Wear sunscreen. Look for one that says “broad-spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and make sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Reapply the sunscreen every few hours if you plan to be continuously in the sun for long stretches of time. If you go swimming, try applying sunscreen at least half an hour before you get in, so it has time to soak into your skin before you swim and doesn’t just dissolve into the water. When you get out, make sure to reapply.
Seek shade where you can find it. Look for an awning or umbrella or a bench under a tree, or retreat indoors until the sun lets up. The sun is strongest between 10 a. m. and 2 p. m. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Shade may be scarce on sunny days, in which case you should either wear a hat or carry an umbrella.
Cleansers can be purchased at any drug or beauty supply store. Store-bought cleaners typically combat specific symptoms. Find a cleanser that addresses your skin’s needs, or find a few that work effectively together. Cleansers may come in the form of scrubs, toners, astringents or wipes. Sensitive skin requires gentle cleansers, and should not be scrubbed. Scrubbing irritated skin will aggravate it even more and prevent healing. If your skin is sensitive to certain cleansers or your acne is especially severe, you may want to see a dermatologist. They may prescribe you something or suggest a couple of cleansers that work well against your symptoms. You can also clean your face with baking soda, by dissolving it in water and massaging it into your skin, then rinsing. This helps deep clean your pores and is considerably cheaper than most facial cleansers.
Washing your face too frequently may dry it out. Make sure you implement moisturizing into your routine. Be consistent with your cleanser. If you alternate between too many cleansers, all of which are trying to accomplish different things, your symptoms may in fact intensify. Try implementing an electronic cleansing brush in your routine for intensive exfoliation. These are best suited for more resistant skin. If your skin is sensitive, try using a gentle setting so as not to irritate it even more.
Typically you leave your facial mask on for fifteen minutes, unless otherwise specified. To remove it, just rinse with a washcloth (not your fingers!) and warm water, and finish with a splash of cold water.
Tomatoes: Remove the seeds and mash into a puree. Apply to the face and let it sit for fifteen minutes as your skin absorbs its antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Great for hydrating dry skin and fighting acne. Add lemon and sugar to exfoliate and abolish blackheads. Avocado: These can be used alone or combined with honey and lemon. Avocado is rich in Vitamins A and E, and antioxidants and oils that help your skin retain its elasticity and smoothness. Papaya: This is similar in consistency to avocado; try blending with cream or yogurt. Pumpkin: Much like papaya, pumpkin makes a mighty moisturizer. Try blending it with cream and honey. Pineapple: Brighten and soften skin by blending pineapple with honey until smooth and applying to your face. Strawberry: Combine strawberry pulp with either honey, cream, or yogurt to achieve the right consistency. Strawberries not only hydrate skin but also help prevent and alleviate sunburn. Banana: This smooths and softens skin. Contains potassium which helps combat dark circles. It’s best when combined with honey and lemon. Try using a very ripe banana; they’re much easier to mash. Lemon: Lemon is often added for its cleansing properties. It functions as a toner or astringent. Chocolate: Cocoa powder can be mixed with any number of things–yogurt, honey, milk, or even clay. Its nutrients and antioxidants help combat the effects of aging. Egg Whites: Egg white masks, mixed with a little milk and honey, are extremely effective against acne. It’s best if you leave some extra room around the eyes and mouth though, because the egg white mask gets tight as it dries out. Milk: Milk can be used in combination with other ingredients to make a mask, or by itself, simply to cleanse the face. Just dip a cotton ball in milk and gently massage against your face. This will hydrate and nourish your skin as well as clean it. Milk will also help to even out your skin tone and achieve that porcelain finish that you’re looking for. Queen Elizabeth of England and Cleopatra used to take milk baths to achieve that fair and radiant complexion. Milk contains vitamins A and D which work to soften skin. [6] X Research source Honey, yogurt and oatmeal are commonly used in combination with other ingredients.
If you have bangs or hair that falls into your eyes you may be tempted to push it out of the way. Be careful not to let your fingers touch your face. Touching your forehead will cause it to get oily and break out. If you wear glasses, places where the glasses rub against your skin are likely to break out. Sweat that rubs against your skin builds in your pores, and every time you touch your face to adjust your glasses, you’re adding oil. You may need to wash your face more frequently if you wear glasses. Avoid scratching or picking at scabs. This will cause them to scar or leave dark spots in their wake.
