Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated—in fact, it shouldn’t be. You don’t need to buy fancy products or spend hours tending to your skin each day in order to keep it healthy. You just have to know the basics. So here are five simple tips that can help you in designing a personalized skincare routine. 

1. Apply moisturizer after bathing

Applying moisturizer on a daily basis is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin. It can combat dry skin that causes flakiness and irritation by providing your skin with the moisture it needs to stay soft and supple. Plus, moisturizing every day will give you a better chance of achieving beautiful glowing skin. 

For optimal results, use a fragrance-free moisturizer right after finishing your shower or bath. Applying it while your skin is still damp helps trap the moisture and keeps your skin hydrated for a longer period of time. 

2. Exfoliate on a regular basis

When you exfoliate, you remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, clearing the way for new skin cells that can increase collagen production and make your skin appear more vibrant. 

On the other hand, when you don’t exfoliate, you may experience dry, flaky skin and put yourself at a higher risk for clogged pores, acne, and other irritations. 

Therefore, if you want radiant skin it’s imperative that you exfoliate at least a few times per week. To do this, take the exfoliating product of your choice and gently apply it to your skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can actually have detrimental effects on your complexion. 

3. Wear sunscreen year-round

If you’re hoping to maintain healthy skin, then sunscreen is a must. Put it on regardless of the season, the temperature, or the weather outside. 

The sun’s harmful UV rays aren’t just present in the summer, they’re always around. They can penetrate through clouds and, over time, cause serious damage to your skin. The rays can cause burns, wrinkles, and skin cancer, among other problems, so it’s incredibly important that you protect yourself. 

The first thing you have to do is choose the type of sunscreen that’s right for you. There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. The primary difference between the two is that chemical sunscreens are designed to absorb UV rays before they enter the skin, while physical sunscreen is designed to actually deflect away the UV rays. 

Each kind has its own positives and negatives but, whatever you choose, you should incorporate it into your daily skincare routine in order to fight off the damaging effects of UV exposure. And while you’re at it, get a cute pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun too.

4. Get your beauty sleep

Getting a sufficient amount of sleep provides your mind and body with a number of benefits, one of them being improved skin. When you sleep, your body releases the hormones necessary for proper collagen production, a protein that can give your skin that radiant glow. Your body also rejuvenates your organs and tissues while you sleep by providing them with the blood and fluids they need to stay healthy. 

When you skimp on sleep, you’ll both miss out on these benefits and deal with other issues that can be problematic for your skin. For example, when you fail to get enough sleep, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. An excess amount of cortisol, in addition to affecting your mood, can result in weight gain, breakouts, and inflammation. 

And, when it comes to your skin, it’s not just about the amount you sleep— it’s about how you sleep. Be sure to keep your sheets and pillowcases clean, as they collect sweat, grime, and bacteria over time that can have a negative impact on your skin. 

5. Stay hydrated

Your skin is mostly made up of water. So it only makes sense that, in addition to using moisturizer, you need to be drinking enough water in order to keep your skin completely hydrated. 

Water helps your body shed toxins and can improve your circulation. Try to drink a little over two liters of water every day. As a result of staying hydrated, you’ll be more likely to achieve the healthy glowing skin you desire. 

An insulated water bottle can help keep your water at your preferred temperature, so you’ll drink more—make sure to choose a design you like so you’re more likely to carry with you wherever you go. 

Everyone’s skin is different. Some people have dry skin, some have oily skin, and others fall in the middle. Overall, the most important thing is to identify the kind of skin you have and build a routine that works for you.