Skin Essentials: How to Achieve that Unfiltered Glow

To get that coveted no-filter needed skin, the Internet will give you one million and one ways. But getting there depends on the route you want to take, or let’s be honest, it depends on the route we can afford to take. There are so many advances in science that will give you a shortcut to that glowy skin we all desire albeit really expensive (and maybe even painful!) 

So what do we do if we can’t afford the monthly facials and treatments offered in beauty clinics? Fret not! We can still get the skin of our dreams. All we need is a little determination and some help from trusty skincare brands to help us along the way.

Here are some essential things to keep in mind to start our no-filter needed skin journey.

 

1. Hydrate!

Yes. That is right. Very often, we forget it’s the simple things that really matter. Keeping ourselves hydrated starts the process of taking care of your skin from within. It is very easy to forget that our bodies are largely made up of water; and that throughout the day, we lose water even unknowingly. We need to replace those losses to keep our cells hydrated. 

Notice how almost all skincare products are aimed at keeping the skin hydrated. That should already give us the idea that hydration plays a key role in keeping the skin supple and bouncy. So drink up! 

“But I drink a lot of coffee all day? Why is my skin still so dull” , you say? We need to keep the record straight, by hydrating, we mean drinking fluids that actually give you hydration and not dehydrate your cells even further (looking at you, alcohol and caffeinated drinks!). There are a number of research that will show you how drinks high in alcohol, sugar and caffeine cannot be good for your skin. So stick to the basics, water is best! Strive to drink at least 2 litres of water a day, or 8 glasses of water. Of course, having the occasional drink of alcohol or indulging with a caramel macchiato in the morning is alright. Everything in moderation is fine. You can live a little.

 

2. Eat right.

Helping your skin rebuild itself from within is key. That is why eating the right stuff is important. We know sugar is not our skin’s friend. Diet high in sugar leads to increased oil production. Instead, opt for a diet high in anti-oxidants, vitamins and complex carbohydrates. Opt for meals that are not heavily processed. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources are the way to go.

Taking avocados, fish and nuts rich in omega 3 will help with inflammation and help with skin elasticity. Food rich in Vitamins C and E helps skin heal, produce collagen and protect the skin from oxidative damages. Selenium- rich nuts can also help with sun damage and act as a powerful antioxidant. 

These are the same things we usually look for in our search for the perfect skincare. So while we reap the benefits of a good vitamin serum, why not supplement it with a good diet so they can work on the skin inside and outside.

Again, having a cheat day is not a crime. Making radical changes to your diet is also not advisable. Make sure to consult your doctor for dietary changes you’re making to ensure it is safe for you. It’s not about eating less, but about eating more of the right stuff. 

 

3. Sleep!

Busy bees like you and me tend to neglect sleep. It is common to think that 3-4 hours of sleep is enough to help us function and power through the next day. While that may be true, doing so does nothing for our skin and our health. Why do you think we look drab and pale in the morning? We need at least 8 hours of sleep, at the right time, to help our skin heal itself. The cells work like clockwork, and the best way to reap its benefits is to allow the body to focus on their job. Get your skincare routine done early. Slap on that moisturiser to keep all the good stuff sealed nicely on your skin and let your skin take it from there. Strive to get to bed before midnight. Your skin, and your selfies, will thank you for it.

 

4. Avoid stress.

Our bodies react to stress as part of our fight or flight response. And the skin is no different. When we are stressed, the body secretes hormones that messes up with our skin’s balance causing acne and flare-up of skin conditions. 

Wouldn’t we all love it if we could just avoid all stress? Unfortunately, life presents us with multitude of things to be stressed about. Since we cannot avoid stress completely, we must learn how to best deal with stressors. 

First, do not create more stress for yourself. Don’t stress yourself over things that are out of your control. Second, do not let yourself get overwhelmed. Take a deep breath and focus on one issue at a time. Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, the crisis is over. Third, practice gratitude. Fill your sense with positivity and feel your stress levels go down. This is where the mind does its wonders. Practicing mindfulness and training the mind to deal with stressful situations will allow the body to relax and prevent activating our fight or flight response unnecessarily. 

Taking care of your mental health is also taking care of your skin. So self-care away. Exercise. Pamper yourself. Put on a face mask, and treat yourself to a spay day even at home. Simple things can make a difference to your well-being in general.

 

5. Be Consistent!

Of course, all these will be futile if you only do it for a week. Remember, all good things take time. It takes consistency and discipline to get to our goal. So stay consistent with your diet and hydration. Stick to a tried and tested skincare routine. It doesn’t have to be extra; a simple skincare routine that  works for your skin is easier to stick to after all. Continue to work on yourself and remain positive. 

It will be hard the first few days as any change would be. But once you are over that hump, keeping a healthy lifestyle will be part of your routine and will soon be second nature to you. Let your body do its thing at its own pace. Do not rush it. Do not be impatient. Support your body just like it supports you everyday. The important thing to remember is, you will get there! Let yourself glow inside and out.