With UV lights threatening us with premature aging and bad dietary choices promoting acne and blemishes, we’re starting to look for alternatives to expensive makeup. There’s only so much a matte foundation and heavy concealer can do. To make sure you do everything in your power to keep your skin taut, radiating and blemish-free for longer, take a look at these four skincare tips that dermatologists do themselves.

1. SPF above anything

Let’s face it, we all neglect using sun screen, especially during winter months, when we think we don’t need it. But sun rays are not easily defeated by a cloudy sky or a rainy day. If you’re not familiar with the damages of sun exposure, you should know it can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. If that isn’t bad enough, it can also accentuate fine lines, cause premature wrinkles and dot the skin with age spots.

“The skin also bruises and tears more easily — taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you’re young, it will definitely show later in life.” – Source: WebMD

Now that we’ve tackled the bad side of things, what is there to do for prevention?

Sunscreen

When you’re at the beach, choose a SPF that is above 30 in order to keep sunburns at bay. Don’t wait to hit the beach to start working that SPF lotion into your skin. Apply it half an hour before exposing yourself to sun light. After that, make a mental note to reapply it every two hours, or even more often if you go swimming. Not a fan of the beach? That’s not an excuse to stay away from SPF face lotions. You should add them to your skincare routine if you plan to spend more than one hour outdoors during any season.

Gear up

Not even sunscreen can fight off the strong sun rays between 11 a.m and 3 p.m. In order to help your skincare products in the battle against UV rays, make sure to stay in the shade and sport a wide-brimmed when you’re at the beach.

2. Put that cigarette down

Besides being a nasty habit, smoking won’t help you look cooler or younger. In fact, it will make you wrinkly earlier and entirely deplete your skin of the precious nutrients it needs. If you’re a smoker, you can say goodbye to radiant skin and pearly white teeth.

“Cigarette smoke triggers biochemical changes that accelerate aging, so even being around secondhand smoke can be bad news for your skin. Try to avoid smoke when you can, and if you are a smoker, try to quit.” Source – Dr. Harold Lancer,  LancerSkinCare

Cigars will damage the much needed collagen that maintains your skin’s elasticity and plumpness. If you’re taking care of your skin after quitting smoking, you’ll find great allies in superfoods for glowing skin, like blueberries, salmon or tomatoes, and top of the line nourishing products that target specific areas and issues.

3. Eat your way to flawless skin

They say that you are what you eat for a good reason. Ever noticed how dehydrated your skin looks like after a night of partying? The alcohol sucks out all the moisture and leaves your skin looking dull and sallow. To keep your skin looking healthy and happy, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re not a big fan of plain water, try green tea, which is packed with antioxidants, or add slices of lemon and cucumber to your water bottle for a boost of vitamin C.

As to your diet, make sure you incorporate omega 3 fish into your dinners as often and possible and go to town with red fruits and vegetables. Reach for dark chocolate when the cravings kick in and don’t neglect the greens: spinach, basil and parsley, to mention just a few.

4. Be extra gentle

Our skin might seem tough, but it’s actually vulnerable and very easy to damage. You might want to consider giving up that strong soap and replacing it with a mild cleanser that will suit your skin type. Always choose the products that address your skin problems.

“It’s important to wash your face each night to remove the surface oil and makeup that can contribute to acne, but you don’t want a cleanser that strips your skin of all its moisture.” Source – SheKnows

Limit scrubbing and exfoliating pampering sessions to once per week and follow up with thick moisturizers. Shaving or waxing will leave your skin feeling extra sensitive, so don’t forget to reward it with cooling, soothing butter lotions.