You can have glowing skin in three easy steps: Just cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize. None of these things require you to spend hundreds on skin creams endorsed by Hollywood stars, either---a bonus if you can't afford the $130-per-oz. price tag for Crème de la Mer. Glowing skin comes from patience, persistence and the willingness to adapt your regimen to what's best for your skin, not what's fastest or most fashionable.
Step 1
Wash your face every night with a gentle soap-free cleanser. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, harsh soaps and cleansers strip the skin of the essential oils and moisture it needs to stay soft and supple. If you must use soap, they suggest Dove, Olay or Basis. If you prefer a cleanser, they suggest Cetaphil, Aquanil or Oilatum-AD.
Step 2
Exfoliate at least once a week. According to renowned dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin, exfoliation can help remove dry skin flakes, prevent acne and speed cell turnover to reduce the signs of aging. She recommends synthetic particles, like the exfoliating beads found in some commercial scrubs. Natural particles aren't shaped evenly and their asymmetrical, jagged edges can abrade the skin on a microscopic level.
Step 3
Moisturize at least once a day. Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal tells the American Academy of Dermatology that daily moisturizer is one of two keys to glowing skin. If you have dry skin, you may need to moisturize more than once a day. If you have oily skin, Badreshia-Bansal still believes you need a moisturizer---try a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that includes sunblock.
Step 4
Apply sunscreen on a daily basis. Dr. Badreshia-Bansal's second key to glowing skin, sunblock, protects the skin from radiation that causes "damage, discoloration, premature wrinkles and even skin cancer." You need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day to ensure continuous protection. If you don't want to reapply your combination moisturizer/sunblock, invest in an oil-free facial sunblock to carry with you at all times.
Step 5
Hydrate with raw fruits and veggies instead of gallons of water. According to dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, eating water-rich foods hydrates your skin and provides valuable anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories. Murad recommends goji berries and pomegranates in particular.
Step 6
Concoct a homemade mask to deliver skin-soothing nutrients. According to Janice Cox, author of "Natural Beauty for All Seasons," rose hips contain vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron---in fact, they're the richest known source of vitamin C, with 40 times more than an orange. To make a mask, cut the circular berries in half and remove the seeds and hair-like fibers. Simmer the shells in ½ cup water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften them. Pour the whole mixture into the blender, make a puree, and use it as a facial mask.
Things You'll Need
- Soap-free cleanser
- Exfoliating facial scrub
- Moisturizer with sunscreen
- 20 rose hips, fresh or dried
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