A quick little makeup fix can be a lifesaver on days when you wake up with tired skin, puffy eyes, and dull complexion. I must admit that it feels good when a 10-minute makeup session transforms how I look, but in the end, it is just a temporary solution.
This got me thinking, what are some steps you can take to improve your appearance with time, rather than hiding your imperfections?.. And I came to some wonderful conclusions. Today, I will be sharing 6 beauty habits that will radically improve your appearance, day by day.
Let’s see them!
6 Beauty Habits That Create Long-Term Results
1. Drink more water
Probably the most important of all beauty habits! It is a well-known fact that water is good for your skin and health, but let’s be honest, do you drink the minimum recommended intake every day? Dehydration saps out energy from your body, and these changes are evident on your skin in the form of dryness, dullness, and breakouts.
When you increase your intake of water, you will begin noticing the positive changes in your health and energy levels. Believe me, twenty years down the line, your skin will thank you for adopting these beauty habits and swapping that soda with a water bottle!
2. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
There are just a few joys in the world greater than ordering a pizza and enjoying it while you Netflix and chill. But have you ever stopped to think about the consequences of eating fast food? With fast food, you are loading your body with trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. The results? A bloated body and tired skin.
To improve your appearance over time, adopt a beauty habit of eating clean and aim to get a few portions of fresh fruits and veggies every day to provide your body with all the essential nutrients. If you can make veggies and whole, natural, clean foods a centerpiece of your diet, it’s even better!
3. A good night’s sleep
I cannot stress enough the importance of taking a 7-8 hour snooze every day. It is called beauty sleep for a reason! Personally, I consider sleeping at least 8 hours one of the best beauty habits. When you are sleeping, your body is in a damage control phase. Your liver is detoxifying all the chemicals in your system, your skin cells are rejuvenating and your organs get a much-needed rest.
Being sleep-deprived, on the other hand, puts you in stress mode with increased cortisol levels that lead to acne, weight gain, and puffy eyes. To look like the best version of yourself, make sleep a priority – it’s one of the easiest beauty habits to have after all.
4. Using sunscreen liberally
Beauty habits do not stop with eating clean, staying hydrated, and sleeping well. Whenever you step out of the house (and honestly – even if you stay indoors), you should always, always put on sunscreen. No matter if it’s raining or snowing, this is one step that you should never skip. Ever.
The harmful rays of the sun contain UVA and UVB radiations, and over time they deteriorate the quality of your skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles sooner than you would expect. When you wear sunscreen religiously, your skin is protected against these harmful effects, and it will look and feel younger for a long time.
If you’re worried that sunscreen can leave you sticky or irritate your skin, here’s my holy-grail sunscreen that’s perfect for sensitive skin and it doesn’t make you sticky or oily:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60
5. Straightening your posture
There is nothing that ruins your appearance more than slouched shoulders and a hunched back… It’s so easy to get set in your ways and never make an active effort to improve your posture, but once you adopt this beauty habit, you will feel more confident and all your outfits will look much better. I used to slouch a lot myself until I started a neck-stretch habit. Adopting yoga is another great way to straighten your posture over the years.
6. Exercise!
With a busy lifestyle, it’s hard to find the time to hit the gym. However, you can do a simple 30-minute exercise session at home using just your body weight, no fancy equipment is needed. Jogging and running are also great ways to break a sweat in a little time.
Even though the effects of exercise may not be immediately evident, it improves your cardiovascular system, your immunity, and your body gets in better shape. The results? Healthy skin, shiny hair, and an amazing body. Exercise is really one of the best beauty habits you can have!
These were some of the beauty habits you can adopt to improve your appearance over time. Try them out and you will be pleasantly surprised by the results! Remember to practice them every day to reap all the benefits. Also, don’t forget to smile. It has the ability to brighten up your appearance like nothing else. And if you’re wondering how your routine should change as the years go by, I shared what to keep and what to add gently in my guide to skincare in your 30s.
