10 Skincare Tips to Keep You Looking Smooth and Supple

Good skincare not only assures a healthy and glowing skin but also delays the skin’s ageing process and keeps skin disorders at bay. Here are some skincare tips to keep the skin smooth and supple and make a fresh start this year.

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1. Moisturise after a shower

Warm showers can strip the skin of its natural oils and make it dry and parched. Moisturise the skin using face creams and body lotions. And here is a simple way to remember to moisturise the skin every day – keep the body lotion right in the shower! According to Francesca Fusco, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, it is important to apply it when the skin is damp before it starts losing water vapour.

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2. Wear sunscreen daily

Doctors always stress the importance of wearing sunscreen of at least SPF30 on a daily basis and reapplying it as and when needed. To find a cream that is not too heavy, look for the word ‘non greasy’ or ‘sheer’ on the label. There are also spray-on fluids available in the market which serve the same purpose.

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3. Remove the makeup at night

Makeup can mix with skin oils and dirt, thereby trapping skin-damaging radicals floating in the air like bus exhaust. This can cause zits and other skin problems. Wash the face and remove the mascara as soon as reaching home. It is also a good idea to keep face wipes on the bedside table so that it is easy to clean the face before sleeping.

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4. Clean the makeup brushes

Uncleaned brushes have a buildup of makeup and skin oils creating a bacterial breeding ground which can cause skin irritation. Fusco says it is a good practice to clean the brushes every week. But it is a must to clean it at least every month. Wash the makeup tools with a liquid hand soap or baby shampoo and lukewarm water (hot water can cause bristles to fall out). Rinse well, squeeze out the excess water, reshape, and allow the brushes to dry thoroughly by balancing them over the sink. Weekly, spritz them with antibacterial cleaner and dry with a tissue.

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5. Post gym cleanliness

Switching from big gyms to studios focusing on special activities or workouts like spinning, boot camps, yoga, or Pilates is good, but make sure these studios have a shower. Not washing properly after gym can cause acne. If the studio gym doesn’t have a shower, make sure to wear moisture-wicking clothes. Use salicylic acid pads to swipe the face, back, and chest after class, and change into a clean, dry T-shirt. After getting back home, hop into the shower as soon as possible.

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6. Exfoliate regularly

By the ages of 30, the adult skin takes 28 days to replenish itself. During this time the skin can dry out and become lusterless. Exfoliating aids the skin renewal process. Use a gentle face scrub once or twice a week, and a chemical exfoliant on two other days of the week.

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7. Stick to the programme

Waiting for a new skin treatment to show results can be a test of patience. A good anti-ageing cream can take six weeks. Even skin lighteners and acne products will also take time.

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8. Keep hands off the face

Try to avoid touching the face as much as possible to avoid bringing dirt and oil to the skin. Do not pop squeeze pimples. Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream right away over the squeezed pimples to reduce inflammation and prevent long-lasting marks.

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9. Book a yearly mole check

Even people who diligently self-exam their bodies on a monthly basis, should consult a dermatologist once a year. For convenience, this appointment can be clubbed with other physical checkups and mammograms and scheduled at a relatively less hectic time of the year. Before leaving the doctor’s office, schedule an appointment for the coming year, set up a reminder in the phone and request the receptionist to follow up on it.

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10. Be gentle on the hands

For starters, use appropriate tools instead of nails to pry open boxes and cans, as this can lead to chips and peeling. Use moisturising gels and soaps to protect nails and hands from dehydration. Also use sunscreen lotion on the hands as well. For nighttime care, rub hands with a rich alpha hydroxy acid lotion—it’s too thick for day—and if the skin is chapped, use shea butter. For deep rehab, add cotton gloves after application to wear overnight.