Everyone experiences insecurities about something, whether it’s how much they weigh or what their skin looks like. It’s natural to feel unsure about yourself every now and again. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it. In this article, we share a few tips to help you feel confident in your skin. From changing the way you think to adopting better skincare habits, here’s everything you should know:
1. Treat Dark Spots
Dark spots, whether they’re a form of hyperpigmentation or melasma, can ruin your confidence. Even though these spots are common and may be a result of factors out of your control, like hormones. Thankfully, there are ways to treat these spots and uneven patches of skin, so you can feel better about yourself.
One option for treating dark spots is using vitamin C, a topical antioxidant that reduces dark coloration. Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in skincare products. You should be able to find it in moisturizers, serums, and other creams.
Chemical peels are another way to get rid of dark spots. They’re an exfoliating treatment that removes the upper layer of dead skin, which can reduce the appearance of dark spots and help you achieve a nice glow.
2. Change Your Thoughts
Contrary to popular belief, confidence isn’t something people are born with. It takes time and a lot of practice to become confident in your own skin. One of the best ways to help yourself become more confident is to change your thought pattern.
Instead of focusing on things you don’t like about your appearance, focus on what you do. For example, rather than say, “I hate the pimples on my face,” say something you love about yourself. Whether that’s “I love the color of my eyes” or “My hair looks great today!” Changing your negative thought pattern to one that’s positive can go a long way in helping you feel more confident.
3. Wear Sunscreen Every Single Day
Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. That’s because the sun, while beautiful, can cause severe damage. The sun produces ultraviolet rays (UV) that can lead to sunburns, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging, like rough and wrinkled skin. Regardless of how long you plan on being outside, it’s a good idea to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
It’s important to note that sunscreen shouldn’t just be worn in the summer. While the sun’s rays may not seem like a problem during the winter months, those UV rays are still beaming down and can do damage. So, make sure you’re applying sunscreen before leaving your house this winter and re-applying throughout the day.
4. Don’t Touch Your Face
This may come as a shock, but your hands are dirtier than you realize. Think about it for a second. From your computer keyboard to door knobs, you come into contact with thousands of germs a day. If you’re constantly touching your face with dirty hands, you’re transferring those germs to your skin, which can cause acne.
To avoid transferring bacteria, do your best to keep your hands off your face. The best way to do this is to try to be mindful. There’s a good chance you may not know you’re touching your face. So, start paying attention to those times when you rub your eyebrows in frustration or scratch an itch on your cheek.
You should also avoid putting your phone on your face, as it contains germs as well. Instead, take your calls on speakerphone or use headphones. In addition, make sure you’re regularly cleaning your phone.
5. Wash Your Sheets
How often do you wash your bed sheets and pillowcases? According to experts, most people should wash their sheets at least once a week. If you don’t, that could be causing any less than clear skin.
While it may seem excessive, bed sheets can accumulate a great deal of dirt, dead skin cells, and dust mites. Even if you shower before going to bed at night, washing your sheets on a regular basis is important. After all, your skin spends a lot of time laying on that while you sleep. You want to make sure it’s clean.
Speaking of pillowcases, another great tip for maintaining good-looking skin is to use a silk pillowcase. This type of fabric absorbs less moisture than other types, keeping your skin hydrated and your hair from getting too frizzy. If you haven’t incorporated a silk pillowcase into your nighttime routine, you may want to re-think that.
6. Exercise Regularly
There are several benefits to exercising. For one, it releases your brain’s feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins can help relieve pain, reduce stress, and can make you feel better about yourself. Incorporating exercise into your daily regimen can go a long way in helping you feel better about your skin and yourself.
Another benefit to exercising is that it delivers oxygen and other important nutrients to your skin, helping it look and feel healthy. Depending on the type of exercise, it may cause you to sweat, which can help moisturize your skin and even kill bacteria on your skin’s surface.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you have to opt for a high-intensity workout. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and pilates can be just as beneficial. So, consider adding a few workouts to your weekly routine.
Everyone wants perfect-looking skin. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as “perfect.” That’s why it’s important to love and accept yourself for who you are now. While the tips above can help enhance your skin, the best thing you can do is work on building your confidence.