There are a lot of factors that come into play when we consider what makes you skin clearer. Sometimes a big one can be your genetic makeup, which, even with all the best products and life choices in the world, we cannot prevent. However there are still many factors we can influence like what products we use on our skin and making the right lifestyle choices. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’re probably familiar with the fact that I only use cruelty-free skincare products on my skin. But even then, I’ve been on quite the journey to narrow down my skincare products. So, with my minimal skincare routine, I have found quite a few other things that I can rely on to help keep my skin as clear as possible.

Get your beauty sleep

Sleep is such an underrated beauty tip. It is known that most average adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep. However 1 in 5 adults in the UK alone currently don’t get enough sleep and are averaging less than 6 hours of sleep a night. Your body boosts blood flow to your skin when you’re sleeping which gives you a healthy glow. Not to mention it can brighten up your dark circles and make you look more awake. I do understand though that getting enough sleep is easier said than done. Some things that have helped me get a better nights sleep is to have a solid bedtime routine, limit phone use after 9pm and only use dimmed lighting around the house in the evening.

Stay hydrated

Everyone talks about how water is good for you. And they’re right. Staying hydrated is key to helping your body stay in top form - including your skin. The amount of water you should drink in the day completely depends on your activity levels, what kind of climate you’re in and even your size. For some context, as a 5ft 10 female who has a relatively sedentary day job I try to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. On days that I am more active I am much closer to 3 litres. The main reason why water is so good for your skin is simply because it is hydrating you from the inside out and basically acts like a moisturiser. And moisturised skin always has a better time keeping clear of skin issues than dry skin. So make sure you drink up!

Get your sweat on

Whilst alot of people argue that sweating is bad for your skin and can encourage spots - for me this simply isn’t the case. By staying active and getting a bit of a sweat on a few times a week, my skin looks healthier, brighter and clearer. I can definitely see a difference in my skin when I stop exercising and it’s not good. Exercising releases endorphins, dopamine and norepinephrine in your body, which helps you feel happy and less stressed. People who are more relaxed, tend to have better skin clarity than those who don’t. Furthermore, similarly to my point about better sleep, exercise boosts your blood flow around the body. In turn this helps carry oxygen and other nutrients around the body and to the skin, making your skin look brighter.

Eat beautifully

There is no substitute for a good diet when it comes to alot of things and skin is no exception. Whilst I do often succumb to junk food, tasty sweet treats and a glass of wine here and there I do try to keep majority of my diet full of colourful, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, fresh fish and meats. Nutrient dense foods are ideal for clearer skin because they provide everything your skin needs to be it best self including vital vitamins, omega fatty acids and antioxidants which are all linked to healthier looking skin.

Limit and protect against sun exposure

We all know how important it is to protect your skin against the sun. Not only can sun exposure increase your chances of serious skin related diseases, it can also dry out and age your skin. And as we’ve already discussed dried out skin has a harder time staying healthy. So whenever you’re spending extended periods of time in the sun make sure you’re wearing and reapplying SPF all over. Furthermore, drink plenty of fluids to combat the sun dehydrating effect. Stick to waters and avoid caffeine which is known to dehydrate too.

Cut down on unhealthy habits

There are some unhealthy habits that can wreak absolute havoc on your skin. Unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking excessively are universally known to cause a wealth of healthcare concerns. And whilst bad skin isn’t as serious a consequence as some, it’s definitely a good idea to use clearer skin as your motivation to stop. Smoking and drinking both increase the signs of aging, and again dehydrate your skin. Smoking causes your blood vessels to narrow - stopping your blood from being able to deliver as much nutrients and oxygen to the skin. On the over hand, excessively drinking alcohol expands blood vessels too much which can cause redness and overall irritation.