Having happy and healthy skin doesn’t just mean using beauty products. It’s also about being consistent and following daily habits that nourish and protect our skin. Our skin fights pollution, dust, sunlight, stress and more every day. To have glowing and radiant skin, we all need to spend some time and follow basic skin care habits that will help us deal with acne, sun damage, fine lines and other skin related problems.

Here are 5 skin care habits shared by Dr. Shaurya Thakran, MBBS & MD, Founder, Raksha Aesthetics, that should be followed for beautiful skin:

Sun protection is important

Whether you’re staying indoors or it’s a cloudy day, you can’t skip applying sunscreen. This one skin care product should be used all year round. Daily sun protection ensures that our skin remains safe from sun damage and free radicals that are responsible for sun spots, signs of aging, dull skin, etc. Sunscreen also helps protect our skin from its skin barrier. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum PA+++ sunscreen with a minimum SPF 40.

keep your skin clean

Daily cleansing helps get rid of dirt, impurities, and oil accumulation. It is best to wash your face twice a day to keep the skin healthy. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser for the morning to remove residue from skin care products you applied overnight. Before going to bed, remove makeup or any other products like sunscreen with micellar water and follow with a gentle cleanser. Be sure to pat your dry skin dry and not rub it hard. Always look for a hydrating cleanser to keep your skin from becoming excessively dry.

hydration is key

Your skin needs hydration both internally and externally. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures that toxins are flushed out of your body. It helps in detoxification of the skin and keeps the skin hydrated from within. Additionally, choose topical products that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc. for adequate hydration and nourishment of the skin.

regular exfoliation

Exfoliation is important for the skin as it removes dead skin cells. Accumulation of dead skin can lead to clogged pores, acne, rashes and dull skin. Make sure to exfoliate your skin with a chemical or physical exfoliator once a week depending on your skin type and concern.

balanced diet and sleep

Lack of sleep and eating junk food can be quite harmful to the health of our skin in the long run. The effect of poor health is always visible on our skin. Therefore a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals maintains skin health and helps in maintaining the youthful glow of the skin. Include fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins in your diet for an inner glow. Apart from this, make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night because during this time our skin repairs and heals.