Have Perfect and Gorgeous Skin in Less Than 15 Minutes

Skin is the largest organ in your body, and has many important functions. Not only is it important to keep it healthy, but you also want to keep it looking great! The best way to get gorgeous skin is to spend time maintaining it and nurturing it. But sometimes you need a quick fix to remedy a particular problem. Maybe you have a big date or an important meeting. Clearly, you want to look your best, but your skin does not always cooperate. Common issues are pimples, redness, and dry, flaky skin. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve the look (and feel) of your skin in just minutes.

Steps

Using the Right Products

  1. Use a primer. Using a primer is one of the most important steps in creating great looking skin. It is also one that is commonly skipped. Primer is a product that goes on first when applying your make-up. Think of it as the best foundation for your foundation! Primers create a palette that is bright and smooth, which will make the rest of your make-up look flawless. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a primer that is right for you. When used correctly, this product can have a great impact on skin issues such as discoloration and increasing the overall health of your face.[1]
  2. Apply foundation. The young and fresh look is definitely a trend in fashion right now. But looking natural does not mean that you shouldn't take care to make your skin look smooth and even. Foundation is necessary to create a clear, even-looking skin tone. Make sure to choose your color carefully. The idea is to make your skin look pretty, not painted on. Blend carefully to make sure that there are no lines at the edges of your face--check your jawline especially for noticeable problems.[2]
    • There are many different types of foundation, so don't be afraid to try a few before finding your perfect match. Some common types are liquids, sticks, and powders.
    • Use tools. Proper application can really make all of the difference when using foundation. Try using a make-up sponge or a cosmetics brush to blend.
  3. Focus on the eyes. The skin around your eyes can be one of the biggest trouble areas. Dark circles can tell the world that you are stressed, while puffiness can indicate that you didn't sleep well. Those are personal problems, and you don't need your skin to telegraph that information. That is why it is important to give your eyes plenty of attention when trying to make your skin look great in a flash.Try using a sheer concealer to cover dark circles. This goes on before your foundation, and is only used for spot treatments. To battle puffiness, try using an eye cream--many have immediate results![3]
  4. Get in a routine. You should get in the habit of following a nightly skin care routine. The 10 minutes you spend on your skin each evening can immediately help you achieve the gorgeous skin you want. Typically, your skin care routine will involve 5 steps: cleansing, toner, serum, repair cream, and moisturizer. Make sure that you use products that are right for your skin.[4]
    • If your skin is sensitive, meaning that you are prone to breakouts or redness, look for skin-care products that have the words "gentle" or "calming" in the name or product description. If you suffer from extreme dryness, try something with the words "extra" or "super" next to "moisturizing" or "hydrating".
    • When searching for the skin-care regimen that is right for you, do your research. Don't be afraid to search out a consultant at one of the department store cosmetics counters. They will be be happy to explain products like toners and serums. Plus, they'll likely give you some free samples!
  5. Read the ingredients. Make sure that you know what goes into your skin care products and make-up. There are definitely some ingredients that you want to avoid, so be certain to read labels. Just like you would not knowingly eat something that could harm you, you also do not want to put something on your face that could have dangerous side effects.
    • Some ingredients to avoid are: BHA (can increase sensitivity to sun) and triclosan (which can affect hormone regulation). Consider finding products that tout natural ingredients.[5]
  6. Moisturize. Your skin takes a beating every day. Moisturizing is the most important thing you can do to repair the damage caused by things such as weather and pollutants. If dry skin is your problem, you probably aren't moisturizing enough. Or you could be using the wrong product. Make sure to apply moisturizer in the morning and at night, and anytime you wash your face. Rub the cream into your skin, gently but firmly. Take care to use less pressure on the sensitive skin around your eyes.[6]
    • For extra hydration, try applying a special mask once a week. Hydrating masks come in many forms (think gels and creams) and are very effective. Try using a hydrating mask before a big night out. You'll definitely see fast results!

