5 Easy tips to clear skin

Every woman wants flawless skin, as this is one of the indicators of one’s beauty. Although there are thousands of skin care products that promise to give you clear and glowing skin, adapting a healthy skin regime is the surest way of achieving a clear skin. We tell you how…

Know your skin type.  Everyone has a unique skin type and knowing that is vital in making accurate decisions with regard to proper skin care. Although skin type is genetically acquired at birth, one can still attain and retain good skin through caring for it. Since there are five types of skin – dry, oily, sensitive, normal and combination – knowing your skin type is absolutely necessary in order to make the right decision about a proper skin care regime suitable for your particular skin needs.

Don’t pop pimples. When you’re staring in the mirror and a pimple is staring right back at you, you often get the urge to squeeze it. Resist the urge as this will only result in inflammation, scarring and more acne. Popping pimples also in the long term damages your skin. Garlic is an antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and antioxidant agent that can help in the fast treatment of pimples. Simply cut fresh garlic clove into two pieces, rub the garlic on the pimples and leave for five minutes before washing the skin with lukewarm water. Repeat the treatment several times a day and with time the pimple will go away.

Strive not to sleep with make-up on. We have all experienced a late night when you are too tired and just can’t be bothered to stand in front of the bathroom mirror to remove your make-up. But sleeping in your make-up can clog your pores, leading to problems including acne, dryness and red, inflamed skin. It is advisable to cleanse your skin properly every morning, after the gym and at night to remove any traces of make-up.

Always clean your make-up brushes. Months-old foundation, blush or eye shadow on your make-up brushes could be harbouring harmful bacteria, so it is advisable to clean them at least once a week if you use them daily or frequently.

The bacteria can live on unwashed brushes for months and you run the risk of them transferring to your skin and causing problems such as random breakouts or blackheads, skin irritation or infection.

There are two methods of cleaning your make-up brushes: with olive oil, water and shampoo, which is suitable for brushes that use liquid, cream, gel make-up, and using with water and shampoo for brushes that use dry makeup. Be gentle when cleaning your brushes so as not to change the shape of the brush. Make sure you also don’t get the brush barrel wet because when the glue gets weak it loosens the bristles and they can fall out.

Watch your diet.  If you want radiant skin, the old adage you are what you eat has never been more true. What you do and do not eat has a huge effect on how your skin looks. Ensure your diet has plenty of vegetables, fruits and healthy fats. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fish, fruits, and vegetables, seem to help protect skin. Some studies suggest that to avoid breakouts you go for complex carbohydrates like whole grains and pasta and healthy protein. Nutritionists recommend consumption of at least five portions of colourful fruit and vegetables daily and six to eight glasses of water. Also try to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both can age your skin.