10 Commandments for Healthy Skin

A proper skincare may seem complicated, especially since we’re constantly bombarded with new and often contradictory information on what might be best for your skin. It can be hard to keep up, and separate the good advice from the bad.

But skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Of course some people are more prone to having skin woes than others (blame it on genetics), but at the end of the day the skincare basics are actually pretty similar everyone.

By incorporating good skincare & health habits—applying sunscreen, drinking water, and moisturizing your skin— your routine can become second nature, making it easier to get and maintain clear, glowing, and gorgeous skin.

These are my 10 personal skincare commandments. They make up foundation of the foundation my skincare regimen. Making a routine of these habits will help you attain better skin and help you maintain your skin for years to come.

Skincare Commandment #1:
Wear Sunscreen (Everyday!)

Whether you’re hanging out in sun, out for a walk, or sitting in traffic on your morning commute, wearing sunscreen is a necessary step for all skin care routines.

You might think UV rays might not be strong enough to give you a tan, but over time they can induce wrinkles, saggy skin and dark spots.

If you want to keep your skin looking young for as long as possible, wearing sunscreen is the cardinal skincare rule. 

Make it easy for yourself by using a moisturizer that has a sunscreen (my fave one here), or one that has a tint so you can cut down on products.

Skincare Commandment #2
Moisturize Your Face, Neck & Body!

Regardless of your skin type, you should always moisturize your whole body. I’m sure most of us moisturize our face daily, but the neck and body are important too!

You should always moisturize after cleansing to help lock in hydration and restore the oils that have been removed by soap or cleanser.

Skincare Commandment #3:
Never Sleep in Your Make-up

You don’t need a degree in dermatology to know that sleeping in your makeup is a sin for your skin. Going to be bed without washing your face is bad news and can have a cumulative harmful effect.

Today’s cosmetics are created to be long wearing and last throughout the day. Silicone and other chemicals in makeup stay in pores unless you cleanse your skin. Over time, build up can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, blackheads, and dull damaged skin.

I’m so been guilty of breaking this rule, especially in my younger days. Neutrogena® All-in-One Make-up Removing Wipes are a saviour for those nights when you’re wiped out and want to hit the sheets fast.

But for most nights, I usually do a double cleanse, with and oil based cleaner plus a gel cleanser. My favourite double cleans combo is the Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse + Special Cleanser combo. It’s super gentle, and leaves my skin clean and balanced.

Skincare Commandment #4:
Hydrate From the Inside Out

Health and hydration go hand in hand, and not just when it comes to our bodies.

Dehydration can show up on our skin, as dullness, dryness, or an uneven tone. Drinking a healthy amount of water each day, keeps your body and your skin hydrated and flushes away toxins.

This water bottle has been so helpful for me! It has markers for how much water you should drink by that time in the day, along with some motivational quotes!

Skincare Commandment #5:
Eat a Skin Healthy Diet

You are what you eat, and if you’re eating pizza all the time, well… your skin probably looks a little like it too. 

Even if you’re using the best skincare products in the world, you won’t reach your potential if you’re constantly eating poorly. If you really want to see your skin make a transformation, start eating better.

Eating your greens and fruits, cutting down on the junk food and having well balanced meals will nourish your skin with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to repair and maintain your skin.

I added skincare vitamins to my diet lately, and I also find those helpful as it can be hard get all your nourishment for eating alone. These Hair, Skin & Nails with Biotin and Collagen taste great and I’ve really noticed a difference in my hair and nails.

Skincare Commandment #5:
Don’t Pick at Your Skin

If you spot a pimple or a blackhead, leave it alone! You should avoid the temptation of picking your skin at all costs.

Not only can popping or picking a pimple cause the clogged pore to become more irritated and inflamed, it can also spread the bacteria from said pimple to other areas of your face—which may result in more breakouts, not to mention it could leave you with a nasty scar.

So resist the urge and apply a topical spot treatment to the troubled area while you wait for it to go away.

Skincare Commandment #6:
Get Enough Sleep

They don’t call it beauty rest for nothing! Getting the proper 7-9 hours per night means less wrinkles, a more glowing complexion and brighter, less puffy eyes.

A good night’s rest is can act like a mini-face lift, while a sleepless night ages you instantly.  Since your body repairs itself and recovers while you snooze, and that leads to a long list of benefits for your looks.

So be sure to catch the right amount of Zzz’s every night. Your face will thank you!

Skincare Commandment #8:
Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells that build up on its surface, causing everything from dull complexions to clogged pores.

As we age, the natural exfoliation process of our skin slows down, so giving it a helping hand, just being careful not to overdo it.

Skincare Commandment #9
Work Up a Sweat

Ever noticed that post workout glow? Well exercise helps you to sweat out toxins and bring blood circulation to your skin.

Plus, exercise helps to manage your stress levels and stress hormones like cortisol that can be responsible for breakouts.

Skincare Commandment #10 – Use The Right Products

It’s no secret that not everyone’s skin is the same. Some people have more sensitive skin than others, some have skin too dry, some have skin too oily, some have a combination of the two and some have what we call ‘normal’ skin, or skin without any glaring flaws.

Each type has its own specific needs that need to be addressed. When going through your daily skincare routine, don’t use a product just because it has a cult following. Sometimes it might not be right for you. Know your skin type and the what your skin needs and find the right products to care for it.

Fortunately, there are also many products that are beneficial for different skin types. One of the reasons is that they are made from responsibly sourced, natural ingredients.

For instance, products made from goat milk, oats, Patchouli, are a few from many, that are full of skin nourishing ingredients and can be beneficial for your skin in many different ways.

Have any skin care commandments that you live by?
Let me know in the comments below!

XOXO,