At the root of healthy, happy skin is a commitment to sustained lifestyle habits that help you shine (quite literally). Many of these habits are easy and achievable daily, simply requiring a few additional steps to your current routine. Whether you’re at the start of a skincare journey or just looking to maintain good skin upkeep, these 10 habits will keep you on the path to radiance. 

Healthy skin habits for guaranteed glow

1. Take off your makeup properly before going to sleep

We know that taking all your makeup off after a night out feels like a mammoth task, but a quick double cleanse won’t take long and your skin will thank you! Ever woken up with a few new spots after being out the evening before? Improper cleansing at night means that makeup and dirt are left to clog your pores and form a fun new spot or two. 

Make sure to double cleanse, first with an oil cleanser to break down the dirt then with our Glycolic Facial Cleanser packed with natural ingredients to rejuvenate and refresh the skin. A double cleanse takes less than 5 minutes, and looks after your skin (and the planet) much better than a quick swipe of a face wipe. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, make sure to slather on your SPF daily. Not only does it help prevent early signs of ageing, but it’s vital in protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. Sun damage can weaken the skin barrier, leaving you vulnerable to a host of skin concerns from dryness to irritation. 

Even during the winter months, opt for a minimum factor of 15 sunscreen to maintain healthy skin. This face SPF from Bondi Sands is hydrating and affordable, perfect to keep in your handbag for appliances throughout the day.  

Many people swear by daily supplements and vitamins as being crucial for the healthy upkeep of their skin. How much truth in there is this, and can a tablet a day really fix your skin concerns? Well, some studies show that supplements like Vitamin C and fish oil have helped with acne, dermatitis, dryness and addressing early signs of ageing. 

Try incorporating daily vitamins and health supplements into your daily routine and see if they work well with your body and skin. With most supplement products, you should allow up to 4 weeks of consistent doses before seeing results. 

4. Be consistent with your routine 

While we’re talking about consistency, let’s get into the importance of a regular skincare routine. Applying moisturiser a few times a week is unlikely to give you the healthy, glowing skin you’re seeking. The key to happy, healthy skin involves finding a regimen and products that work for you, and sticking to it! 

If you easily forget to make time for skincare, set an alert in your phone for a quick morning and evening routine. Once you prioritise being consistent with product application and give your skin ingredients it loves, we promise you’ll notice a big difference. At Alivio we’ve made a consistent daily routine easier than ever with our Complete Wellness Bundle. 

Did you know that experts estimate we touch our faces 16 times per hour? While it may feel habitual, constant face touching or picking can spread dirt and bacteria, often leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face with unclean hands and get into the routine of washing your mitts regularly. 

If you struggle with persistent breakouts, it can feel tempting to constantly pick at or try to pop spots. Not only does this often damage the skin, but it also allows bacterial acne to spread further and form new breakouts. If you struggle with not touching your spots, invest in some protective patches like these from Dots for Spots.  

Easier said than done yes, but consistently good sleep can be game-changer when it comes to skin health. A quality 8 hours of rest not only helps skin repair damage but also rebuilds collagen production. It should also be mentioned that sleep and restful sleep are very different things, it’s only in the latter that our body and organs like the skin heal and rejuvenate. Here are some tips to get better shut-eye, and as a result better skin:

• Journal before to empty your mind of the thoughts of the day.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine that prepares your mind and body for sleep.
• Get enough light and sun exposure during the daytime.
• Avoid naps where possible.
• Set an alarm to make sure you wake up at the same time every day.

There shouldn’t be a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to skincare. Although long routines with multiple serums may work for one person, you might find a minimal regimen with a few dependable core products works best. The so-called perfect skin care looks different for everybody, it’s all about a bit of trial and error to figure out what helps you get the most out of your skin. A few questions you might want to ask to tune into your skin’s needs would be:

Do all the products I use actually make a difference to my skin?

Am I overwhelming my skin?

What ingredients does my skin react well, or poorly to?

When thinking back to the last time my skin felt great, what did my routine/lifestyle look like?

8. Book a professional skin treatment 

Nothing beats the feel-good glow when you’re fresh out of a facial. Consider professional skin treatments like an MOT for your face, allowing an expert to give everything a check over and identify and address any concerns. Many treatments can be bespoke and tailored to your needs, and an experienced facialist can also provide advice and tips for your at-home routine.

There’s no escaping that good facial treatments aren’t cheap, but however often you can, treat yourself (and your skin) to a refresh and a reset. After a few consistent sessions, you’re certain to see an improvement in the health of your skin. Some of our favourite facial treatments include micro-needling, microdermabrasion, LED and ultrasonic. 

9. Use active ingredients

Active skincare ingredients are a powerful catalyst for healthy, glowing skin. They possess properties that effectively help address a multitude of skin concerns including acne, hyperpigmentation and common signs of ageing. Checking your serums ingredient lists you’ll likely find:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A (retinol)
• Lactic acid

Active ingredients, when used in moderation, can greatly improve skin health and appearance. When used too often, they can have the opposite effect and leave your face feeling irritated and sensitive. Introduce active ingredients into your routine slowly to give your skin time to acclimatise.

10. Visit a dermatologist 

For more serve skin concerns, it can be worthwhile getting an expert opinion and treatment with a trip to the dermatologist. Although pricey, even just one appointment can help you gain clarity about your skin and provide routes to treatments that can improve your skin health. 

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