When it comes to how physically attractive we are, both to others and ourselves, the health and appearance of our skin has a major impact. Science has proven this. One example is a study conducted by Dr. Ian Stephan, of the University of Nottingham, that measured which facial features in men, women tend to find most attractive. Surprisingly, skin tone and complexion had more of an impact on how attractive men were to the women, than the typical facial features associated with masculinity (defined cheek bones, full brows, long faces, strong jaw, etc.) Similar studies show skin health and appearance significantly influence how attractive men find women, as well.
Of course, we don’t need science to tell us that the appearance of our skin effects our appearance overall. That is an innate understanding, substantiated with historical evidence that proves the pursuit to attain young, healthy looking skin, has been a human endeavor, from antiquity to present day.
Genetics play a substantial role in our skin’s health, tone and complexion. Some people are just born with beautiful skin, on the flip side, many comon skin issues such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, and a number of other facial skin problems are hereditary. Fortunately for those who did not win the genetic lottery, beautiful skin is still attainable. We cannot change the skin we are in, but we can certainly change the overall health and appearance of our complexion by following some proven skincare guidelines.
Some of the best skin care tips to improve the overall appearance of your skin can be found in an article by Natasha Burton, recently published in StyleCaster, an online authority in fashion and beauty.
“10 Things People with Great Skin Always-and Never-Do”
To offer her readers the best skin care advice possible, Burton seeks out the expert opinion of NYC dermatologist Dr. Hadley King of SKINNEY Medspa.
Exfoliate to Rejuvenate
The article also suggests its readers regularly exfoliate their skin, to promote cellular turnover by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, which dull your skin and clog your pores. Burton also adds that exfoliation does more than stimulate new and healthy skin, it also aids in absorption of topical skincare products. Dermatologist often encourage their clients to exfoliate, thereby removing dead skin cells that are piling up on the surface of the skin, before applying anti-aging creams or facial moisturizers to help the products penetrate deeper into the skin.
Use Topical Retinoid Cream
Following up on those anti-aging creams and facial moisturizers aforementioned, StyleCaster’s next skin care tip features topical retinoid. Once again, Burton evokes the expertise of Dr. Hadley King who explains that topical retinoid, with the exception of sun protection is “the single most effective topical anti-aging family of products…because they increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.”
Cater to your skin type
Retinoid cream may not be the best solution for everyone, which introduces StyleCaster’s next recomendation for their readers to tailor their skin care regime to their individual needs. Find the best make up, the best skin care products, the best acne treatments, for your skin. Don’t subject your skin to the fades that propagate and fill the pages of beauty and style magazines. What is good for one person’s skin, may not be good for yours, so find what works best for you, and stick with it.
if you smoke, quite.
Many of the skin care tips offered in StyleCaster’s article involve personal life style choices. Avoid the habits and behaviors that have been proven to damage skin. Never smoke, advises Dr. Hadley King, explaining that “Second only to tanning, smoking is the worst thing you can do for your skin.”
remove makeup before going to bed
Another lifestyle choice that falls into the “never do” category is going to bed before removing your makeup. Skin care experts cannot stress this makeup tip enough: never sleep in your make up. Even if you have the best natural makeup available, leaving it on overnight can lead to numerous skin issues such as acne breakouts caused by clogged pores.
wash your face before hitting the gym
Before bed is not the only time you need to remove your makeup. Dermatologists advise their patients to remove their makeup before going to the gym or working out. StyleCaster explains that many people wash their face after they exercise, but expert opinion reveals washing your face before your work out can prevent the comon mishap of grinding the dirt and bacteria that clings to the surface of your makeup, into your pores as you wipe sweat away from your brow.
Learn other ways your workout routine might be damaging your skin’s health and appearance with advice from Dr. Hadley King, featured in this article from SELF Magazine.
Never skimp out on your beauty sleep
Get adequate rest. “Beauty sleep” is not just a figure of speech, it illuminates scientific evidence connecting the amount of sleep you get each night with the health and appearance of your skin. When sleeping, facial muscles relax, smoothing out dynamic wrinkles. Also, not getting enough sleep triggers your body’s immune system, increasing inflammation, which can exacerbate existing skin conditions such as rosacea or acne.
hydrate from the inside out
The concluding skincare guideline from StyleCaster advises its readers to get adequate water intake. One of the best face moisturizers is H2O; drinking the recomended 8 cups of water a day will hydrate your skin from the inside out.
