How to Have Great Skin

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methods

1Taking Care of Your Skin

2Staying Healthy

3Using Face Masks and Scrubs

4Targeting Specific Problems

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Tips and Warnings

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Having great skin means more than just washing your face twice a day. What products you use and how you clean your skin will also make an effect. This article will give you a few tips on what you can do to have great-looking skin.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Taking Care of Your Skin

1. 
   1
   Wash your face twice a day. Don't over-wash your face, however. You will dry out your skin, which will cause it to produce extra oils to compensate. Instead, wash your face in the morning when you wake up, and in the evening before you go to bed. Use a gentle face wash designed for your skin type. Don't use ordinary hand or body soaps; they are too harsh for the sensitive skin on your face and could lead to dryness or breakouts.

   • Don't wear makeup to bed. Even if you are tired and falling asleep on your feet, try to summon enough energy to clean all that makeup off. If you don't, the makeup will clog your pores. This may result in acne the following morning or night.
2. 
   2
   Exfoliating is good, but over-exfoliating is not. Ideally, you should exfoliate once or twice a week, and more often if the days are hot and humid. Exfoliating is good, because it helps scrub away dead skin cells to reveal the fresh skin underneath. It will make your skin appear less dull and brighter. However, exfoliating too often can make your skin extra-sensitive and appear red.

   • If you'd like to try making some of your own face and body scrubs, click here.
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3. 
   3
   Use toner to restore your skin's natural pH and tighten pores. Soak a cotton ball with some toner and sweep it across your face. Focus on your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Avoid the eyes and mouth.

   • If you have sensitive skin, try to use a gentle, alcohol-free toner, or rosewater.
4. 
   4
   Apply some moisturizer after the toner to hydrate your skin. This is recommended for all skin types—including oily. If you are going out for the day, consider using a moisturizer that has at least 15SPF. If you are trying to combat wrinkles, try using an anti-aging moisturizer before going to bed. If you have oily skin or acne, try finding one that is lightweight or labeled for oily skin.

   • Mineral-based sunscreens are especially effective.
   • Avoid using moisturizers that contain fragrances, since they can be irritating to your skin.
5. 
   5
   Skip the long hot showers and take shorter ones using warm or lukewarm water instead. Hot water can be very damaging to your skin. It can cause your skin to lose its natural oils and become dry.
6. 
   6
   Pat your face and body dry with a towel after bathing. Don't rub your skin, as this can irritate it. Instead, pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Doing this will leave some moisture on your skin. Your skin will soak up this excess moisture and stay hydrated.
7. 
   7
   Use sharp, fresh razors and a shaving cream or gel when shaving. Don't use a body wash or soap. Shaving creams and gels are designed to soften and condition your skin and hair, making it easier to shave. Also, try to shave in the direction your hair is growing in, not against it. This will help prevent razor bumps and burns.
8. 
   8
   Protect yourself from the sun. This means wearing sunscreen that has at least 15SPF, and avoiding the sun when its rays are the strongest, which is between 10am and 2pm. If you don't like wearing sunscreen, try getting some moisturizer or foundation that has some sunscreen in it. You might also want to consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when going outside.

   • The sun may help give you a beautiful tan, but it can also cause wrinkles, freckles, and blotches. It can also lead to skin cancer.
9. 
   9
   Avoid using cheap, drug-store brand products on your face. This includes makeup. For many skin-care products, you often get what you pay for. Many of the cheaper brands are laden with harmful chemicals that may do your skin more harm than good. Some of the cheaper makeup brands are also more likely to clog up your skin pores, which leads to breakouts.

   • Consider going for a natural, mineral-based makeup, or purchasing some higher end makeup from a beauty store.
10. 
    10
    Wear the right foundation for your skin type. There are different types of foundation available, including powder, liquid, and cream. What type of skin you have (oily, dry, or normal) will determine what type of foundation is best for you. Know that using the wrong type of foundation may lead to other problems too.

    • If you have oily skin, skip on the cream-based foundation and go for a powder or liquid foundation.
    • If you have dry skin, pass on the powder foundation and go for a cream or liquid foundation instead.
    • If you have normal skin, you can wear any type of foundation.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Staying Healthy

1. 
   1
   Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. Water will help flush the toxins out of your body. These toxins may cause common skin problems, such as acne and dullness. Drinking more water will help clarify and brighten your skin.
2. 
   2
   Get enough sleep. Some people will do fine on as little as six hours of sleep, while others may need up to eight. Sleep is important, not only because it allows your mind and body to rest, but also because it gives your skin enough time to repair and replenish itself. Not enough sleep may also lead to excessive stress, which in turn may lead to problems, such as breakouts, acne, wrinkles, and under-eye bags.
3. 
   3
   Exercise for healthy skin. Exercise helps increase blood flow, which in turn helps keep skin healthy and youthful. Exercise can also help reduce stress, which studies have shown has an impact on skin issues, such as acne. You don't necessarily have to join a sports team or enroll in a gym class. It could be as simple as going for a long walk or jog a few times a week.
4. 
   4
   Eat the right foods. Too much junk food, fats, and carbohydrates may lead to problems, such as acne and dullness. The rights foods, however, can help your skin appear brighter and more youthful. Here's a list of things you should try to include in your diet, and why:

