The skincare industry has truly exploded over the last decade. With the emergence of YouTube in recent years, the power of the influencer has grown to celebrity levels and, with that, the beauty and skincare products they recommend. As helpful as many of these YouTubers are with their honest recommendations, the results of this beauty movement are multiple-step, complex routines that involve far too many products, many of which accomplish the same purpose. I’ve fallen victim to the skincare hype myself for the better part of the last decade. I’ve collected some faithful items that will never leave my side, but besides that, my intentions have changed as far as what I truly need and what I will buy.

A few reasons led me to pivot and take my skincare strategy in the opposite direction. Guilt about the money spent was one, and I wanted longer-lasting results from the inside out rather than just topical shortcuts. With that, I began researching ways to reduce the number of products I buy and store on my shelf while also gaining other benefits like better health, a sharper mind, and a clearer conscience about my consumer habits.

With that being said, below are six tips that have been working well for me over the last few years.

SIX ZERO PRODUCT SKINCARE TIPS

Meditation

I realized that stress played a significant role in the state of my complexion. Stress can take its toll even in ways that seem normalized, such as a hectic social life, an over-packed weekly schedule, long work commutes, and too much exercise. Research states that there is a deep link between meditation and improved skin health. It can help prevent skin struggles such as aging, allergies, and acne. Starting a practice helped me take the time to practice “mental hygiene” to clear my mind to clear my skin. 

Quitting alcohol

Unfortunate, but true. Alcohol and its capacity to dehydrate the skin have drastically negative results. This result is robbing our complexion of looking radiant, supple, and youthful. I don’t know about you, but those sound like important things worth hanging on to. Google “skin before and after drinking alcohol,” and the images and articles you find may help guide your decision. 

Proper, nourishing sleep

The 8-hour beauty sleep tip isn’t a myth. It works. It works to reduce inflammation and helps your skin regenerate. Your skin also becomes more receptive to products and produces more collagen. Skin is more naturally moisturized and can heal itself better with 7 to 9 hours of sleep than with five hours or less. 

Consistent exercise

Such a basic, unoriginal tip, right? But moving your body daily for 30 minutes still, and always will, help with better skin. It does this by increasing blood flow which improves nutrient and oxygen delivery. Exercise also supports the production of ever-tantalizing collagen. What’s not to love?

Better diet choices

I’ll be less vague. Personally, after a lot of trial and error, I realized that my main skin issues were hormonal acne, dehydration, and discoloration of my skin due to a lack of nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, I had to wait out the hormonal acne for about three long years. However, the other two ailments were remedied through drinking two liters of water a day and including vegetable smoothies in my daily diet. 

Taking the time to do the proper research for your skin type can be time-consuming but worth it. Visiting a dermatologist is beneficial as well if you’ve been struggling for a while with no results. A medical professional can diagnose and make diet recommendations that get to the root of the problem for results that last. 

Facial massage techniques

Our face carries a lot of tension. This tension stresses the muscles in our face, which can cause skin problems like premature aging – two words no one likes beside each other. Incorporating a consistent facial massage into your weekly skin routine can work wonders to counter this problem. 

This doesn’t mean pricey spa facials. I support professional facials from time to time to get that “next level” skin before special events or lots of pictures. However, there are plenty of inexpensive hacks to reap the benefits of facial massage. Gua sha sculpting, face rollers, and finger massaging can work perfectly for lymphatic drainage, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and better sleep. Yes, even sleep. Face rolling for five to ten minutes around your temples, neck, and jawline before bedtime relieves so much tension that your sleep will be divine.