Trying Natural Methods

  1. Relax and rest. It's best to make sure that you are getting enough sleep (6-8 hours) each night. But sometimes you don't have an entire night to try to improve your skin. Still, resting can have immediate almost immediate effects. Try a quick cat nap. Odds are, if you feel refreshed, you'll look more refreshed.[7][8]
  2. Raid your refrigerator. You don't have to purchase pricey skin-care products--just head to your kitchen! It is likely that you have several items in your refrigerator or pantry that can help you achieve gorgeous skin quickly. Try different ingredients and different combinations to see what works best. Some common foods that have major benefits for skin include fruits, vegetables, and oils.[9]
    • Try a sugar scrub. Sugar is an excellent natural exfoliant, and can make your skin appear immediately brighter.Use both brown and white sugars mixed with water for best results.
    • Grab a potato. Spuds can have amazing--and fast--benefits for your skin. Rub your face with the juice of a raw potato to help combat pigmentation issues.
    • Make a mask. Try making a paste out of natural ingredients to leave on your skin for 10-15 minutes. Some great choices are honey and oatmeal. Homemade masks can make your skin glow!
  3. Search your medicine cabinet. If a pimple is your problem, you can use a simple home remedy to decrease redness and puffiness in the area. Grab an aspirin and dissolve it in water. Put the resulting paste on your spot for a few minutes. After you rinse, you'll see that the redness has decreased. [6]
    • Try an essential oil. These common oils are great to keep in your bathroom for quick skin fixes. Rub a little sandalwood oil on your face to help reduce redness and irritation.[10]
  4. Leave it alone. A breakout before a big event can definitely put a damper on your plans. If you have some angry-looking pimples, sometimes your best remedy is to do nothing. Avoid picking at spots before leaving the house. Sometimes touching (or popping, or squeezing) can irritate your skin so much that the area will look worse.[6]
  5. Steam it up. Try giving yourself an at home facial. Simply boil some water and then put it in a bowl. Lean your face over the bowl for a few minutes (2-3). The steam can remove dirt and open up your pores. Your skin will look fresh, clean, and glowing! If you have access to a sauna (maybe at your gym, or if you are on vacation) you can use that to achieve the same effects. Just make sure not to stay in too long![6]

Knowing What Damages Your Skin

  1. Use caution in the sun. We all love to have fun in the sun, but it is important to be careful. Sun damage is responsible for many of the most common skin problems: wrinkles, dryness, and discoloration. Of course, the greatest damage is from skin cancer, which is increasingly common. Make sure to take proper precautions.[11]
    • Make SPF your friend. It's not enough to apply sunscreen before heading for a day at the beach. It should be part of your every day routine. Look for moisturizers that contain at least 15 SPF. It won't hurt to use make-up that contains SPF, for added protection!
    • Dress appropriately. Wear light loose clothing to protect your skin. Also, wearing sunglasses is about more than fashion--they are very important in protecting your eyes from the sun!
  2. Take the pressure off. Literally ease up on your skin. A lot of damage to the facial skin is caused by physical pressure. This is the result of simple things such as holding your cell phone to tightly to your face and leaning your chin on your hand while thinking. The pressure can expose your skin to a lot of bacteria, which can result in breakouts and infections. So make sure to touch your face to other objects as little as possible.[12]
  3. Calm down. Next to sun, stress might have the biggest negative impact on your skin. If you are feeling a lot of anxiety, the effects can wreak havoc on your face. There are many ways that stress can manifest itself on your skin, including rashes and increased breakouts. Find a method or tricks to help you relaxed when you are feeling a lot of stress. Your skin will thank you![13]
  4. Keep it clean. The surfaces that come into contact with your skin can be responsible for causing blemishes and irritation. Pay careful attention to your laundry schedule--it is important to rest your face on clean pillow cases. Also, make sure that your make-up brushes are clean. Wash them regularly with warm water and a mild soap.[12]
  5. Watch your diet. Food has a significant impact on your skin. Fruits and vegetables are full of healthy antioxidants that make your skin look firmer and younger, so make them a staple. You'll also want to make sure to get plenty of healthy fats, which will give your skin a hydrated and fresh glow. Try salmon, avocado, and olive oil to get the nutrients your skin needs.[14]
    • Don't be afraid to have a glass of red wine! It contains properties that can help combat sun damage. Just be aware that drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration.[15]
    • There are also many foods that you want to avoid in order to clear up your skin. If you are prone to breakouts, avoid foods with excess amounts of salt, fat, and sugar. You'll see a positive impact not just in your skin, but in your overall physical health.
  6. Put in some effort. There are many quick fixes for skin problems. Just make sure not to rely on these too heavily. If you develop a skin care routine and stick to it, you'll love the impact. Take care of your skin and soon those flare-ups and breakouts will become much less frequent![16]

Tips

  • Drink your water! Proper hydration is one of the keys to great skin.
  • Don't stress about it! There is no such thing as flawless skin. Be kind to yourself and remember that everyone has had a zit.

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Sources and Citations