SECRETS FOR HEALTHIER‑LOOKING SKIN trigger for skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). It also aggravates existing skin problems, worsening its appearance.

In general, try to be less nervous. Or at least learn to reduce your stress levels to make your face look healthier.

Valentino Very Valentino Light-Lasting Perfecting Foundation

Foundation Valentino Very Valentino Light-Lasting Perfecting Foundation Long-lasting semi-matte foundation Very Valentino Light-Lasting Perfecting Foundation combines three valuable qualities: dense but invisible coverage for up to 24 hours, weightless texture and breathability, that is, the skin breathes under this tone . This effect is achieved thanks to Light-Lasting technology and ultra-light powder, which does not emphasize any flaking or unevenness.

Look in the first aid kit

Medicines that you take as prescribed by a doctor or as part of self-medication can have a significant effect on the condition of your skin. For example, some birth control pills, tetracycline antibiotics, retinoids, and chemotherapy medications sometimes cause age spots to appear. And diuretics and antihistamines, antidepressants - dry skin, which is accompanied by peeling and redness.

If you are taking any drug, be sure to look at the instructions, in the column about side effects. It is possible that problems with complexion are caused by this particular medicine. Consult your doctor: he may suggest reducing the dosage or switching to another, more gentle drug.

Ideal facial skin: valuable advice from a cosmetologist

Tip #1

To achieve an even, beautiful skin tone, moisturize regularly. Drink at least 2.5 liters of liquid per day. Give preference to clean water, freshly squeezed juices with parsley or celery, homemade compotes without sugar, still mineral water, green and herbal tea. Include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Tip #2

Wipe your face with cosmetic ice. You can freeze plain clean water or herbal infusion in molds. Rub your face with an ice cube 3 times a day for 5 minutes. Do not stay in one zone for more than 3 seconds.

Tip #3

Choose cosmetics correctly. As for decorative cosmetics, give preference to professional, proven brands with natural additives. Such products enrich cells with oxygen, preventing premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles. Reduce the use of foundation and powder; these cosmetics clog pores and complicate the self-cleaning process.

Tip #4

Use thermal water in the form of a spray. A bottle of thermal water is convenient to carry in a handbag. It can be used both on clean skin and when updating makeup, especially during the summer period.

Tip #5

Apply cream that suits your skin type. In the summer, give preference to serums and hydrogels that enrich the skin with moisture, which contain retinol, liquid protein and medicinal herbs. In the winter season, apply protective creams; they prevent the appearance of cracks and inflammation. Always remove makeup before going to bed, if possible, do this 2-3 hours before going to bed.

Tip #6

Avoid touching your face with your hands, especially dirty ones. There is no need to constantly correct your makeup with your hands. For these purposes, use matting or paper napkins, which are best used to gently blot your face. Otherwise, there is a risk of pustules appearing on the skin of the face, which leave behind purple spots.

Tip #7

Follow a work-rest schedule and get enough sleep. Full sleep should last at least 7 hours a day, preferably on a low pillow. It should not be too soft or, on the contrary, hard. Choose an optimal height of no more than 10 cm. If your work involves a computer, buy special glasses designed for this purpose. They can be purchased at an optical shop.

Tip #8

Do not squeeze pimples and blackheads. Such actions can provoke disruption of the skin, inflammation, redness and unpleasant painful sensations. Choose the optimal series of care products for yourself or use traditional cleansing methods.

Tip #9

Apply your makeup correctly. Before applying decorative cosmetics to your face, use serum, gel or primer; they form a protective film. Choose only trusted manufacturers.

Tip #10

Watch your daily diet. Balance the optimal amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber. Include in your menu foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and do not forget about Omega fatty acids. Avoid homemade canned goods and pickles, sausages, refined sweets and fast food. Eat in fractional portions 5-6 times a day, and one portion should be small and fit in the palm of your hand. Eat fish, chicken, beef or turkey. Cook food by steaming or in its own juice; fatty foods accelerate the production of subcutaneous sebum and clog pores.

