Your skin is a telltale indicator of how good you feel. Did you break out last time you were a ball of stress? Not a coincidence, we're afraid. If you and your complexion need a little boost, try these tips and tricks to help give yourself the happiest face possible.
The key to not looking tired? It's…not being tired! Easier said than done, we know. Do whatever you can to get in seven to eight hours a night and your skin—including those pesky undereye bags!—will look noticeably better. Trust us: Sleep offers the kind of results that no face cream can mimic.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Snack on Citrus
Need a little detox? Lemons support your liver and kidneys, and there's a clear connection between healthy organs and healthy skin. Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges may help prevent wrinkles, too.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Massage In Your Moisturizer
When we say massage, we mean massage. Rather than dabbing on your face cream, use gentle pressure, massaging it into your skin in a circular motion. Do the same when you wash your face. This simple trick will kick your circulation into high gear. Plus, it feels so good.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Wear Sunscreen
Protecting yourself from sun damage will make you feel better now (how much fun could a sunburn really be?) and later on. Wear at least SPF 15 every day (higher if you're spending time in strong sun) to help prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and sunburn. Oh, and don't even think about going to the tanning bed.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Get Busy in the Bedroom
Talk about feeling good: Having sex releases endorphins that give you that special glow nothing else seems to replicate (although Nars blush in Orgasm, $28, comes pretty close, as the name would suggest).
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Pop a Zit
Shhhh…you didn't here it from us, but popping a pimple can actually be OK sometimes, if you do it the right (not-scar-inducing) way! Zits always seem to show up when you're already stressed, so don't take out your existing troubles on your poor, helpless face. Only give the spot a squeeze if it's white on top. Using two cotton swabs, gently press on both sides of the little sucker until it pops. Once you've cleaned off the gunk, dab a salicylic acid treatment on top.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Use a Pore Strip
In the same way popping a zit has that instant gratification, peeling off a pore strip provides a similar release. Try perennial favorite Bioré Pore Strips, $9, to get the gunk out once a week and watch your pores clear right before your eyes.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Eat Chocolate—Seriously!
We know, we know—everyone always says chocolate causes acne. But there's no scientific proof on that front, so as far as we're concerned, eat up! Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that help protect your skin, and eating a small piece will send all sorts of satisfied, happy feelings to your brain.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Exercise
Another reason to take that extra Spin class: A good workout doesn't just burn calories, it also helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Hate going to the gym? Start a dance party—even if you're the only one busting a move! Turn up the Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, get your blood flowing and have a blast doing it. Your skin will thank you!
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Get Hydrated
Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is beyond important for your skin—hydration starts from the inside out. Hate plain water? Take a cue from Emma Watson and chug coconut water, which is naturally sweet and chock-full o' nutrients.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Give Yourself an At-Home Facial
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Set aside a few hours over the weekend (or a Monday night, if you can swing it), slather on a moisturizing face mask like Kiehl's Algae Masque, $27, and take a hot bubble bath. Once you've emerged from your Mr. Bubble-induced bliss, wash off the mask and moisturize with face cream or oil. You'll be amazed at how calming your own bathroom can be!
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Have a Cup of Tea
Take a moment out of your day to enjoy a steaming mug of white or green tea, both of which can do wonders for your complexion. In addition to adding a blast of hydration to your skin cells, tea may also assist with antiaging.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Mist Yourself
Mists are all the rage right now in the beauty world, and with good reason. They feel great on your skin, and they keep it moisturized without messing up your makeup! Keep a bottle by your desk to refresh your skin throughout the day. Not sure what kind of mist to choose? Ultra-soothing rosewater (like Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, $31) works for most skin types.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Exfoliate
If your complexion is looking a little dull, chances are it needs a little scrub-down. Use a face scrub with round beads to slough off dead skin cells, and glowing skin will emerge underneath. Try to keep exfoliation to only twice a week to avoid irritation.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Wear Less Makeup—or Go Bare
One easy way to de-stress your skin? Pare down your makeup routine so your pores can be exposed to actual oxygen. If you aren't willing to go completely makeup-free, try using just concealer, lip balm and mascara—even if only on the weekend. Hey, the look is called "fresh-faced" for a reason!
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Refresh on the Go
Running around all day? Your skin doesn't need to suffer just because you're busy! Bring a pack of refreshing face wipes (like Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes, $3) along for the ride, and wipe your face down any time you and your skin need a boost.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Take a Shower
Sometimes the best solution for better skin is also the simplest. Taking a warm shower opens up your pores, so it's the best place to wash your face. Feeling a little more stressed than usual? Give yourself an extra five minutes with the water running to simply relax.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Have a Glass of Wine
As if you needed a reason to indulge in a glass of vino: Red wine is packed with antioxidants that will help keep your skin healthy and protect against free radicals, so have a glass (note we said a glass, as in one.)
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Try a Face Brush
There's a reason people are freaking out over Clarisonic face brushes—they actually work! The handy little tool cleans and exfoliates in one fell swoop. Oh, and remember that circulation thing we were talking about earlier? Face brushes are perfect for getting your blood circulating. For a less expensive option, try the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System, $30.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Try a Lip Scrub
The skin on your lips needs love too! Get rid of pesky flakes by exfoliating once or twice a week with a lip scrub and slicking on a layer of your favorite lip balm after. You'll like the way your lips feel! For an easy DIY exfoliant, mix equal parts petroleum jelly and sugar in your palm, slather it on and rinse with warm water.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Snack on Almonds
Almonds are one of our favorite healthy snacks, and munching on them will help give you super skin. The naturally sweet nut is a good source of omega-3s ("good fats") and vitamin E, two things that keep your skin cells plump and healthy.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Minimize Your Beauty Routine
Nothing slows down your morning routine more than sorting through 15 different bottles and jars. Plus, overloading your skin with products can make it freak out (think rashes, breakouts). Keep your regimen down to a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and spot treatment, if needed. Your pores will thank you, and you'll get out the door 10 minutes faster!
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Clear Your Eyes
No, your eyes aren't skin, but they are the centerpiece of your face. If your eyes look red or tired, your skin will look drab as well. Wake up your peepers with some eye drops and you'll instantly look and feel more alert.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Fake It Till You Make It
Don't have time to get a real glow? You can still look radiant with the simple combo of blush, highlighter under your eyes and a little Smith's Rosebud Salve on the contours of your face. Bam! Instant skin pick-me-up.
Feel-Good Skin Care Tip: Smile
Nothing is more beautiful on you than your lovely smile. Nothing, we tell you! Finish off your look with a grin and you'll feel better every time, we promise. Glamour
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