If you’re in your mid-20s, live off energy drinks and soda, can’t spot the greens in your lunch and have dark circles that require industry-strength concealing (here’s how to do it), you’re not alone. However, you need to look after your skin before the fine lines and sagging start to show earlier than they should. These 10 gifs will take you through the basics, consider them Skincare 100.
Stock up on antioxidants.
Make berries your best friends for their skin-protecting powers. Who wants free radical damage anyway?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
You’ve probably heard this a million times before — drink as much water as you can. If your pee is clear, you’re doing just fine. Besides this natural glow-getter, make sure you use a hydrating moisturiser on your face and body for a daily boost.
Cut back on the alcohol
Stop after a glass or two of the Pinot. While alcohol dehydrates your body (which includes your skin, just FYI), it also has a load of sugar that you’re better off without, tbh.
Sunscreen is key
While beach vacations are always called for, we can’t help but stress on the importance of sunscreen. We don’t need no dark spots and pigmentation. Slather up.
Vitamin C. Period.
Ascorbic acid works on any sort of discoloration you may have leaving you with a brighter, healthier complexion. Choose skincare products that feature this essential ingredient and consume citrus fruits, too.
Fat, the healthy kind, is good for you
Don’t skip on the good old ghee, your grandmother has always been right. Besides eating, you can use it as a moisturiser for a healthy glow as well. Pizza’s still a no-no though.
Breathe a little
Take some time out for yourself and meditate if nothing else. It’ll help relieve stress (which is a major skin aggressor) and when done in the morning, will instantly freshen you up. (Try these apps in case you don’t know where to begin)
Take a nap, no really
Sleep is too damn important and mostly ignored. Clock in at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night, regardless of anything. Make sure you don’t sleep on your stomach though, it can leave you with breakouts. Plus, unless you’re using silk pillowcases, face lines will be on the radar, too.
Detox
Face masks are all the rage, and rightly so. Use a deep exfoliating mask once a week to get rid of excess oil and impurities. (Or you could multi-mask)
Pat, don’t rub
Every time you wash your face or step out of the shower, make sure you pat your face dry and not rub it rigorously — this can cause redness and irritation.
