How to Get Smooth Skin

There are multiple theories about how many hours of sleep everyone needs. Some people are night owls and can operate perfectly on four hours, some people change personalities if they don’t get their full eight hours.

The bottom line is this: humans cannot function properly without enough good quality sleep, and it shows in our skin. Beauty sleep is not a myth. An example of the visible signs of sleep deprivation is its contribution to periorbital hyperpigmentation, or dark circles under the eyes.

Unplug your electronics, darken your room and get as many regular, uninterrupted nights of sleep as possible.

Going to bed at the same time each night will help your body to set a routine. As part of your routine, try applying a moisturiser that is specifically developed to take care of your skin during the night. NIVEA Essentials Regenerating Night Face Cream is an overall face moisturiser. If you want to target specific areas, then something like NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Night Cream or Vital Multi Active Anti-Age Night Face Cream with Soy will help to reduce fine lines while you sleep.

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and sunlight is invaluable for your skin. Choose a high quality sunscreen. For daily use, try something light and easily-absorbed, like NIVEA Protect & Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF30. If you are going into direct sunlight for any amount of time, a high level of protection with Vitamin E to care for you skin is recommended. NIVEA Ultra Beach Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ is easy to apply and is water resistant for up to four hours.

Wear sun smart clothing, such as long sleeves and broad brimmed hats, and apply sunscreen whenever you leave the house. Wearing UV protective sunglasses are a great move – squinting in the sunlight is how wrinkles develop around the soft skin surrounding the eyes.

Of course, keeping your skin out of the sun will also decrease the likelihood of developing sun cancer, as well as creating or darkening freckles and sun spots.

Always read the label and follow the directions of use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.

Yes, we said it three times. Locking in moisture is the key to supple, smooth skin. A good skin care regime is vital. Be gentle, yet thorough. Overworking your skin can cause inflammation and swelling on its surface.

Wash your skin every morning and exfoliate your skin once a week. Gentle exfoliation removes micro particles and oil from the pores, but over-washing can strip away the skin’s natural moisturising oils which creates patches of dryness and irritation. Remember to pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing it vigorously.

Apply moisturiser in the evening and the morning (and the afternoon if you feel like it). Just be sure you are using the best one for your skin type, the time of day, and the season. People with the best skin are acutely aware of their skin type and how to manage the moisture levels within.

If you have sensitive skin, look for products with “ceramides,” one of the three types of lipids or fats in the skin.

Most people don’t drink enough water. We should all be aiming for 6-8 glasses per day, depending on our activity levels. If you find it hard to drink that much water, try caffeine-free herbal teas. Fruits and vegetables are also a great source of hydration.

Sugary foods, with a high glycaemic index, create an increase in cortisol through a process called glycosylation. This is where sugars bind to collagen and weaken it. That’s why avoiding sugar is a good rule of thumb. Also, try to make sure your diet includes:

• Healthy fats like those found in olive oil
• Omega 3s, which are found in walnuts and salmon
• Antioxidants that are present in dark, leafy greens
• Vitamin C, which is abundant in berries and citrus fruits

Not only will good nutrition keep your skin firmer and smoother, it can also prevent pimples and blemishes from popping up. Great news for your skin!