20 Tips
I wanted to share a few tried-and-true tips that I’ve used personally over the years, along with advice gathered from fellow estheticians, students, and clients on their skin care journeys. These simple habits can help promote healthier, more radiant skin.
Let’s go!
- Hands Off Your Face ~ Studies show we touch our faces up to 20 times per hour. Minimize touching, especially if you’re acne-prone or have sensitive skin.
- Clean Your Phone ~ Wipe your phone daily with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to avoid transferring bacteria to your face.
- Eat for Your Skin ~ Pay attention to foods that trigger inflammation for you. Reducing sugar, dairy, or spicy foods may improve certain skin conditions
- Cleanse After Working Out ~ Sweat can mix with oil and bacteria, clogging pores. Wash your face (or at least use cleansing wipes) after every workout.
- Wash Hair Before Washing Face ~ Shampoo and conditioner can leave residue that clogs pores. Wash your hair first, then your face, to keep your skin fresh and clean.
- Use a Fresh Washcloth Daily ~ Bacteria can build up quickly. If your washcloth smells—even slightly—it’s time for a new one.
- Clean Piercings Regularly ~ Facial and ear piercings can trap bacteria and debris—clean them often to avoid irritation or odor.
- Toss Expired Makeup ~ Makeup can harbor bacteria. Check expiration dates and replace products as needed.
- Always Remove Makeup Before Bed ~ Sleeping in makeup clogs pores and traps debris, leading to breakouts and dullness.
- Double Cleanse Makeup ~ Start with a non-comedogenic oil cleanser to dissolve makeup, followed by a gentle facial cleanser to remove residue completely.
- Clean Makeup Brushes Regularly ~ Wash brushes after each use or at least weekly with a gentle cleanser. Let them air dry completely and store them in a clean, covered container.
- Don’t Forget the Outer Ear ~ The outer ear can collect oil and bacteria, sometimes causing painful pimples. Clean gently with a damp cloth.
- Wipe the Rim of Your Glasses ~ Clean the parts of your glasses that touch your skin with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes to prevent breakouts.
- Change Your Pillowcase Regularly ~ Your pillowcase collects oils, sweat, and bacteria every night. Change it at least once a week—and every 2–3 days if you’re acne-prone.
- Don’t Over-Exfoliate ~ Overdoing exfoliation can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and texture issues. Gentle and consistent wins.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubs ~ Physical scrubs with rough particles can cause micro-tears in the skin and worsen texture. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants such as jojoba beads, colloidal oatmeal, or finely milled rice powder.
- Hydrate Inside and Out ~ Drink plenty of water daily, and use hydrating products like toners, essence, and water-based serums year-round.
- Moisturizer or Hydrator Is a Must ~ Even oily or acne-prone skin needs moisture. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic hydrator to protect your barrier and lock in hydration.
- Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily ~ UVB rays cause burns, but UVA rays penetrate deeper—leading to premature aging and hyperpigmentation. SPF is essential every day, even indoors or on cloudy days. See my blog "An SPF Fit for Me: A Guide to Smarter Sun Protection"
- Choose Clean Beauty Products Wisely ~ “Clean beauty” has no universal definition. Research brands that align with your personal values and skin health goals.
Have questions about your own skin care routine and habbits? Message Huemetics Artistry today!
