Beauty resolution 2014 – Get flawless skin with these 10 tips – India.Com Health

It’s that time of the year when we all scribble our lists of resolutions and pray to every single deity we’ve ever known that we follow through. Drink less? Stop smoking? Lose a dozen kilos? Been there, failed that. So, this New Year, let’s fulfil beauty goals which will ensure glowing and flawless skin with the help of these handy tips. They may seem like small tasks, but each one takes you a long way.

Drink ample water

An ideal intake of water every day has numerous health as well as beauty benefits. You’ll be gifted with bright, clear eyes that will bestow that sparkle. Intense moisturising gives you a radiant complexion, hydrates your skin and gives you a more innate glow. It also promotes better circulation for that natural blush in your cheeks. The daily water intake on an average should be 2.5 to 3 litres. It is not just water that will help you stay hydrated; indulge in fruit juices, herbal teas and coconut water for extra nutrient kicks. (Read: 10 fruits and vegetables that can give you glowing skin)

Wear sunscreen every day, everywhere

No matter what month or season, make it a habit to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you step out of the house. The sun’s UV radiation can do damage even on the most gloomy January days. Researches over the years have shown that over exposure to the sun is the number 1 cause of wrinkles and patchy skin. An SPF factor of 30 or more provides the best defence against the harshness of sunlight. (Read: Why better sunscreens are needed)

Remove your make-up before bed

This is one of the most basic rules of any beauty regime. Your skin deserves a time to breathe at the end of the day. Night time is the time when skin repairs itself. No matter how exhausted you are, cleansing your face of the chemicals, dust and grime that settles on your face and clogs your skin pores is an absolute must. Recent studies proved that women who sleep with make-up on show faster signs of ageing and damaged skin, not to mention, acne. (Read: How to remove make-up the right way)

 Respect the Holy Trinity of skincare

Cleansing, toning and moisturising is an integral part of every beauty regimen. Invest in a good cleanser that suits your skin type. Make sure you cleanse your face twice a day with lukewarm water. Follow the cleansing by a toner. It restores the disturbed pH level of your skin and tightens the tissues. Use a toner every night so that you wake up to fresh and rejuvenated skin. Women with oily skin tend to avoid using moisturiser. The dangers of this are dry skin and stretched tissues. This rids the skin of its moisture content which needs to be replenished externally. Women with oily skin can invest in a water-based moisturiser to prevent extra oiliness.

Stop the popping!

It happens every time you get ready for a party or a date. A big, tomato-ey zit is staring right back at you. Naturally, you’ll want to pop it. But don’t! Trying to pop a pimple will only make it worse. Bleeding and soreness are immediate effects but it might even end up permanently leaving a scar on your face. The best way to heal it is to let it run its course and it’ll be gone in 3 to 5 days. (Read: Mega guide to beat acne: Types, causes, treatments, medications and home remedies)

Go easy on your hair

A well-groomed mane can provide a whole new dimension to your face. All those flat irons and curling rods take a serious toll on your hair. Make sure you condition your hair every time you wash them. Establish a regular weekend oil regime to repair the damage. Once in a while, let your hair dry naturally instead of blasting it with hot air. And last but not the least, regular trims. Every 6 to 8 weeks, visit your hairdresser and get rid of those split ends. (Read: Tips to oil your hair the right way by hair expert Jawed Habib)

Sweat it out!

Agreed that winters can be chilly and make you want to never want to leave your cosy bed, but get out and work it! A 30-minute power walk or jog at least thrice a week or daily yoga sessions have a plethora of health and beauty benefits. A toned physique can help you carry off that halter neck stuffed at the back of your closet. Studies say a regular workout routine promotes better skin and body health.

Get your beauty sleep

Your body goes into repair mode while you sleep and renews your skin cells. Notice how it shows when you’ve had a particularly bad night? Dark circles, saggy skin and luster-less complexion are an immediate effect of lack of sleep. Over a long time, it can lead to high blood pressure, depression and diabetes. 7 to 8 hours of beauty sleep every day will do wonders for your skin.

 Toss out your make-up stash

Throw out those 3-year-old lipsticks and lotions, 2-month-old sponges, 8-month-old blushes. You are only inviting acne and rashes. Check the expiry date on every product and abide by them. Make-up brushes, if properly taken care of, can last for years. Look at it this way; if you throw out the old stuff, you get to go shopping and buy exciting new products!

Experiment!

Don’t max out your credit card on a wardrobe change or dye your hair a whole new colour, go for little changes once a week. You never know, you may find a new favorite look. Try parting your hair in a different direction, or dare to don red, luscious lips. Experiment with eyebrow thickness and smoky eyes or get those bangs you always wanted! (Read: Christmas make-up tutorial – Unravel the diva in you with these beauty tips)

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