6 Tips for a clear skin

I often get asked how I have a baby skin... and let me tell you straight up that there is NO "clear skin gene" HOWEVER the tendency for breakouts can be genetic. In other words, acne can be hereditary. This isn't to say that there are no ways to clear it out : there definitely are!

So what are my secrets for your best skin, clear of acne, pimples, zits, and what-not ?

Ps. I absolutely love this topic...

I mean why wouldn't I though? It amuses me and I feel flattered ;)

Enough blabbering and let's get right into this!

1 . WATER!!!

I honestly can't stress how important this is... DRINK WATER! LOTS OF IT! Drinking ENOUGH water comes with sooo many benefits. Not only does it clear skin and keep it looking good but it may also prevent headaches, energize muscles, protect our joints and cartilage, aid weight loss and maintain the balance of body fluids!

Here's my favorite website to calculate recommended daily water intake based on YOUR needs: Hydration Calculator

2 . EAT HEALTHY

Eat healthy : often people associate this with calorie restriction which NO, eating healthy does not necessarily mean EATING less. I will definitely write a post about what healthy eating is but for now, let's stick with the basics. For clear skin – and overall health –, avoid dairy products, processed or fried food, alcohol and foods with added sugars. PS. fruit sugars aren't "added sugars" but naturally occuring ones, thus you need not worry about those!

3. BE ACTIVE

Be active! Move! DO NOT lead a sedentary lifestyle. Being active does not necessarily mean exercising – although it is preferable and recommended. It could simply be walking, making sure you're moving your body through the day and not sitting for prolonged periods of time. I wrote a post a while ago on ways to stay active without exercising ;)

There are way more benefits to an active lifestyle than just having a clear skin!

4. SLEEP

Sleep is sooo important! I myself am guilty of all-nighters and just lack of sleep in general... And let me tell you... I understand how tough it can be to get ENOUGH sleep. This is why I try to aim for at least 7 hours of sleep which might still sound like not enough to some but I honestly already struggle to sleep this many hours so it is a good goal to me.

Get it ? (sleep improves memory). Check out this great Ted Talk on sleep!

5. Avoid Stress

Yup... I'm also guilty of this. This one is pretty hard since stress is not that easy to CONTROL! Whenever I'm stressed I get some pimples on my face; pay attention to your body and you'll notice it too in such times. Here are some tips to avoid it !

6. KEEP CLEAN

Pimples occur when pores become clogged with oil and "dirt". This is why you need to make sure you clean / wash yourself after a sweat (e.g. by working out), keep your pillows clean, stop touching your face much. Make it a habit to wash / clean your face first thing in the morning – if it isn't already a habit (which it should be!).

The thing is... most of these tips you've probably heard before ... but you never take action yet you keep on complaining!

So I dare you to challenge yourself : give yourself ONE month to try all out all these tips: eat healthy and balanced, be active, drink enough water, stay clean, sleep enough and avoid stress! Start tomorrow, take pictures of your face every morning and I promise you major changes by the end of november already! – Let's be real, ONE month is nothing : you can do it! And once you see it's working, you'll want to keep doing these things forever ;)