Simple Ways To Achieve a Smooth Face

So I know many of us are going through something when it comes to our skin, especially with this fluctuating weather condition, leaving our skin very confused;today you notice your skin is glowing, tomorrow you notice it's coarse, well welcome to Nigeria where the weather is as confused as the leaders. But don't worry, I am here to help the skin confusion.
I did a little research on ways to achieve a smooth face. Today, we are going to be looking at the face alone and in another post which I will publish soon we will look at other parts of the body.
So I am going to start with routines that you should try out to achieve this before I go to food items you can use.
 

Most of us especially girls have this habit of sleeping with our make-up on, I won't say I am not guilty of this offense, but the after effect is what i regretted and will never try sleeping with my make up on again. So here are the routines:
1) Start a daily face-washing routine,in the morning and at night: consistency is an important part of maintaining a healthy complexion, so make sure you are doing these things every morning and night:

• wash your face with a gentle cleanser: Avoid scrubbing too hard or using rough washcloths or loofahs. These may irritate your skin and cause blemishes to stay on your face longer. If you want to exfoliate, use a cleanser/soap that is made to do so instead, or invest in a facial cleansing brush.
• use a toner (optional): If your skin is dry, not combination or oily, you can skip this step. Always get an alcohol-free toner, and get a toner that fits your skin type. Toner helps firm and tighten your skin as it wipes away dirt in your pores.
• moisturize: Moisturizing will regulate the moisture balance of your skin and prevent excess oil production. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type; if you have oily skin, use a moisturizer with an oil-free formula, if you have acne-prone skin, invest a moisturizer with active acne-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil. Moisturize every time you wash your face shave, or simply need the extra moisture.
• remove your makeup every night:  It can be hard to do this if you're very tired, but it pays off. If possible,purchase a make-up removal oil/cream or mix a little water and apply to a cotton wool pad, as make-up removal wipes can be abrasive to the surface of the skin.

2) Treat acne: Try some of these remedies to free your skin from acne. Consider:

• Salicylic acid gel or toner: Salicylic acid causes the skin to naturally exfoliate its layer quicker, thus helping acne go away, and also prevents new acne from forming. Use daily.
• Benzoyl peroxide lotion or spot treatment: If your acne is moderate or severe, you can find lotion products containing benzoyl peroxide that you apply evenly over your face, usually at nighttime. You can also find benzoyl peroxide in spot treatment formulas.
• seeing a dermatologist: High-caliber acne treatments (like accutane and Retin-A) do exist, but they must be used under the supervision of a doctor, which means you cannot get them without a prescription. If you are really at wit's end, make an appointment to see a specialist. 
• try face masks or pore cleaners: This is called exfoliation, and it washes away dead skin on the surface of your face. In the case of face masks, use only once a week. Buy an exfoliate at your local drugstore, or make one at home.

3) Don't pick (or pop) your pimple: It's usually not a good idea to pick your pimples. It may be tempting if that blackhead has been staring you in the face for a day or two, but it's really not worth it. Picking your pimples can have adverse effects.

• picked zits cause blemishes: Blemishes are inflammations in the epidermis and dermis, the outer and inner layers of the skin. It takes longer for the blemishes to heal when they are popped, so stay brave and resist the urge.
• picked pimples could leave a scar behind: Pimples are temporary, but scars are forever. If you want smooth skin, don't make it harder on yourself by picking pimples. 
•  don't touch your face: The oils and dirt from your hands will transfer to your face and can    easily clog pores. Keeping your hands from face will prevent pimples.                               

 4) Only use fresh makeup and brushes: Makeup, like food, gathers bacteria and will eventually go bad. If you have been using the same powders, blush, eye shadow and mascara for over 6 months, it's probably time to throw everything out and start over. Your skin will thank you for it.

• the only exception to this is brushes: These can be cleaned, not thrown away. Pick up an antibacterial makeup brush cleaning formula at the drugstore and, once a month or so, spritz everything down right after you finish your morning routine. Leave the brushes out to air dry throughout the day and overnight.

  5) Drink plenty of water: Aim to put down 6 to 8 full glasses of water a day, and you'll notice a difference in your skin. The extra fluid makes it easier for you to flush out toxins and waste.

• Girls: Aim to drink at least 2.2 liters (0.6 US gal), or nine cups of water a day. If you are having trouble drinking that much, cut out all sugary drinks from your diet entirely. Actually, you should try to cut out sugary drinks from your diet for your own health's sake.
• Guys: Aim to drink at least three liters, or cups, of water a day.
• The lighter your pee, the less water you need to drink. When your pee is clear, you are in the clear.When your pee is yellow, it's time to drink more water.

6) Sleep smart: You might be getting dirt and oil on your face while you are sleeping without even realizing it. Try these tricks and minimize your risk:

• change out your pillowcase at least once a week: Your pillowcase collects dust, saliva, and other grime, which make it onto your face every time you sleep. Put your pillowcases through the wash or change them out regularly for best results.
• get a new pillow: Just like your pillowcase, your pillow can collect dust and dirt, though pillows can't usually be washed. If you have been using the same pillow for a long time, it might be time to get a new one.
• pull your hair back: Braid back long hair, and keep bangs or fly-aways out of your face with a headband. This way your hair won't irritate your face while sleeping.
• get your beauty sleep: Sleep deprivation and stress can manifest as bad skin, so make sure you are getting 7 to 8 hours of quality rest every night.

 
 7) Do not wash your face with shampoo or hand soap:  Each of those contains highly strong concentrates that can seriously damage your remarkably thin skin on your face. Hand soaps are made for thick (2-3 times thicker than facial skin), full of bacteria skin and for that reason they have strong acid which literally may burn your face and leave serious damages for long time (in some cases up to 12 months). Keep in mind that your facial skin is thin, so, even high quality products better not to hold for long on your face.

So these are the routines you should try out; now I want to talk about food items you can smear over your face.
1) Banana: That's right ''Banana'; you can use a banana as an all-natural face mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 10-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.


   
2) Vinegar: Using vinegar as a skin toner dates back to the time of Helen of Troy. And it's just as effective today. After you wash your face, mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with two cups water as a finishing rinse to cleanse and tighten your skin. You can also make your own facial treatment by mixing 1/4 cup cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Gently apply the solution to your face and let it dry.
     
3) Milk: Here's another way to give yourself a fancy spa facial at home. Make a mask by mixing 1/4 cup powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste. Thoroughly coat your face with the mixture, let dry completely, then rinse with warm water. Your face will feel fresh and rejuvenated.

4) Oatmeal:  If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up that will leave you feeling and looking better, give yourself an oatmeal facial. Combine 1/2 cup hot-not boiling- water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. After the water and oatmeal have settled for two or three minutes, mix in 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 2 table spoons honey and 1 small egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
 
5) Lemon: Create a facial that both exfoliates and moisturizes by mixing the juice from 1 lemon with 1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil.

6) Egg: Who has time or money to spend at the local day spa, paying someone to tell you how awful your skin looks?For a little pampering, head to the refrigerator and grab an egg. If you have dry skin that needs moisturizing, separate the egg and beat the yolk. Oily skin takes the egg white, to which a bit of lemon or honey can be added. For normal skin, use the entire egg. Apply the beaten egg, relax and wait 30 minutes, then rinse, you will love your new fresh face.


Just go with these little tips, be consistent and disciplined and the results will show itself.