How Do You Create Good Skin? Follow These 7 Steps, According to Experts.

Regardless of your stage of life, your good health and vibrance shows in your skin perhaps faster than anywhere else. Yes, good products and cleansing routines are helpful. But the greatest part of your skin’s appearance comes from within.

With this in mind, heed the following wisdom from experts on the things you can do to enhance your health and appearance with radiant and beautiful skin.

1. Use good water. The quality of the water you wash with as well as the water you drink makes a difference to your skin and health. Soft water doesn’t remove soap well, which means it can leave a residue on your skin. If you use soft water, you should adapt for this factor by scaling back the amount of soap products you use.
   
   Likewise, the skin toner you choose will be essential for removing any final traces of residue from your skin. Conversely, if you have hard water it will take more product to produce the lather you need for properly cleansing your skin.[1] For drinking, a reverse osmosis filter can ensure you are drinking water free of harmful contaminants and compounds that can affect your health as well as creating a dullness that affects the look of your skin.
   
   
2. Manage Stress. Have you ever heard the expression “you wear your stress”? When we’re under stress we tend to eat badly and sleep poorly. But in addition to this, the cortisol we produce in times of stress can make skin oilier and lead to skin breakouts and acne as well, according to Lisa Donofrio, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine.[2]
   
   
3. Use Good Sunscreen. There are many reasons for wearing a good sunscreen. First and foremost, the most prevalent form of cancer is skin cancer, according to the John Stoddard Cancer Center.[3] Likewise, UV exposure is the single largest factor in skin aging and damage, which makes sunscreen essential.
   
   Sunscreen also keeps your skin tone even by preventing the appearance of dark spots and skin discolorations and it helps to keep you looking young. Any variety of sunscreen – spray, cream or stick – can be effective, but be sure you choose a non-clogging variety with an SPF rating of 15 or above.
   
   Eating your fruits and vegetables is helpful as well – the carotenoids they contain are bioactive compounds that accumulate in the skin, giving you both a healthy glow and built in UV shielding, as well as providing fuel for ongoing repair.
   
   
4. Drink (or Apply) Green Tea. Did you know that Green Tea is good for your skin? Green tea carries anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antibacterial agent, which can be highly beneficial to reduce skin and facial swelling and to combat the bacterial growth that contributes to clogged skin and acne. You can drink Green Tea (although you should avoid it if you are averse to caffeine), but green tea is powerful in topical applications as well.
   
   
5. Watch Sun Exposure Indoors. Even for those who religiously apply sunscreen when going outdoors tend to miss the implication of indoor sunlight – including while driving.
   
   UV rays (and in particular UVA rays) can penetrate most glass windows, leading to increased prevalence of spots and skin cancers on the left side of the face and body, since that side is more exposed when you’re driving, according to Donofrio.[5]
   
   
6. Pay Attention to Cleanser. The best way to cleanse your skin is to wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.[6]
   
   Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything other than your fingertips can irritate your skin. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
   
   As to cleansers, there are myriad of options on the market to meet every budget and personal taste. But according to dermatologists, a simple and natural solution with limited ingredients is your best bet.
   
   
7. Get Healthy Sleep. Of all the benefits of healthy sleep, healthy skin is one of the top, according to WebMD. [7]
   
   Healthy sleep (seven or more hours per night) allows you to wake up not only ready to face the day, but with healthier skin as well! Your skin stays younger looking as your body creates collagen during the night.
   
   Sufficient sleep is also essential for avoiding under-eye puffiness. Improved sleep can improve skin in as little as a day, according to Michael Breus, PhD, a certified sleep specialist. But within 2-3 weeks, people will notice you’re sleeping better by the way you look, Breus says. 

There are many ways to improve the appearance and health of your skin. But by following these seven steps, you can make an immediate and significant improvement to the health and the look of your skin.

[1]“11 Steps to Better Skin”, by Stacy Colino, February 27, 2019, RealSimple.com.
[2]“11 Steps to Better Skin”, by Stacy Colino, February 27, 2019, RealSimple.com.
[3} “8 Reasons to Wear Sunscreen This Summer”, by John Stoddard Cancer Center, May 27, 2020 for Unity Point Health.
[4] “Top Six Benefits of Green Tea for Skin”, May 11, 2018, 100% Pure.
[5]“11 Steps to Better Skin”, by Stacy Colino, February 27, 2019, RealSimple.com.
[6] “Face Washing 101”, by the American Association of Dermatology.
[7] “The Truth About Beauty Sleep”, by Stephanie Jacob for WebMD.com.