This is a collaborative post
After the cold, harsh weather in winter, and months stuck inside with the heating on, your skin might be looking dull and lifeless. But with summer on its way, there are a few simple things you can do to get your skin glowing again.
Use the right treatments for your skin
If you suffer from specific skin issues such as acne or rosacea that can flare up during the winter, then make sure that you’re using the right products to treat the problem. For example, azelaic acid is used in a number of skin treatments and works well to reduce the effects of rosacea and acne.
Azelaic acid benefits include reducing inflammation and lowering the production of keratin surface skin cells, which can clog up your pores. It can help to alleviate the bumps, spots, and papules that rosacea causes by unblocking the skin, and also can reduce the bacteria on the skin that leads to acne.
Don’t forget the sun protection
Whatever the season, it’s important to apply sun protection every day. It’s the best way to prolong the natural glow of your skin, as the UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your skin and premature ageing. So if you’re not already, then add SPF protection into your morning skincare routine. You want to choose an SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays so that you’re preventing ageing and the causes of skin cancer.
Hydrate your skin
One of the main keys to achieving a healthy glow is keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated. Switch to lighter moisturisers during the warmer months so that your pores don’t get clogged.
Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, which draws water into the skin and encourages it to retain moisture. If your skin is really suffering then choose a hyaluronic acid serum, which has a high concentration and will give it a much-needed boost after a long, cold winter.
Drink more water
Don’t forget to hydrate your skin from the inside as well. Drinking plenty of water each day will help to flush through toxins that might cause skin problems, and keep yourself fully hydrated. Try to drink around two litres of water a day to keep your skin glowing. If you’re having trouble getting your daily water intake, you may want to consider getting Long Island IV treatment to fully rehydrate your body. IV treatments also detoxify your body, giving your skin a radiant glow naturally.
Alcohol can also really dehydrate you, even in small amounts, leaving your skin looking sallow and inflamed, so it could be worth cutting down on your intake to help your skin even more.
Change your diet
What you eat has a huge impact on your skin, and during the winter unhealthy comfort food can be really tempting. So focus on eating the right things to get your skin glowing again.
Choose foods such as fish, mushrooms, beans, and eggs, which contain a lot of amino acids to help with skin’s hydration, protect it from damage, and reduce signs of ageing.
Foods and ingredients that offer anti-inflammatory properties and are full of antioxidants are also important. Incorporate things like ginger, tomatoes, and spinach into your diet to improve your skin’s appearance.
Boost your vitamin intake
Your intake of important vitamins can dip during the winter, especially if you’re not going outside very much. Even though you need to protect your skin against harmful UV rays, your body actually needs sunlight to produce vitamin D. It’s anti-inflammatory and helps to protect your skin against damaging free radicals.
Vitamin C is also vital for healthy, glowing skin. As well as protecting against free radicals, vitamin C boosts collagen production in your skin, which makes it more supple. Plus it can brighten up your complexion and helps fight against dark spots.
Changes to your diet can help ensure that you’re getting enough of these vitamins, but if you still feel you need an added boost then consider taking vitamin supplements.
Exfoliate to revive dull skin
Exfoliating can be a good way to improve lifeless skin. But you need to be careful with the products you choose. Avoid harsh exfoliators, especially if you have sensitive skin and only use it a few times a week so that you don’t stress your skin out too much.
Look for an exfoliating product containing beta-hydroxy acid. This will help to break down dead skin cells and dirt that’s trapped in your pores and reveal glowing skin.
Exercising
With gyms closed and outdoor exercise limited over the last few months, it’s understandable if your fitness levels have dropped a bit. But getting back into a good exercise routine is another good way to get your skin glowing again.
Working out will improve your blood circulation, which gives your skin a boost. But on top of that exercising can reduce your stress levels and help you to sleep better, both factors that also have a big impact on your skin.
Get enough sleep
If you’ve been struggling to get a good night’s sleep during the winter, or just staying up late binge-watching, then you need to make some changes. While you’re sleeping your body is repairing and healing itself, and when you don’t get enough rest it makes your skin seem dull, dry, and fine lines are more visible.
You should be aiming to get between 7- 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. So make sure you’re going to bed at a good time, and get into the habit of switching off any screens and relaxing for an hour or so before you drift off.
Give your makeup bag a spring clean
Spend some time clearing out your makeup collection and washing your brushes. Dirty brushes and sponges are full of dirt and bacteria that can cause blemishes and breakouts. All you need to do is mix a drop of shampoo in lukewarm water and wash out all the makeup from the brushes, then let them air dry for a few hours.
It’s also a good idea to throw out any makeup that you’ve been using for a while, especially powders and products that you apply over your skin.
By following these tips and updating your skincare routine you’ll be able to help your skin recover and get a glowing complexion ready for the summer.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post