9 tips for a clearer complexion

1. Stay away from soap

Soap is highly alkaline, and it can damage the skin‘s natural barriers. Choose a soap-free cleanser instead.

2. Minimize your sun exposure

Avoid UV rays as much as possible. This is the basis for preventing premature aging and lowering your risk of developing skin cancer. When outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and choose clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible.

3. Protect your skin

Never go in the sun without wearing sunscreen, preferably with a zinc oxide base. Apply half an hour before exposure.

4. Boost your fibre intake

Skin impurities are often due to digestive problems. Good health starts with good nutrition, so make sure to eat plenty of healthy foods for glowing skin such as fruits, raw vegetables and whole grains.

5. Protect yourself

Avoid the enemies of your skin: stress, late nights, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes are the worst offenders.

6. Hydrate your face daily

Proper hydration can minimize the appearance of wrinkles, prevent tightness and dryness and “pump up” the cells, giving a softer, more even look to the skin.

7. Drink plenty of water

Skin is up to 15 percent water. In climate-controlled offices, where humidity never goes about 8 to 10 percent, moisture in the skin evaporates more quickly than it can regenerate.

8. Try a facial mask with fruit acids

With regular use, fruit acids and enzymes can help clear away dead skin, improving blemishes and imperfections and clarifying the skin. To save money, make masks at home more often than purchasing expensive products.

9. Move regularly

Regular physical activity restores vitality to your skin and remains the best way to stay in shape. Choose an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.

Get more great skin tips

Looking for more skincare tips and tricks? Check out the Reader’s Digest Guide to Skin Care. From tummy tucks to chemical peels, skin cancer prevention to menopause, the best anti-aging treatments, to finding your perfect moisturizer, find ALL the answers in this comprehensive, no-nonsense reference.

Available now in the Best Health Store.

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• 5 foods to eat for healthy, glowing skin
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