We all know the basics of great looking skin – or at least we should! Drink plenty of water, wash your face and get plenty of sleep. These are the basics of obtaining a great looking skin, but what about everything in between? It is not always easy to figure out which skincare routine will work best for you, but what we can tell you is that there is no need to spend loads of money on magical potions and expensive products to achieve the flawless skin you desire. 

Here are some of the best skincare tips, from which products to use or avoid to the importance of washing your brushes and more. These easy tips and tricks will help guide you in perfecting your skincare routine. 

Maintain a healthy diet. 

Before we even begin talking about what should be put on your skin, let’s talk about what will help from the inside out. Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential in maintaining this. Flax seeds or even walnuts, which can be put in your salad, will be an instant boost to your Omega-3, therefore increasing your skin's ability to hold onto moisture. These items are also very good to eat when it comes to healthy looking skin: 

• yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes. 

• spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables. 

• tomatoes. 

• blueberries. 

• whole-wheat bread. 

• brown rice. 

• quinoa. 

• turkey. 

You should also try to avoid refined grains and sugars, dairy products, fast foods, chocolate (I know right), whey protein powder and any other foods you may be sensitive to, as these could all cause acne or other skin related issues.  

Hydrate inside and out. 

Any skin expert you will ever speak to will more than likely express the importance of hydration, i.e., drinking plenty of water. A lack of water could mean less radiance and more sag, something most of us try to avoid as we get older. Whilst it's extremely tempting to get yourself a coffee the minute you wake up or leave the house, choosing the right beverages can be a game changer. By drinking a shot of chlorophyll every morning (or by substitute with chlorophyll supplements) you will brighten, oxygenate, and hydrate your skin more than you could ever imagine. It will also help drain puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system, so it's great for cellulite too.  

If you’re more of a juicing /smoothy types, try upping your greens intake by loading your juices with lots of veggies. They help to oxygenate the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage. It will transform your skin in a matter of days — and it's de-puffing, too. 

When looking for products for cleansing, moisturising etc., try selecting items that already have hydrating formulas incorporated into the product. And, of course, drink around eight glasses of water a day. 

Cleansing - for your skin type. 

For oily or acne-prone skin, a salicylic gel or benzoyl peroxide wash should be great. For dry mature skin, try using either a moisturising glycolic or milky cleanser. For skin with brown spots or melasma, use a brightening wash, such as an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser.  

Moisturise, moisturise!  

"The best times to moisturize are right after you get out of the shower and right before you go to bed,"

explained Dr. Prystowsky, a NYC-based dermatologist. It’s also best to avoid lotions with heavy fragrances and make sure you find a moisturiser gentle enough for everyday use with zero irritation. See our leading options here.

Exfoliate. Scrub. 

Did you know that we lose 50 million skin cells a day? If you are not exfoliating, it means that those dead skin cells may very well be sitting on your face on a daily basis and could leave your skin looking glum. We’re not saying that you need to scrub every single day, as this could cause damage to the skin, but by choosing an exfoliator that is pH neutral, it will keep your face moisturised as it exfoliates. And while you’re at it, remember to exfoliate the rest of your body as well. 

Vitamins should go on your skin, too. 

We mentioned above that a balanced diet is important, but there's more than one way to give your skin vitamins. BWG has some of the most fantastic serums and creams crammed with those vital Vitamins that your skin craves. From repairing your skin from sun damage to Vitamin C Face Serums, they really do work. The best time to apply them is right after you have cleansed, so that your skin can soak them in, or they could be layered under your sunscreen and base for added protection. 

Don’t use too many products. 

Did you know that using too many products could actually cause more harm to your skin than good? By layering on multiple skincare products, especially the non-natural kind, can be extremely harsh on your skin, and may cause more breakouts and clogged pores than before you started your treatment. Try choosing more natural products, and only a handful (literally) that will give you exactly what your skin needs, and no more. Keep these at the core of your routine. 

Wear sunscreen all day, every day. 

Many people feel they only need to protect themselves on sunny days or when visiting the beach, but the truth is that we need to protect our skin even when we're driving our car, sitting on the balcony, or out running errands. It's the daily UV exposure that contributes to the visible signs of aging. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater, you will greatly reduce the effects of the sun on your skin. And remember that it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours! You could also consider SPF makeup, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats. Preventing sun damage is a thousand times better for your skin than treating it after it’s been damaged.  

Avoid heat exposure. 

Never mind the sun — getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can also wreak havoc on your skin. By staying at least 3 meters away from direct heat, you could reduce inflammation and collagen breakdown. Yes, every time you lean in to toast that marshmallow on the open fire, you are causing damage to your skin. Next time, take a step back and ask yourself – is that toasted marshmallow really worth it? 

Don’t touch your face. 

The onset of the Coronavirus made us all very aware of just how often we touch our faces on a daily basis. Doing so doesn't just spread bacteria and cause breakouts — it can lead to scarring, an increase in wrinkles, and even the flu or other viruses. As hard as it may be, it really is important to try avoiding touching your face, unless absolutely necessary. 

Clean your makeup brushes regularly. 

It is absolutely vital to follow this guidance. Doing so could mean fighting off infections and clogged pores. Concealer and foundation brushes should be washed at least once a week. For brushes used around your eyes, twice a month should suffice. Any other brushes (not often used) should be cleansed at least once a month.  

By adding a little shampoo and water to the palm of your hand, massage the bristles into your palm, and then use your fingers to clean properly. Try not to get the metal part of your brush wet, as the glue could soften and the bristles could fall out. Rinse properly and squeeze out with a towel. Lay the brushes with the bristles hanging off the side of a counter in order to dry completely. Using this technique will rid them of dirt, oils and bacteria that can build up over time and become harmful for the skin. 

Sleep, glorious sleep! 

It’s a well-known fact that getting the required eight hours of sleep every night, does wonders for your body, as well as your skin. Your skin goes through much of its restoration while you sleep. If you cut back on zz’s you are reducing the amount of time the skin has to repair, which can affect the way you look. It is not always just about getting the correct amount of sleep that counts. Try using silk pillowcases and see the difference. The material prevents your skin from creasing and therefore wrinkles. It also is great for your hair, as it helps to avoid tangles and breakages. Although once reserved for those of sovereign stature (think queenly types), silk pillowcases are now accessible to the masses and can make you feel like the prince or princess you are!