Taking the time to care for yourself can keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. This is especially true if you’re dealing with acne or trying to prevent the signs of aging. You might be surprised to learn that you can actually enhance the look and feel of your skin with just a few simple lifestyle changes. Not sure where to start? Here are 7 steps for better, healthier skin: 

Remove Your Make-Up at Night

After a long day, it’s tempting to crawl into bed without washing your face, but this is a temptation you should definitely avoid. When you’re asleep, your skin works hard to repair itself and slough away dead skin cells. With  make-up on all night, your skin can’t rejuvenate as well. Your pores also become clogged, leading to breakouts and irritation.

For clearer skin, take the time to thoroughly cleanse and moisturize your face before bed. If you don’t have the time or energy to do a full skin care routine, then at least use a make-up removing wipe to quickly wipe away your foundation and mascara. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

Wear Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from sun damage is one of the most effective things you can do to have better looking skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone wear a daily sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher. You should also check the label to make sure that the  sunblock is water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection. 

Choose the Right Cleanser

It’s important to choose a cleanser that is gentle enough for your skin. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals. Instead, look for cleansers with natural ingredients and extracts. You also don’t want to use an abrasive exfoliant on your skin. Glycolic acid is a much better and more beneficial choice for an exfoliator than traditional, coarse fruit scrubs. If you have problems with acne or pimples, then you’ll want a cleanser with salicylic acid, too. Salicylic acid helps treat and prevent breakouts. After exfoliating and cleansing your skin, be sure to apply a high-quality moisturizer to prevent dryness. 

The Sansetti Daily Exfoliating Cleanser contains glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and gentle ingredients for healthier, smoother skin. 

Protect Your Skin from Dryness

Soap can be incredibly drying for your skin. That’s why a good moisturizer is so important. You can also keep your skin from getting too dry by monitoring the temperature of your shower. Hot water is drying and damaging to your skin. Turn the temperature to warm, instead. 

In the winter, protect your skin from the cold by wearing gloves and applying a mild lotion. 

Embrace Healthy Habits

When you take care of your body, you’re also taking care of your skin. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for skin health. According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and makes your skin less elastic. It also raises your risk of skin cancer and contributes to wrinkles. 

You should also eat healthy foods rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Avoid sugary foods as much as possible. Stress, too, plays a major role in skin health. Practice meditation, yoga, and other relaxing activities to be healthier from the inside out. 

Get Enough Sleep

Since sleep gives your skin time to repair itself, it only makes sense to get plenty of rest each night. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep a night. The result will be less bags under your eyes and more refreshed skin. Of course, when you’re rested, you also have more energy to devote to healthy habits and activities throughout the day.

Take your beauty rest a step further by using a silk pillowcase cover. These covers can make a real difference for your hair and your skin alike. There has even been research suggesting that silk pillowcases can help keep your face free of irritation, redness, and rashes. 

Hydrate Well

Drinking water is essential to good health, but green tea can also help nourish and support your skin. Many people also enjoy cucumber or turmeric drinks to reduce skin irritation. Plus, all of these beverages provide benefits to the rest of your body, too! 

Looking for more skin tips and tricks? Learn all about the vitamins your skin really needs.