We are all about that summer glow and are especially interested in keeping that glow alive during the winter! But what can we do to keep our skin glowing + healthy all year round? We’ve done some research and we’ve found some tips + tricks to share! We’re always looking for great ways to keep our skin looking fresh and sunkissed, and these ones are easy + bank account friendly. Check out these little steps you can take for healthy, glowing skin:

Wear sunscreen daily! We know the tempting thing is to not wear it, for the tan. But the truth is, you can still tan while being protected. Sun damage is no joke! There’s tons of options to choose from, whether it’s SPF makeup primer, face moisturizer, or body lotion, find something that works for you. We also recommend protecting your beautiful skin by sitting in the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Next, we recommend using makeup that doesn't clog your pores. Do your research and find products with natural ingredients that both avoid stripping your skin of natural oils and don't cause acne. This is one of the many reasons we rave about our lip + cheek. Read about the benefits of those ingredients here to get started on your skincare journey. Last but not least, we love the protection of fashionable coverage. Whether you love light sweaters, rashguards, or wide-brimmed hats, find what works for you when protecting yourself from harmful rays.

If your skin tends to be dry, red, and itchy you may want to focus on keeping moisture in your skin! We recommend moisturizing immediately after your bath or shower. Using ointments, lotions, and creams within minutes of drying off will help to trap in moisture. Always take time to moisturize dry skin and never scratch the skin, no matter how irritated it is! Creams can help to get rid of irritation, and you don’t want to damage your skin more. You’ll want to use a moisturizer that fits your skin type, so get out there and experiment! It also might be a good idea to contact your dermatologist if simple changes are not bringing you relief from dry skin.

As we noted above, it’s important to keep your skin cells hydrated and take care not to strip your skin of it’s natural oils. So be gentle with your skin! First, don’t rub your skin with a towel. Instead, pat dry in order to keep moisture on your skin, or if you’ve got time, air dry! Second, take short + warm showers. Hot water and long showers actually removes oils from your skin, which is bad in the long run, no matter how great those showers feel. Third, pay attention to what soaps you’re using. Soaps and detergents with harsh chemicals can strip oil from your skin, so find natural and mild cleansers to help your skin retain it’s healthy glow.

You’ve heard that saying, “you are what you eat.” They may not be too far off. You can spend $$$ on skincare products to fight aging and add glow to your skin, but those only go skin deep. True and healthy glow comes on a cellular level from what you are putting into your body! Antioxidant-rich foods are your best bet for protective effects on skin. Consider adding these foods to your diet: 

• Carrots, apricots, and other yellow/orange fruits and vegetables
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Berries
• Beans, peas and lentils
• Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish
• Nuts

On the flip side, some foods seem connected to skin damage. For example, some research suggests that a diet high in processed or refined sugars or other carbohydrates and unhealthy fats promotes skin aging. So do your skin a body a favor by eating well in general. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, opt for whole-grain foods, and limit sweets to special occasions {we too will try not to justify every day a special occasion}. You won’t regret it!

We’ve all been there! Right before an important event, an unsightly pimple appears! It’s like a curse! Actually, it’s just your stress. Uncontrolled stress can actually make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. Do whatever works for you to reduce those stress levels and you may see clearer skin too! So get enough sleep, set reasonable limits, or make time to do things you love doing.