Shutterstock
Nobody wants an uneven complexion. Whether you’re struggling with wrinkles, redness, dark spots, or blemishes, those imperfections can feel like they’re taking over your face.
The good news is that you can take steps right now to have clearer, more even skin. With a mix of time-tested advice our grandmothers used and the newest ways to improve your complexion, we’ve got all the bases covered.
This is an old piece of advice that’s gaining new popularity as people discover how great silk pillowcases are for your face and hair. Because silk satin is so smooth, it doesn’t drag on your face or hair as you sleep. That means fewer wrinkles and tangles when you wake up!
Look for a 100% mulberry silk pillowcase for the best quality—but brace yourself for a premium price tag. I bought one recently, and it’s wonderful to sleep on. In my opinion, it’s worth the investment to buy real silk and not polyester.
Washing your face isn’t as easy as you might think. For your best skin ever, look for a gentle, soap-free cleanser without sulfates or parabens. Using too much cleanser can strip your skin of its natural protective oils, too. Use only the directed amount on the package and avoid scrubbing your skin too harshly. You should rinse your face with lukewarm or cool water—never hot.
Before we get started, let’s get something clear: Never follow a tutorial you found online for home chemical peels. Buy a product from a skincare line that you already trust—never DIY a home peel!
Gentle peels made with glycolic, lactic, or citric acid are the way to go. These products can help remove the outermost layer of dead skin on your face, revealing a younger-looking you underneath.
Even if you aren’t planning to go outside for any length of time today, wear sunscreen anyway. UV rays can still get at your skin through windows, potentially exposing you to solar radiation for hours at a time. Choose a moisturizer with SPF and use it every single day.
Certain foods can lead to complexion problems. Scientists have linked sugar consumption to wrinkles, for example. Spicy foods can make facial redness much worse. And if you struggle with breakouts, avoid greasy, fried foods. Vitamin-packed produce, on the other hand, can help boost your skin from the inside out.
Staying hydrated with water (as well as green tea) is the best, least expensive way to improve your skin. However, you can give yourself a little extra help by taking a multivitamin packed with antioxidants.
