5 Steps to Healthier Looking Skin

Let's talk about skin for a second. Not everyone's blessed with good genes like Jane Fonda or Julianne Moore and the stressful lives we lead, tends to take a toll on our skin. Sadly, Women are more prone to to dermatological problems and skin breakouts - Blame it on our hormones. For example, I was blessed with a pregnancy glow when I was expecting my daughter and after I had her, my skin has been much drier. Since then I make sure to stick to a skincare routine. Here are 5 steps to a healthier looking skin: 1. Stay Hydrated You know how your Mum kept reminding you to keep drinking water and eating your fruits and veggies - Well, Yeah you should do it. In more technical terms, human body is made up of 72% water and that's where you should take your cue to pick up that water bottle. Not only should you drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday, you can also keep your body hydrated by eating salads and fruits. Fruits and Veggies are a good way of eating your water besides many other benefits. 2. Use a Moisturizer First of all, choose the right moisturizer for your skin based on your skin type and the outcome you are looking for. When I was working I would use tinted moisturizers since they work well as a base for makeup. Now that I stay at home most days, I use one that hydrates my skin and that I can leave on my skin without having to worry about applying makeup over it. Another thing to keep in mind, most lotions come with instructions on where you should/can use them. Something that's meant for your body will NOT work for your face + it might have even more chemicals than you want to put on your face. The skin on our face is much more delicate and more prone to breakouts. The face is where you put all the makeup so it needs that much more extra care. Choose a moisturizer carefully and apply it every time you wash your face.  3. Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse There is a reason your face glows when you have stayed home a couple of days - it has not been subjected to harsh elements outside. Clean skin is the most important step in getting healthy skin. Yes, you should take off all your makeup before you go to sleep even if it is just with a wipe. Again, when cleansing use a facial cleanser and make sure you wipe your face with a clean towel.  If you are feeling lazy, keep a few cotton balls soaked in coconut oil. Use it at the end of the day as a makeup remover as well as a moisturizer. Coconut oil does wonders to the skin at the end of the day and I am speaking with experience. Here's how to replace 7 beauty products with one jar of coconut oil.
Via The Chic Site
4. Scrub once a week 
Exfoliation will get rid of dead cells and rid your skin of impurities. Scrubbing makes sure you expedite the process. I, personally prefer once a week since I have dry skin and I use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub which works great for my skin type. Homemade scrubs such as ones with gram flour, orange peel or papaya can also be used depending on the skin type and any skin problems you are prone to. As I have mentioned earlier, It is important to figure out what is going to work for you. Once I find something that works for my skin type, I tend to stick to it for years on end.
5. Exercise and Don't forget the Sunscreen Exercise has a lot of benefits besides getting your blood pumping. Not everyone can hit the gym everyday and something as simple as Speed Walking everyday, Playing a Sport you like or Swimming can help you with that. Also, now that Summers are close and with all the information about how over exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer, don't forget to apply the sunscreen. Look for a moisturizer with SPF but also keep a sunscreen lotion handy in case you are planning spend plenty of time outdoors. If you are worried about the chemicals in these lotions, there are plenty of natural sunscreen lotions available.
What is your skincare routine? Do you have tips to share for a healthier skin? 
Happy Mid-Week!