   • Vitamin C helps brighten skin and heal blemishes. You can find it in the following: blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.
   • Vitamin E promotes skin growth and youthfulness. You can find it in the following: almonds, avocado, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and sunflower/corn oils.
   • Good fats are found in avocado, fish, nuts, and seeds. They act as a natural moisturizer and leave your skin feeling supple.
   • Selenium reduces the chances of cancer, sum damage, and age spots. You can find it in fish, shellfish, eggs, wheat germ, tomatoes, and broccoli.
   • Omega-3 acids are essential to good health, but can't be produced by the body. They help prevent inflammation. You can find it in things like flaxseed oil, linseeds, walnut oil, and rapeseed oil.
   • Zinc can be found in fish, lean red meat, whole grains, poultry, nuts, seeds, and shellfish. It helps soften skin and repair any damage.
5. 
   5
   Tone down the stress. Stress can make skin extra sensitive and more prone to getting acne. Try to give yourself enough time to complete your errands. This might mean breaking up your to-do list and saving some tasks for the following week. Try to pace yourself more and don't force yourself to take on more work than you can handle. Also, be sure to set aside some time for hobbies and other relaxing activities.
6. 
   6
   Understand the effects smoking may have on skin. Studies have shown that smoking may increase the appearance of wrinkles. If you currently smoke, this is something you may want to consider.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Face Masks and Scrubs

1. 
   1
   Make a simple cucumber face mask to combat puffiness and swelling. Blend half of a cucumber in a blender until you get a mushy consistency. Spread the blended cucumber over your face and wait 10 minutes. Rinse the cucumber off with cool water and pat our skin dry.

   • Be sure to drink enough water and to cut back on the salt. Both can cause your face to become bloated.
2. 
   2
   Moisturize dry skin with a banana-honey face mask. Add one peeled banana and one tablespoon of honey into a small bowl. Mix with a fork until you get a smooth paste. Spread the mask over your face and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat your face dry.
3. 
   3
   Sooth redness and inflammation with a Matcha green tea face mask. Mix the 1 teaspoon of Matcha green tea powder with ½ to 1 teaspoon of raw honey until you get a paste. Spread the mask on your face and wait 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry with a towel.

   • If you want a simpler mask, you can use a little bit of water instead of honey.
   • For a richer mask, substitute yogurt for the honey.
   • If you have dry skin, replace the honey with olive oil or coconut oil.
   • You can also reduce redness by rubbing your face two to three times a day with ice cubes made from green tea.
4. 
   4
   Brighten dull skin with a simple yogurt face mask. This mask will also soften and lighten your skin as well. Simply spread some plain yogurt over your face and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the yogurt off with warm water and pat your face dry.
5. 
   5
   Zap pimples with a paste made from cinnamon and honey. You will need ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and just enough honey to make a paste. Leave the paste on your pimple for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Both honey and cinnamon are antibacterial.
6. 
   6
   Get rid of blackheads with a milk and nutmeg scrub. Combine just enough nutmeg and milk to make a paste. Start with 1-part milk and 1-part nutmeg. Wash your face first, then gently massage the scrub over the affected area using circular motions. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse the scrub off.

   • The nutmeg will get rid of excess oil and act as an exfoliant.
   • The lactic acid in the milk will get rid of the dead skin cells and leave your skin looking brighter.
7. 
   7
   Pamper dry skin with a rose and chamomile body scrub. Blend 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of dried roses, 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile, and 1 tablespoon of oats in a coffee grinder. Transfer the powder to a jar, and add 2 tablespoons of honey and ¼ cup (xx milliliters) of oil. Mix with a spoon and seal the jar tightly. To use, simply scoop some of the scrub out with your fingers. Massage it over damp skin, then rinse it off.
8. 
   8
   Exfoliate away dead skin cells with a brown sugar, granulated sugar, or salt body scrub. Simply combine some sugar or salt with a food-grade oil in a jar. Consider adding a few drops of a refreshing essential oil for the ultimate spa experience. Here are some proportions to get you started:

   • If you are using brown sugar, use 1-part brown sugar and 1-part oil.
   • If you are using white/granulated sugar, use 2 parts sugar and 1-part oil.
   • If you are using salt, use 3 parts salt and 1-part oil.
   • If you want to use essential oils, try something with a refreshing scent, such as tea tree, peppermint, lavender, or grapefruit.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Targeting Specific Problems

