Having clear glowing skin is something most women dream about, but only a small percentage of them actually achieves it. The rest of the mortals lead a constant battle with common skin issues, driving them on a never-ending hunt for holy grail products that can give them that flawless-looking skin they want so much.

But what if we tell you there’s no such thing as picture-perfect skin? What if instead of trying to have the skin of an Instagram model, which is far from being a realistic goal since most bodies and faces on social media are digitally altered, you would shift your focus towards achieving the best skin of your life? Because good skin means different things to different people, and you shouldn’t compare yourself to anyone else in this respect.

So, if your goal is to achieve healthy and happy skin, you can start by making a few changes in your skincare routine. Summer is finally here, the weather is awesome, and it’s time for you to finally step up your skincare game and feel great in your own body.

Listen to your skin

The stories your skin would tell if it could actually talk… But even though skin doesn’t really talk, it can still give you clues that can tell you what you’re doing wrong and what you’re doing right. Most people have this fixed idea of what a skincare routine should be like and they embrace popular skincare trends like the 10-step Korean skincare regimen and other similar fads just because everyone on social media seems to be into them.

The thing is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare. Different people have different skin care needs, so what works for someone else might not work for you and vice versa, even if your skin types are similar. Instead of basing your skincare routine on the latest trends and using products that other people are recommending, you should pay attention to what your skin needs and tailor your routine accordingly.

Choose your products wisely

Understanding your skincare needs is one thing, but creating a bespoke skincare regime is a whole different story. With so many skincare products flooding the market, it can be difficult to tell which ones are worth it and which are a waste of money. That’s why you should do a bit of research before choosing the products you want to include in your skincare routine.

Try to get your information from reliable sources and consult expert services such as Skinora that can help you find the right products for your skin type and address your current skin concerns. This will take the guesswork out of building your routine and help you avoid common skincare mistakes.

Incorporate retinol into your routine

Retinol is considered the gold standard in the skincare world for its anti-aging properties and an array of other benefits that come with regular use. If you want to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns, retinol is your safest bet.

However, first-time retinol users have to practice caution when starting their retinol journey, as the ingredient can have potential side effects such as irritation, dryness and peeling, if it’s not used properly. The safest way to incorporate retinol into your routine is to start slowly and gradually work your way up to regular use.

SPF all the way every day

A lot of people still think that sunscreen should only be used during summer or when they go to the beach, when in reality we should apply sunscreen every day if we plan to go outside. It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer, cloudy or sunny. The harmful UV rays don’t care about seasons or weather and they can cause a lot of damage to your skin.

Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should become a habit for everyone, regardless of skin type or color. So, find a good sunscreen with a texture that your skin agrees with to keep your skin healthy and protected.

Don’t overdo it

If you have a large enough budget, it could be tempting to test product after product and incorporate a variety of active ingredients into your skincare regimen, hoping they will help you achieve the best results.  

But remember, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Using too many active ingredients at the same time can do more harm than good to your skin and cause it to react. It might be a much better idea to give your skin a break and try the less-is-more approach. Stick to the basics and your skin will thank you.

Beauty sleep is no joke

It’s not just the products you put on your skin daily that influence the way your skin looks and feels. A good night’s sleep also plays a major role in the equation. During the night, your skin is on repair mode, working to recover from the stress and damage that happened during the day, which is why you should prioritize your beauty sleep from now on.

So, if you want to keep dark undereye circles, fine lines, dull skin and other skin issues at bay, you might want to reconsider your sleep schedule and make sure you get 8 hours of restful sleep every night.

Treat your skin from within

The role of diet in maintaining healthy skin is something that is not talked about enough. You can do everything right, use the right products in the right order and sleep like a baby, but still deal with a variety of skin problems, if your diet is not balanced.

Since your skin is influenced by what you eat, you should take a moment to evaluate your eating habits and try to adopt a healthier diet. Drink water to stay hydrated and include foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that your skin will love. You can also add supplements in your wellness routine, but make sure you consult with your doctor first.