Having clear, beautiful skin is something that has always eluded me. No matter how hard I try, it seems like it is just out of reach. Over the years, I have tried just about every skincare tip I have ever read on a beauty blog or in a magazine. From making sure I remove my makeup before bed to avoiding sun exposure and staying hydrated, I have tried it all. Despite all of that, it has been difficult for me to find a skincare regimen that consistently gives me good results. My skin still occasionally breaks out and I have problems with dryness and sensitivity. One of my personal goals for the year is to finally get my skin in good condition using tips from Kate Somerville. No matter what type of skin-related issues you are dealing with, the tips below can definitely help.

1. Never skip sunscreen.

Most experts agree that the number one thing that you can do to keep your skin healthy is to protect it from the sun. The skin problems that people complain about the most usually are the result of sun damage. Sun breaks down the collagen and elastin in the skin while at the same time limiting the ability of the body to generate healthy new skin cells. Every time you step outside, you should apply sunscreen to your skin. Choose a product that has a minimum SPF of 30. Even if it is cloudy outside or if it is the middle of the winter, you should still put on sunscreen to protect your skin.

2. Choose products that are formulated for your skin type.

Taking a trip down the skincare aisle in the store can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many products on the shelves that it can be hard to know which ones to choose. One way to make the decision easier is by knowing what type of skin you have. Different products are designed to work on different skin types ranging from oily or combination skin to dry skin. If you are having a hard time figuring out what skin type you have, consider paying a visit to a dermatologist to get their input. Remember, as well, that you may have to use different products on different parts of your skin to get good results. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, you should always stay hydrated. For especially oily skin, oil-free products that contain hyaluronic acid are a good choice since they help keep the skin moisturized without adding extra oil.

3. Regularly exfoliate your skin.

Dead skin cells can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of these skin cells, leaving your skin looking fresh and new. People in their 20s should exfoliate approximately three times each week, while those between the ages of 30 and 40 should exfoliate four times each week. Not only can exfoliating your skin help it look smoother but it can also make it easier for the products that you apply to penetrate more deeply. This, in turn, can help make them more effective. Avoid exfoliating products that are too harsh, opting instead for gentle products that won't damage your skin. Consider exfoliating in the shower when your skin is warm and hydrated to get the best results.

4. Pay attention to your neck.

Necks are notorious for showing signs of aging. In fact, for many people, the skin on their neck looks far older than the skin on their face. To avoid this problem, make sure to pay attention to your neck. Always apply the same products that you are using on your face to your neck, using an upward motion to apply them rather than pulling downward on your skin. Additionally, always wear sunscreen on your neck to help prevent sun damage and to keep your skin hydrated.

5. Consider using a water purification system.

Drinking plenty of water is an important part of maintaining the health of your skin. When you are properly hydrated, your skin will look much plumper and more attractive. To ensure that your water doesn't have too many impurities, consider contacting your local water department. They can provide you with detailed information on the types of contaminants that your water contains. Once you have that information, you can determine whether or not you want to install a water purification system. These systems do an excellent job of filtering out certain types of impurities, helping to ensure that your water is as clean as possible.

6. Consider limiting the amount of caffeine, dairy products, and alcohol in your diet.

The foods that you eat play a key role in the health of your skin. Dairy products can be especially problematic for skin since they sometimes contain hormones that can cause breakouts and inflammation. Coffee has a tendency to leave your skin dry and dehydrated. Try to drink a maximum of two cups each day. You can also help counteract the acidity of the coffee by drinking a glass of water with a little bit of lemon in it before having your first cup. If you are planning on drinking alcohol, try not to exceed one or two drinks on a daily basis. Consider choosing red wine rather than other alcoholic beverages. It contains a special compound known as resveratrol that has anti-aging properties. Keep in mind that a glass of wine is only 5 ounces, which is far less than most people typically pour into a wine glass.

7. Try taking beneficial supplements.

There are a lot of different supplements that you can take to improve the health of your skin.

For instance, vitamin A is an essential vitamin for skin health. It helps strengthen and repair the body's mucous membranes. These tissues provide protection against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. It also helps minimize dryness and flakiness while at the same time reducing the look of wrinkles and preventing breakouts.

Calcium also plays a key role in the overall health of your skin. When your calcium levels are too low, your skin tends to look older. Additionally, you are more at risk of developing skin cancer.

Vitamin C also is important for skin health. It helps with the production of collagen and protects the body against free radicals. It also is beneficial for wound healing.

Products that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as flaxseed oil and fish oil help keep the skin moisturized. You may also find it beneficial to use hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin since it has properties that naturally attract moisture.

It goes without saying that you should talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements to make sure that they are safe for you.

8. Use a two-step skin cleansing process.

Taking off all of your makeup before bed is essential. To make sure that you get every bit of dirt, makeup, and debris off of your face, consider using a two-step cleansing process. Start with a makeup removing wipe, using it over your entire face to remove as much makeup as possible. Follow-up with a cleanser that is designed for your type of skin. This will help get rid of any little bits of dirt or makeup that are left behind.

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9. Learn how to properly extract blemishes.

Avoid squeezing pimples. Instead, if you need to pop them, focus on learning how to properly extract them. First, wait until the blemish is ready to be extracted. Then, make sure that you have the right tools on hand. You will need a sterilized lancet, a skin cleanser, a washcloth, a cotton swab, some witch hazel, and a touch of Neosporin.

Begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin. Once you are done, saturate the washcloth with warm water. Then, ring it out and place it on your skin to help draw the blemish to a head.

Use tissues to wrap the ends of your fingers. Then, gently squeeze any blackheads that you can see. If you have whiteheads that are ready to be extracted, you can squeeze them next. Use the lancet to gently poke a hole in the middle of the blemish. Make sure to push the lancet straight into your skin. By creating a hole in the blemish, you can keep from rupturing your skin, minimizing the risk of scarring. Even worse, if the blemish breaks underneath the surface of your skin, it can cause an infection. You should always use a lancet to create a canal. Make sure that you only use lancets one time, discarding them after you are done. Don't squeeze your skin too hard. Instead, use soft, gentle pressure at the bottom of the blemish to extract it.

10. Start getting professional facials.

No matter how well you care for your skin at home, professional facials can take your skincare routine to a whole new level. If you have the money to visit an aesthetician, you should make regular appointments. If your skin is oily or if it tends to break out frequently, you should visit every 3 to 6 weeks. Alternatively, if your skin is dry or if you have combination skin, you should go in every 4 to 6 weeks. If you have normal skin, you can wait as long as eight weeks before going in for a facial. Always talk to your aesthetician about any problems you have been experiencing prior to the start of your treatment so that they can customize your experience based on the condition of your skin.