Tip #11

Protect your skin from UV radiation. When visiting a solarium or sunbathing, apply cream to your face with the maximum degree of protection. Sunbathe at a safe time when the sun is least active. Wear glasses, a hat (cap or wide-brimmed hat), and do not frown, so as not to provoke the appearance of premature expression wrinkles.

Tip #12

Maintain good hygiene. Change bed linen, especially pillowcases, 2 times a week. Separate bath towels into those for the face and body. Make sure you always have cleansing wipes for your hands and face in your handbag.

Tip #13

Move more. Sports and physical activity speed up metabolism, normalize blood circulation, and tighten the muscles of the body and face. Regular walks in the fresh air or dancing classes are enough. Choose the direction you like and take action!

Tip #14

Avoid stress. Learn to control your emotions and cope with stress in a short time, and prevent the appearance of prolonged depression or general fatigue. Practice meditation, listen to your favorite music, distract yourself by watching your favorite TV series or reading an interesting book. Give up bad habits - alcohol and smoking.

Tip #15

Nourish your facial skin. Use caring masks made from natural and affordable ingredients.

Tip #16

Prepare a homemade facial toner. To properly cleanse your skin, you need to use natural ingredients as often as possible. To prepare homemade tonic lotion at home, you will need 30 ml. vodka, 10 gr. sage, 15 gr. oak bark, 20 gr. chamomile flowers. Brew herbs in 75 ml. boiling water, leave for 3 days, then strain and add vodka. Wipe your face with this tonic every day, morning and evening. Store the lotion in a dark place, away from light.

Tip #17

Get rid of age spots. You can whiten your face yourself using lemon or parsley juice. In the first case, squeeze the juice out of a lemon and soak a cosmetic swab in it, then wipe off age spots or freckles. Chop fresh parsley, mix it with sour cream, make a mask and leave for half an hour.

Tip #18

Take care of the sensitive area around your eyes. This area has the least muscle, collagen and elastin fibers, which is why the area is most susceptible to wrinkles. Buy a professional product that will saturate your skin with moisture and oxygen. Apply the cream with light tapping movements along the tangent of the orbital bone, smoothly moving onto the dark circles. You should not smear the upper eyelid, it is not so susceptible to dehydration and the formation of defects.

Tip #19

Exfoliate dead skin cells. Peeling allows you to stimulate the skin, after which all metabolic processes in the epidermis are activated. Renewed skin looks more well-groomed and youthful. Use gentle peelings or scrubs; both store-bought natural products and homemade products are suitable. Carry out the peeling procedure 2 times a week.

To achieve perfect skin, you need to make every effort, especially at first. Regularly nourish, cleanse and moisturize the epidermis, get rid of age spots, do peelings and scrubs. Play sports, watch your diet, rest on a low pillow, use thermal water, moisturizing creams and homemade masks, and do not squeeze pimples.

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Amy Ward @_amyward

My birth control makes my skin more acne-prone, so no matter how hard I try, I have a hard time keeping it even. I use a grapefruit cleanser followed by the Ordinary's rosehip oil to keep it soft. I also always remember to apply primer before foundation to avoid using heavy concealers to reduce redness.

1

Read on topic:Beauty dictionary: how to correctly read descriptions of cosmetics

Jasmine Isabella @jasmineisabella.b

I have extremely sensitive skin, so I tend to use the same products for a long time. I prefer Mario Badescu if I feel like acne is about to break out because this brand does not use oils that weigh down the skin.

Always remember hygiene

Even the most thorough hand washing will not completely get rid of various bacteria. This is why it is so important to minimize the amount of touching your hands to your face.

Experts recommend washing bed linen and face towels weekly due to the accumulation of bacteria on them, which can cause acne.

Keep these simple tips in mind and add them to your daily skin care routine.

The information is provided in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution of Ukraine and Art. 6 of the Law of Ukraine On National Minorities in Ukraine.

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