Raise your hand if your skin has personally been victimized by 2020? Same, friend. Same. Between weird routines, extra stress and wearing masks often, my skin has been *cRaZy* to say the least! I typically have combination skin, but this year I’ve had everything from more breakouts and extra dryness to random red patches and even itchiness.
It’s taken me some time to get into a good healing groove, and while my skin is by no means perfect it’s definitely brighter, clearer and more manageable than it was a few months ago. For me, healing starts from the inside out and the outside in. I’ve noticed that when I take care of my mind and body and tweak what I’m putting on my skin, I feel and look my best!
If your skin is struggling – I see you. I hope that some of these tips and tricks will help you – and your skin – feel better, brighter and more balanced!
Eat whole, colorful foods
I’ll share more on this in the coming weeks, but what I put in my body has a huge impact on my skin. I’m sensitive to wheat, dairy and sugar and overconsumption almost always results in a nasty breakout. At the same time, I know that consuming fruits and veggies in a wide range of colors gives our bodies more antioxidants which is the key to protecting the skin from inflammation (and nasty breakouts).
What’s helped? Instead of thinking about the things I should avoid, I focus on eating whole, nutrient rich foods and adding as many leafy greens and colorful veggies as I can to every meal. Skin triggers are really personal, and every body is different, but if you’re struggling and haven’t explored the dietary route I’d start with dairy – it’s a pretty common culprit for breakouts. Try taking a week off and see how you feel!
Take a probiotic
Did you know that 60-80% of our immune system lives in our gut? On top of that, imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to everything from digestive issues to mental health and skin issues. Supplementing with probiotic rich fermented foods like kefir, miso, and kimchi probiotic supplements is a way to restore gut imbalance and boost the immune system.
What’s helped? I’m not great at eating fermented foods but I do take a pretty strong probiotic every day (my doctor recommended this one) or this one. I also had a great experience with Seed! Quality probiotics can be expensive but when I don’t take one, I see a siginficant difference in my digestion and breakouts. As always, when it comes to supplements, double check with your health practioner.
Increase hydration orally and topically
Did you know that as general rule, we should be drinking half our body weight (in ounces) in water a day? Our bodies need proper hydration to function, flush out toxins, and keep our metabolism running properly. And, while there isn’t a lot of evidence showing that the amount of water we drink impacts our skin directly, there is no denying that adequate hydration improves our system as a whole.
When it comes to skin, seasonal changes cause cooler temps outside and drier heat inside which lead to – you guessed it – skin dryness. The best way to keep skin hydrated is to utilize topical moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a sugar found naturally in our skin that holds water and keeps it hydrated and plump. It’s a must year round but especially during colder months!
What helps? I snagged this water bottle at the beginning of quarantine and it has seriously impacted my water consumption for the better. I also use this Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum in the morning (two forms of HA = life changing) a face oil at night and in a month or so I’ll add in a face oil in the morning and a night cream, too. Adding a humidifier in the bedroom is an added boost!
Protect against environmental stressors
Our bodies are exposed to countless environmental stressors during the day – everything from air pollution and sunshine to life and current events. Until recently, I had no idea that protecting my skin from said stressors was important and that in doing so, even my finnicky skin could be bright and even! The key? VITAMIN C. It brightens skin, defends against environmental stressors, supports collagen production and provides protection from free radicals, pollution and daily stressors. Yes please.
What helps? The All Bright C Serum! Since adding this serum into my routine consistently, my skin looks and felt healthier, brighter and happier. Vitamin C is fantastic but inherently unstable, which is why this one uses two forms for a supercharged 10% potency (not too little, not too much). It also smells amazing (thanks to the antioxidant-rich turmeric and camu camu extracts) and has seriously evened out my skin tone. I use it on top of my hyaluronic acid serum for an added boost!
Exfoliate!
I wrote an entire post about exfoliating, so I won’t go into it too much more. But suffice it to say that exfoliation is key for most skin issues and sadly, our skin’s turnover rate decreases as we age which means as we get older, we gotta help it along!
What helps? I swear by the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel! I even wrote a whole post about it. I used to use it 2x a week but switched to every other night and it has been a gamechanger! It will help with everything from blemishes to melasma, and has made my skin smoother, softer and clearer.
BONUS: right now you can snag the peel in a trial size with the All Bright C Serum! The Bright Side Duo is $75 for two game changers in one box. It’s our best seller, is scheduled to sell out this week and when its gone its gone for good!
Swap out linens
Washcloths, pillowcases and face masks are breeding grounds for bacteria so I try to swap them out frequently – daily for washclothes, twice a week for pillow cases and every couple of wears for face masks (more on how I clean those here).
What helps? I buy a pack of organic white washclothes on Amazon that I ONLY use for my face. I store them in a basket in the bathroom so I never forget to make the switch! You can do the same thing with pillowcases or use this silk option – a luxiourious, skin friendly (albiet pricier) experience!
Utilize the other face mask
You heard me – the other face mask! Face masks are a great way to target very specific skincare concerns: dryness, oiliness, breakouts, pore size, inflammation, reddness… you get the picture. They can’t erase bad habits or a lackluster skincare routine, but they are definitely an added boost!
What helps? Rotating my masks depending on how my skin is feeling. While I often sing the praises of the Beautycounter Charcoal Mask, there are others I use and love! The charcoal mask is my go-to for breakouts, excess oil and pesky pores. It’s not overdrying so I still use it 2x a week! For hydration, I’m loving this mask and just ordered this one (a cult classic). I also use a manuka honey mask a few times a week to help with any type of inflammation or irritation. Stay tuned for a mask round up!
Manage stress
Don’t you hate when people tell you to stress less? As someone with fertility issues, I sure as heck do. And yet here I am, telling you to do it too! The reality is, stress is any form of change, even the positive stuff. And every form of stress impacts our bodies and can result in inflammation, which is really hard on everything from our joints to our skin.
What helps? Doing whatever feels manageable. For me, having a morning routine, meditating for 10 minutes a day and doing at least one thing for myself each day (cooking dinner, reading a book, taking a spa shower, sleeping in) has been helpful. I also find that keeping my list small, manageable and realistic helps too! Still working on that though 😉
Okay, that’s all I’ve got for now! If you need help with your routine or have questions about any of the above, just comment or shoot me an email – I am here to help. Here’s to bright, healthy skin!
Photos by Kelly F Peterson Photography
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