1. 
   1
   Take care of aging skin. Because the sun can cause wrinkles, you will need to wear sunscreen whenever you go out. Smoking can also age your skin; if you are a smoker, you may want to consider quitting. You will also need to use plenty of moisturizer to leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Lastly, you'll want to eat healthy and get plenty of rest; this will allow your skin to heal and repair itself.
2. 
   2
   Treat pimples with care and don't pick at them. Those little red volcanoes might seem like they are begging to be popped, but the more you mess with a pimple, the worse it will become. Instead, try applying a topical pimple cream and wash your face twice a day.

   • You can also use a natural astringent on pimples, such as tea tree oil or witch hazel.
   • If you have severe acne, consider asking a dermatologist for a medicated pimple cream.
3. 
   3
   Gently exfoliate away those blackheads. Start by using a gentle cleanser and a soft washcloth; avoid using any harsh cleansers. Use a gentle, salicylic acid-based exfoliator, and make sure that it doesn't contain any irritants, such as dyes and fragrances. Moisturizing is also important when it comes to blackheads, but skip on the rich, heavy, creamy ones, and get the gel or liquid-based ones instead.
4. 
   4
   Use spot treatments on combination skin. After you have washed your face and used toner and moisturizer, use spot treatments on the oily/dry areas of your skin. For example, if you have dry skin on your cheeks, you may want to apply some extra moisturizer or oil. If you have oily skin on your forehead, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer instead, and blot excess oil with a tissue.
5. 
   5
   Moisturize and hydrate dry skin. If you have dry skin, be sure to use a richer, more intense moisturizer specially formulated for dry skin. You may also want to apply some natural oil, such as olive oil or jojoba seed oil, to extra dry areas. Lastly, if you suffer from excessive dryness, you might want to consider adding a humidifier to your home. This will keep the air moist, and prevent your skin from becoming too dry.

   • When choosing products, pass on anything that contains alcohols, fragrances, and dyes. These tend to be very harsh, and might dry your skin out further.
6. 
   6
   Treat eczema with care. Avoid taking long, hot showers, which may worsen your skin condition. Instead, opt for shorter ones using warm water and a mild soap. Moisturizer is also important; try finding one that is formulated for eczema. If your skin is particularly dry, you can visit a dermatologist and get a prescription medication. You can also consider getting a humidifier for your home; it will keep the air moist and prevent your skin from becoming too dry.
7. 
   7
   Don't over-wash an oily face. It might sound like a good idea, but it will dry out your face and cause your skin to produce even more oils to compensate. Instead, wash your face twice a day with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and follow up with an alcohol-free toner. When buying moisturizer, look for something that is liquid or gel based, and formulated for oily skin.

   • Exfoliating is a great way to get rid of the oil and dead skin cell build-up. Try to find something with salicylic acid in it.
   • Consider using tissues, rice paper, or oil blotting paper throughout the day to soak up excess oil.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How can I get good skin naturally?

  

  Joanna Kula
  Licensed Esthetician

  Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.

  

  Joanna Kula

  Licensed Esthetician

  Expert Answer

  If you wear makeup, double cleanse your skin at night. Wash your face once to remove makeup, dirt, and sunscreen, then wash your face again to deep clean your pores.

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• Question

  I'm 12 and have acne. what should I do?

  

  Community Answer

  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and avoid greasy foods and dairy. Drink plenty of water each day, take antioxidants, wash your skin daily with a gentle cleanser. Don't go to sleep wearing makeup and use natural products.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

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• Question

  My 10-year-old daughter has pimples at her hair line and around her nose. What would you recommend?

  

  Community Answer

  Well, first of all, it is simply a part of growing up and going through puberty. But since she is young, I would recommend avoiding any harsh acne products. If she is not currently washing her face every night with a cleanser, the California Kids #Superclear AM/PM wash would be a good product to start out with. You can purchase this at Walgreens.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

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Tips

• Consider wiping your phone down with anti-bacterial wipes to prevent acne causing bacteria from gathering on the screen.
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• Don't touch your face with hands too much. It just transfers the dirt from your fingers to your face. This clogs pores and causes pimples.
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• Mix moisturizer in with your foundation for a less intense layer.
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Warnings

• Not everyone is the same. What works for your friend may not work for you. Some products may be completely ineffective for you.
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• Don't use masks and scrubs containing lemon juice before going out for the day. Lemon juice makes your skin extra-sensitive to the sun. If you go out in the sun after using a lemon-based mask or scrub, you could get a severe sunburn.
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• Some products may cause allergic reactions. If you experience any discomfort or a rash after using something, discontinue use immediately.
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