Cheat Your Way To Flawless Skin

No-one has perfect skin and although it might seem like someone has smooth, pore-free, gorgeous skin 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that's completely untrue. They'll have their off days, where they get spots or get breakouts, or when they develop lumps and bumps on their legs. But there are a few things you can do to make sure that your skin is gorgeously glowing from the inside out, as well as a few cheat's products that you can use to fake your way to perfect skin. After all, we can't all be perfect all of the time!

Drink Water!

We've said it more times than we can count, but if you're dehydrated, your skin will suffer for it - it'll end up dry, flaky and it'll also have an uneven tone and texture.

So drink at least 2 liters of water each day, more if you live in a hot and humid climate and if you do a lot of exercise. Sip throughout the day rather than all in one for the most benefits.

Exfoliating

Exfoliation is key for gloriously glowy skin - it sloughs away dead skin cells, removing them so that the new, smooth skin underneath can show through. Do it once a week, or go to a beauty clinic for microdermabrasion treatments once every six to eight weeks - it's basically like a deep exfoliating treatment crossed with a facial. It'll give you flawless skin for weeks - plus, it's the perfect way to make sure your skin glows before you go to a big event. Although getting it done once will give you some benefits, if you get it done regularly, it'll make a huge difference.

Serums and Actives

Serums and actives are potent skincare products for flawless skin. Vitamin C serums brighten and even skin tone, while hyaluronic acid serums provide intense hydration. Retinol helps reduce fine lines and boost collagen. Niacinamide calms inflammation and minimizes pores, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) exfoliate and improve texture. Apply them after cleansing and before moisturizing. Start with lower concentrations to avoid irritation, gradually increasing.

Spots and Breakouts

If you get blackheads, spots or if your skin breaks out, it'll stop your skin from looking its very best. But there are a few things you can do to banish spots when they appear, or to cover them up if you can't quite get rid of them before you head out. As soon as you spot aspot (see what we did there?) apply a dot of toothpaste to the spot. It'll "draw out" the spot (sounds yucky) and make it come to the surface, which means that it'll heal more quickly. This might do the trick, but you may well need to cover it up with a little bit of concealer once it's "broken", so just keep an eye out.

See Also: 7 Things to Help You Get Skin like a Baby

Look for formulas that work for you and if you break out regularly, look for something that contains hyularonic acid, as it'll do wonders for your skin.

Protect Yourself In The Sun

It's really important to protect yourself in the sun, whether you're going outside or whether you're sitting indoors by a window. Whenever the sun is up - whether it's out or not, even if it's cloudy, UVA and UVB rays could be hitting your skin. Exposure to sun whilst in your teens and 20s is the single biggest cause of prematurely aging skin - as well as some potentially deadly skin cancers. Keep in mind that you only need a shot glass-sized amount of sun lotion to cover your entire body - and you only need a tiny little spot around the size of a dime to cover your face.

Fake tan is an easy peasy way to cheat your way to flawless skin - without you having to worry about permanent skin damage. Tanning booths and beds are just as dangerous as going out in the sun, so don't mistake them as a "safer" option.

Cleansers

Don't use products that are too "heavy" - they'll just weigh your skin down and make it dull. Stick to light products with gel or whipped formulas - even better, use one of the new cleansing waters. They're ultra lightweight and will swipe away grease and dirt in an instant, leaving your skin feeling clean and fresh. The only way you'll need anything heavier is if you have dry or dull skin, as it'll need extra hydration and extra love. Most of the time, you won't need a toner, either. Just cleanse every day and you'll be good to go.

Facial Massage

Facial massage improves skin's radiance by boosting blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and muscle tone. Start with clean hands and face. Apply a suitable facial oil or moisturizer. Begin with upward and outward motions on the forehead, tapping gently around the eyes, and massaging cheeks, jawline, and neck. Use light pressure, focus on tension areas, and finish with a calming touch. This routine, a few times weekly, can help achieve a healthier and more youthful complexion.

Faking It

There's plenty of bits and pieces that you can use to fake your way to glowing, gorgeous skin - even if your skin isn't naturally that way inclined! Primers will be your best friend if you're trying to get smooth, soft skin- look for products that "blur" your skin as they'll help to vanish away any imperfections, and they'll also help your makeup to "stick", which means that you'll look your very best all day long. 

See Also: Foods that Have the Power to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

Another good choice is to use highlighters, as they'll emphasize all of your best bits, as well as bronzer. Dust it into your hairline, down the bridge of your nose, into the hollows of your cheeks, across your collarbone and on your decolletage for a gorgeous golden glow. If you're showing off your legs, dust it down the center of your pins - it'll give the illusion of slimmer and trimmer legs without a visit to the gym. You could also use a body highlighter - it'll add a pretty sheen to your skin and will give you a radiant glow, leaving everyone wondering, "How does she look like that?"