Easy Solutions for Better Skin
"Ugh, another pimple!" "When did that wrinkle show up?" "I hate these bags under my eyes!" Does any of that sound familiar? We all have skin care issues we'd love to fix, but with so many different products to choose from, it's hard to know what's going to work. Stop suffering from derma-despair! In this post we highlight 8 top skin care concerns, explain their causes, and offer simple, achievable solutions. (Your skin will thank us.)Issue: Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Cause: Dehydrated skin, free radicals (from pollution & sun), and -sigh- the passage of time.
Solution: Eradicate fine lines by drinking plenty of water, using a facial mist throughout the day, and choosing a replenishing serum that plumps up dehydrated skin. Diminishing wrinkles requires a diligent routine, so make sure to stick to it! Fight free radicals with antioxidant-rich Retinol (vitamin A) serum; use it at night for maximum effectiveness, since vitamin A breaks down in sunlight. Firm and smooth your skin every morning and evening with a fortifying cream that targets signs of aging.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Acne & Blemishes
Cause: Clogged pores caused by improper cleansing, stress & unhealthy eating (ahem, sugar).
Solution: Get regular exercise to reduce the effects of stress and go easy on sugary treats! Folks with blemish-prone skin really can't be lazy with their skin care routine. Yes, you have to wash your face EVERY morning and night. Make sure to choose a cleanser that will purify without stripping the skin, which could cause more pimples. Treat yourself to a natural clay mask once a week to draw out impurities. Spot treat any blemishes during the day with an undetectable clear gel.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Oily Skin
Cause: Stripping cleansers & treatments can lead skin to over-produce oil.
Solution: Although oily skin can be annoying to deal with, it does reduce the appearance of wrinkles by keeping skin more hydrated. Yay! That being said, you can still get the oil-factor under control. Stick with washes that aren’t overly-drying, they can strip skin and send the signal to make more oil. Believe it or not, a facial oil designed specifically for oily skin will sink right in and balance excessive sebum production; try a few drops every morning. Keep blotting paper on hand for t-zone touch-ups in the afternoon.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Uneven Skin Tone
Cause: UV exposure, air pollution, acne scars & hormones
Solution: The sun is really the biggest culprit here, so remember to cover up and wear sunscreen every day to prevent future damage! Exfoliate once a week to encourage cell turnover and reveal a more even complexion. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a gentle manual exfoliant; for more resilient skin, try a chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid pads. Vitamin C is an excellent brightening ingredient, but doesn't do much in low concentrations. Go for a serum with the maximum dose and use it every morning.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Dry, Sensitive Skin
Cause: A diet lacking in essential fatty acids & harsh ingredients that irritate.
Solution: Most of us know that what goes inside our bodies affects the outside, but is especially pertinent for those with dry, irritated skin. Essential fatty acids are crucial components of healthy, hydrated skin, so eat omega-rich foods or take a daily supplement. Disturbing the skin's protective acid mantle can lead to dryness and irritation, so avoid alkaline soap cleansers and choose a nourishing moisturizer that mimics your natural oils. Soothe extra-sensitive skin with a spritz of thermal spring water.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Undereye Circles
Cause: Lack of sleep, stress, allergies, and genetics (sorry!)
Solution: Get plenty of rest every night and address your allergies. (We know, easier said than done.) Some simple changes: don’t rub your eyes (it can break blood vessels) and regularly wear sunglasses to prevent collagen breakdown. Follow up with a targeted serum to plump and lighten the undereye area. Remember: always apply eye treatments with your ring fingers and use a gentle patting motion to avoid damaging the delicate tissue. Try a BB cream with color-correcting pigments for light coverage.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Rosacea
Cause: Believed to be genetic; triggered by spicy food, alcohol, exercise, sun & wind.
Solution: Moderate your martinis and go light on the Sriracha. Protect yourself when you're out in the elements—beach umbrellas, hats, and windbreakers with hoods are all good ideas! Choose a mild cleanser with skin-calming ingredients. Disguise redness with an ingenious green-tinted moisturizer safe for sensitive skin. It's great to use a moisturizer with SPF in the morning, but you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. A luminizing powder with SPF will protect and brighten your complexion.Smallflower Picks
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Issue: Eczema & Psoriasis
Cause: Irritation from soap, detergent, heat & sweat; stress & climate also factor in.
Solution: Keep a skin care diary: jot down your activities for the day, what food you ate, which products you used, etc. and note how your skin reacted. This should help you figure out your biggest irritants to avoid. Some general advice to avoid flare-ups: use a gentle non-soap cleanser, never wash with hot water, and stick with a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer. If you do get irritated patches, but want to avoid steroid ointments, use a natural anti-inflammatory cream to hydrate and soothe.Smallflower Picks
