Beauty Column: Super Skin-Saver Tips

There was a time in my life, actually rather recently, when I had entirely given up hope for my acne-ridden skin. I had tried it all: creams and cleansers, toners and prescription treatments, even avoiding chocolate and french fries for an entire week. Yes, I was that des- perate. I had spent hundreds of dollars (probably thousands) on skincare fads and regimens that got rave reviews on- line. Each time I ordered a new blemish-fighting product, a little part of me was hopeful—even excited—that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and that I’d finally found the product that would banish my acne for good. But each time I tried something new, I was met with the same disappointment: no clear, radiant skin, and sometimes, even more pimples and irritation than I had to begin with. Around the time that I had just about completely given up on my problematic skin, I had a breakthrough. After a two-week holiday hiatus from school and work, I noticed my skin was actually starting to improve. Was it all of a sudden flawless? No, but it was definitely less irritated, and I noticed fewer and fewer blemishes popping up on a daily basis. What was I doing differently? Was it the newest set of acne- fighting products I had dared to try out? Probably not, since I had already been using it for almost three months with no dramatic results. That’s when it dawned on me: having the time to take care of my mind and body—and away from the normal stressors of work, school, and life in general—gave my skin the chance to naturally regenerate itself without any harsh prescriptions or rigorous routines. Once vacation was over, I tried my best to keep to the same routine (with a few exceptions) as I did while on my relaxing hiatus, and you know what? My skin got better and continues to do so to this day. Does my face look like an airbrushed version of my former self? No, but that’s okay because no one has a perfect complexion. Below are my this-actually-works, tried-and-true skin saver tips. I’m just thankful to finally have a handle on my skin, and I hope you will be too. Stay fabulous, always. XOXO. BY ELIZABETH MASCI
Sleep more! 
Ever notice how angry your blemishes look after a night out or an all-nighter study session? Less than 7-8 hours of sleep equals stress, and stress equals inflammation. In other words, the more you sleep, the better your skin will look and feel. It’s that simple, I swear. Stress less! For me, a stressful day at work almost always equates to acne. So how do you get the stress under control? Although you can’t avoid it entirely, you can find ways to alleviate it, and in doing so, alleviate your acne. What works for me? Lots of deep breaths and stress-relieving activities like yoga or even a 10-minute power nap to relax and recharge.
Stress less! 
For me, a stressful day at work almost always equates to acne. So how do you get the stress under control? Although you can’t avoid it entirely, you can find ways to alleviate it, and in doing so, alleviate your acne. What works for me? Lots of deep breaths and stress-relieving activities like yoga or even a 10-minute power nap to relax and recharge.
Drink up! 
Everyone knows how important it is to keep yourself hydrated, but did you know it can make a huge difference when it comes to the appearance of your skin? Drinking lots of water (instead of caffeine and sugary drinks) keeps your skin hydrated and radiant all day long, and acts as a natural detox, warding off irritation and inflammation on and below the surface of your skin.
Feed your skin! 
Although it has been scientifically proven that chocolate and greasy foods do not cause acne, I can tell you from personal experience that changing my diet has changed my skin for the better. Do I occasionally indulge in french fries or chocolate? Of course I do, but I try to make as many good choices as I can each day when it comes to food. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as taking daily multivitamins for hair, skin, and nail health—and washing it all down with water—has vastly improved the tone and clarity of my skin.

 
 
Images courtesy of Target.