Love the skin you are in

How your skin looks is directly proportionate to your dedication to pampering it everyday. Here are simple steps towards radiant skin...

Who needs makeup if you can flaunt flawless skin? But that, sometimes, is elusive, thanks to all the pollution and the stress that we go through every day. However, there are some skincare programmes, which if followed regularly, could make a difference and make your skin look youthful and radiant.

You need to keep in mind that great skin is a reward you can get only when you are diligently looking after it daily. How your skin looks is directly proportionate to your dedication to pampering it everyday. And if you are really at it — results are bound to show, albeit in a few weeks.

 

Check out this simple easy to follow routine that comprises cleansing, exfoliating, mositursing, sunscreening, eating right, and keeping hydrated...

Cleanse

Begin with a thorough cleansing. Aesthetician Ritu Tanwar says, "Choose a cleanser according to your skin type. Gently rub it in a circular motion on your face, but don't stretch or pull your facial skin, especially the areas around your eyes." She advises washing off with normal or cold water and warns against using hot water.

Dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, "Before your retire for the night, make sure that you remove all traces of makeup with a make-up remover and then cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser." Dr Apratim recommends using a toner and then a nourishing moisturiser. "Do this without fail, every day. Don't ever skip this routine, because unclean skin can cause a host of skin problems," she cautions.

 

Exfoliate

Use a mild exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells. Do not overdo the exfoliation bit on your face as you may end up with damaged skin, advise skincare experts. Facial exfoliation, even with a mild one, should not be done more than twice a week. Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetologist says, "Use exfoliating agents on your knees and elbows too."

Moisturise and screen it

Toning and mositurising should be like a daily habit for you if you want to retain youthful skin. Use a sunscreen, two to three times a day. Ritu says, "Harmful sun rays can damage skin irreversibly sometimes, so avoid all excuses to skip the sunscreen. Even if you are indoor and the sky is overcast, apply at least an SPF 30 or above sunscreen."

Eat right

Eating the right kind of food is extremely essential if you want glowing healthy skin. Dietitian Deepshikha says, "Antioxidants present in berries — blueberries, and cranberries and also in aloe vera can help keep you skin vibrant." Dr Pai says taking nutritional supplements can help tackle free radicals that cause premature aging.

Drink water and juices

The idea is to keep your body hydrated all the time — if you are not too fond of water you can have fruit smoothies, chaas, vegetable soups, unsweetened natural fruit juice, low-fat milk and soy milk advises dietitian Deepshikha Aggarwal.