We all have that one friend, the one with skin so radiant and smooth that we know she has figured it out, her perfect skincare routine. And no matter how hard we try to mimic their choices, it doesn’t work the same for us, otherwise we wouldn’t be here, looking for another way to treat those zits, blackheads, and lines. The beauty of it is – there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to beauty, much like in fitness, it takes some trial and error until you figure out what your skin responds to the best.

However, certain golden rules apply for all of us, and with them as the very foundation of any routine, you can move forward to discover that perfect shade of lipstick, the ideal facial mask, and the best way to scrub away the dullness. So, without further ado, let’s see the essential, life-saving tips for your skincare that will help you get that glow just in time for summer!

Scrub, baby, scrub

If it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it should be good enough for us. Let’s back up a bit, we’re talking about everyday exfoliation, as suggested by the world-renowned dermatologist, Dr. Harold Lancer. However, this is not your typical “scrub with a brush” or other physical agents that could damage your skin, but with gentle, yet effective exfoliants that help your skin breathe.

Depending on your skin type and any potential conditions, this rule may also vary, so you could benefit from weekly scrubs, or choosing an acid-based exfoliant for your pores. Make sure to check with your dermatologist first, and of course, go for the items that have fewer ingredients, as they are less likely to cause trouble for your complexion.

Go green with your routine

Have you noticed how coconut oil has become all the craze in health as well as beauty? It’s one of those multi-purpose kitchen items you can use to nourish your scalp, as a facial mask, a makeup remover, and to keep your skin hydrated for days on end. The philosophy behind this is very simple: when you choose all-natural, Earth-friendly ingredients, you can quickly discover the perfect products that match your skin type.

From essential oils, to nourishing butters, sustainable and natural skin care is always based on skin-friendly elements found in nature that you can use on a daily basis. Think: that very same coconut oil, shea and coconut butter, exotic fruit extracts for revitalization, all simple, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with the planet in mind. That way, you’ll be sure that your skin is not exposed to toxins, chemicals, and other damaging ingredients, but only pure and healthy goodies.

Less is more with makeup

Much like complicated, chemical-filled ingredient lists on any other skin product can wreak havoc on your pores, the same applies to your makeup. If you love dressing up your face with makeup, by all means, go right ahead, but be mindful of how it affects your skin and how properly to cleanse and nourish before and after application.

You should always check the labels and get educated on some of those hazardous ingredients to avoid. If possible, go all-natural with makeup as well, and your pores will love you for the effort!

Stay sun-safe year-round

The one rule that binds them all, in a sense, would be staying sun-safe no matter the time of year or the weather forecast. Even if it seems cloudy and cold, even if it’s in the middle of winter, if you’ll spend any amount of time outdoors and in the daylight, you should make sure to apply some sunscreen, or at the very least, choose those lotions and moisturizers that double as sunscreens with a high enough protective factor.

This is not just a must for shielding your complexion from unwanted wrinkles, lines, and dark spots, but it’s also vital for your overall health, as we know that the sun’s harmful rays can cause cancer. Using sunscreen is so much more than a matter of beauty, as you’ll be investing in lowering the risk of serious health issues down the road.

Pamper from within

Finally, if you care for your beauty, you care for your overall wellbeing, too. With that in mind, you need to remember that your skin is merely a reflection of what happens on the inside, or more precisely, how well you care for your own nutrition and hydration.

Make sure that your menu is always based on seasonal, local, and fresh produce, sources of lean protein, and plenty of healthy fats. With ample water to back up your nutrition, you’ll allow your skin all the ingredients for optimal rejuvenation and prevent many a pimple problem in the future.

No matter how advanced our tech becomes, it seems that Mother Nature always prevails as the best solution for caring for our pores. Do your best to infuse your routine with these simple, but game-changing tips, and you’ll find that your skin will finally have the right ingredients to age with grace and be more beautiful every day!

Guest Blogger

Sophia Smith, she can be reached at sophia.smith.bri@gmail.com