15 Reasons You Don't Have Perfect Skin

Perfect skin doesn’t always come down to genetics. Struggling with problem skin? Your routine could be the problem. Nix those bad habits and you’ll be looking like you’re born with it in no time.

You’re Married to the Labels

Don’t get caught up in expensive products that weren’t made for your skin type, instead look at what’s inside. Foaming and gel cleansers are best for oily skin. Cream cleansers bring moisture back if it’s dry. Stick to these rules and you’ll have perfectly balanced skin in no time.

You Don’t Start Your Day with Dark Chocolate

But you should. Three squares of dark chocolate hold enough flavanoids to give your skin a healthy glow that will last for up to two hours after you eat it. A few squares a day for three months will give you lasting results.

You’re Eating Too Much Iceberg

Not all lettuce is created equal. Six leaves of Romaine a day provides more than 100% of your daily recommended dose of vitamin A. It will help you shed old, dead skin cells and keep your face baby soft.

You Need More Moisture

This is where most of us are getting it wrong. Oily? Acne prone? Combination? All skin types need a moisturizer to keep them balanced. Combination and acne prone skin does best with a non-greasy mattifying moisturizer. Use facial oils on oily skin and watch your moisture levels balance themselves out.

You’re Not Letting It Sink In

Move on from moisturizer too fast and you’ll be wasting it’s benefits. Give it at least three minutes to absorb. Otherwise, you’ll just be mixing it in to the next layer. Once it sinks in, you’re ready to move on.

You’re Trying Too Hard to Hide

Piling on the concealer just draws attention to the areas you’re trying to cover up. Dab it on lightly, pat it with powder then leave it alone.

You Don’t Screen

Sunscreen is essential, especially for women of color. Sun damage is the most common culprit for uneven tone on what could be beautifully even skin. Hike up the SPF on your foundation and your skin will return to it’s evenly beautiful natural state.

You’re Going About Acne All Wrong

When a few pimples pop up, don’t lather your face with the cure. Instead, spot treat the pimples with acne cream containing benzoyl peroxide. You’ll avoid drying out the rest of your face and encouraging more acne to crop up.

Your Makeup Brushes Are Dirty

They’re not only caked with concealer, there’s bacteria building in those bristles too. Dirty brushes can lead to breakouts, discoloration and inflammation. Wash them regularly with a gentle cleanser and they’ll work with your skin instead of against it.

You’re Doing Too Much At Night

Night creams are a no-no. During the midnight hours, your skin is hard at work regenerating. Applying night cream keeps your skin from taking care of itself. Keep it clean at night and it will get better at moisturizing itself and expelling impurities that lead to breakouts.

Your Hormones Are Out of Whack

Problem skin isn’t just annoying. It could be a symptom of a hormone imbalance. A little Googling may be all you need to set it straight. Check and fix your levels and you could be on your way to perfect skin in no time.

You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration is easy to take for granted. Try committing to eight glasses a day for six weeks and prepare to be amazed. You may just learn that perfect skin is only as expensive as the cost of turning on the tap.

You’re Not Smooth Enough

Every skin type needs to be exfoliated once a day. Scrub before you go to bed to clear away the dull, dead cells and start fresh in the morning.