Your skin is a telltale indicator of how good you feel. Did you break out last time you were a ball of stress? Not a coincidence, we're afraid. If you and your complexion need a little boost, try these tips and tricks to help give yourself the happiest face possible.The key to not looking tired? It's…not being tired! Easier said than done, we know. Do whatever you can to get in seven to eight hours a night and your skin—including those pesky undereye bags!—will look noticeably better. Trust us: Sleep offers the kind of results that no face cream can mimic.Need a little detox? Lemons support your liver and kidneys, and there's a clear connection between healthy organs and healthy skin. Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges may help prevent wrinkles, too.
When we say massage, we mean massage. Rather than dabbing on your face cream, use gentle pressure, massaging it into your skin in a circular motion. Do the same when you wash your face. This simple trick will kick your circulation into high gear. Plus, it feels so good.
Protecting yourself from sun damage will make you feel better now (how much fun could a sunburn really be?) and later on. Wear at least SPF 15 every day (higher if you're spending time in strong sun) to help prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and sunburn. Oh, and don't even think about going to the tanning bed.
Talk about feeling good: Having sex releases endorphins that give you that special glow nothing else seems to replicate (although Nars blush in Orgasm, $28, comes pretty close, as the name would suggest).
Shhhh…you didn't here it from us, but popping a pimple can actually be OK sometimes, if you do it the right (not-scar-inducing) way! Zits always seem to show up when you're already stressed, so don't take out your existing troubles on your poor, helpless face. Only give the spot a squeeze if it's white on top. Using two cotton swabs, gently press on both sides of the little sucker until it pops. Once you've cleaned off the gunk, dab a salicylic acid treatment on top.
In the same way popping a zit has that instant gratification, peeling off a pore strip provides a similar release. Try perennial favorite Bioré Pore Strips, $9, to get the gunk out once a week and watch your pores clear right before your eyes.
We know, we know—everyone always says chocolate causes acne. But there's no scientific proof on that front, so as far as we're concerned, eat up! Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that help protect your skin, and eating a small piece will send all sorts of satisfied, happy feelings to your brain.
Another reason to take that extra Spin class: A good workout doesn't just burn calories, it also helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Hate going to the gym? Start a dance party—even if you're the only one busting a move! Turn up the Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, get your blood flowing and have a blast doing it. Your skin will thank you!
Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is beyond important for your skin—hydration starts from the inside out. Hate plain water? Take a cue from Emma Watson and chug coconut water, which is naturally sweet and chock-full o' nutrients.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Set aside a few hours over the weekend (or a Monday night, if you can swing it), slather on a moisturizing face mask like Kiehl's Algae Masque, $27, and take a hot bubble bath. Once you've emerged from your Mr. Bubble-induced bliss, wash off the mask and moisturize with face cream or oil. You'll be amazed at how calming your own bathroom can be!
Take a moment out of your day to enjoy a steaming mug of white or green tea, both of which can do wonders for your complexion. In addition to adding a blast of hydration to your skin cells, tea may also assist with antiaging.
Mists are all the rage right now in the beauty world, and with good reason. They feel great on your skin, and they keep it moisturized without messing up your makeup! Keep a bottle by your desk to refresh your skin throughout the day. Not sure what kind of mist to choose? Ultra-soothing rosewater (like Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, $31) works for most skin types.
If your complexion is looking a little dull, chances are it needs a little scrub-down. Use a face scrub with round beads to slough off dead skin cells, and glowing skin will emerge underneath. Try to keep exfoliation to only twice a week to avoid irritation.
One easy way to de-stress your skin? Pare down your makeup routine so your pores can be exposed to actual oxygen. If you aren't willing to go completely makeup-free, try using just concealer, lip balm and mascara—even if only on the weekend. Hey, the look is called "fresh-faced" for a reason!
Running around all day? Your skin doesn't need to suffer just because you're busy! Bring a pack of refreshing face wipes (like Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes, $3) along for the ride, and wipe your face down any time you and your skin need a boost.
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