1. Balanced Diet
You know, diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin, requiring strict discipline to avoid temptations from delicious but harmful foods. The great benefits of having a balanced diet for glowing skin include: treating acne, fading dark spots, and reducing wrinkles. It also helps keep the skin smooth, youthful, and naturally radiant. A healthy diet not only offers numerous benefits for your skin but also boosts overall health. Therefore, adopting a well-balanced eating plan is essential for everyone. Your diet affects your skin and body, so it's crucial to choose the right foods for the best results. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and nutrient-rich foods in your diet. Fiber and vitamins D, A, and C are abundant in vegetables and fruits. These nutrients keep your skin vibrant and slow down aging. For fruits, prioritize oranges, grapefruits, apples, strawberries, grapes, and cherries as they provide beneficial vitamins for skin health, promoting a glowing and smooth complexion. As for vegetables, choose options like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potato leaves, which are excellent for your health and digestion. In general, all vegetables are beneficial, so opt for seasonal produce and avoid out-of-season ones as they may contain harmful chemicals that can't be washed off. Aside from eating them directly, you can also juice these fruits and vegetables. Drinking fresh fruit juice is not only refreshing during summer but also good for your body. Additionally, limit spicy, deep-fried foods, alcohol, tobacco, and stimulants to maintain clear and youthful skin.


2. Drink Plenty of Water
“Drink more water” is often exaggerated as skincare advice, but the benefits of drinking water are undeniable. Many beauty experts mention in interviews that they drink a lot of water daily. However, drinking water the right way is rarely discussed. We tend to think of water as harmless and believe we can drink as much as we want. This can lead to common mistakes with one of the most famous beauty tips of all time. Typically, you need to consume about 2 liters of water per day, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. The more you weigh, the more water you need, usually about half your body weight in pounds, and the amount in ounces. This may vary, but if you’re not very active, sticking to this guideline is recommended. Overhydration without physical activity can lead to problems.
According to waterbenefitshealth: “Water, salt, and potassium help regulate the body's water balance.” This means that if you don’t consume enough salt, your body won’t use water effectively. This can result in the loss of important minerals and electrolytes. This is often overlooked in the advice to “drink more water.” In his book *Your Body's Many Cries For Water*, Dr. Batmanghelidj recommends adding ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to every 4-5 glasses of water to hydrate properly. This is just as important because water makes up 80% of our bodies, and providing proper hydration is essential every day. It’s best to drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day, not only to keep your skin smooth, clear, and youthful but also to help with weight loss and maintaining a fit body. Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and instead, try adding fruit juices to provide vitamins and minerals that keep your skin looking beautiful.


3. Hydrate and Moisturize Your Skin
Hydrating and moisturizing your skin are often mistaken for the same thing, but in reality, they are two different skincare concepts. Hydrating your skin means replenishing water deep within the skin cells, while moisturizing refers to preventing water loss from the surface of the skin and creating a protective 'moisture barrier.' These two steps go hand in hand and are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Without proper hydration and moisture, the skin becomes dry, flaky, and may produce more oil to compensate for the lost moisture. All skin types need hydration year-round, especially oily and combination skin types. If your skin lacks hydration, it may overproduce oil to compensate, leading to more shine and discomfort, particularly during the summer months.
Moisturizing is necessary to “seal in” the water in your skin and prevent it from evaporating. If you have dry skin, a rich cream with more oils is ideal for locking in moisture. For oily skin, a gel-based moisturizer is better to avoid greasy feelings. The hot, humid climate in Vietnam, along with individual skin types, makes hydration even more crucial. However, many people misunderstand the difference between hydrating and moisturizing, or use the wrong products, leading to excess oil and discomfort. This is why some people neglect skincare during the summer, forming a poor habit. Skin often becomes dull in summer not only due to sun exposure but also from severe dehydration. Basic moisturizing steps: cleanse your skin, use a hydrating serum, apply a moisturizer or gel, and finish with sunscreen. Whether it's summer or winter, and regardless of whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination, it’s important to hydrate and moisturize your skin using these essential steps and selecting the right products for your skin type.


4. Proper Makeup Removal
Makeup removal is an essential step in cleaning your skin after a long day of wearing makeup. Even if you don’t wear makeup, your skin is still exposed to pollutants, dirt from the environment, and bacteria from your hands. Choosing the right product for your skin type is crucial for both the safety of your skin and achieving effective results. Dry or combination-dry skin benefits from cream or balm-based removers, which cleanse and provide moisture to keep the skin soft.
Makeup removal should be the first step after wearing makeup. Use a soft makeup remover wipe, wet it, and gently wipe your eyes, eyelids, and mascara areas. Then, use a cleansing water to wipe off the remaining makeup and wash your face thoroughly. Don’t forget to remove makeup from the eyes and lips. Apply oil or makeup remover liquid to a cotton pad, gently press it onto your eyes for 10-15 seconds, allowing it to dissolve the makeup. Then, gently wipe away the eye makeup downward. Lips, being sensitive, also require special care. Use a cotton pad to apply the remover, gently wipe off lipstick horizontally, repeating until it’s completely clean. Properly removing makeup not only ensures clean skin but also helps exfoliate dead skin cells and leaves your lips soft. By following these steps, you will ensure thorough makeup removal, which is essential for skin care. Without proper cleansing, your skin could become prone to breakouts and lose its smoothness.


5. Using Natural Face Masks
The hot weather and the harsh rays of the sun can damage your skin. To protect your skin, skincare is crucial and should be a priority for everyone. Among the most popular skincare trends is the use of natural face masks, which are favored for their convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness. These masks are excellent for rejuvenating the skin, leaving it smooth, radiant, and youthful. You can easily make natural face masks at home with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Whether it’s fruit masks like cucumber, tomato, or potato, or combinations like honey + lemon or potato + milk, or even powders like oats, red beans, or black beans, all of them are easy to prepare. Therefore, it’s important to choose a mask that suits your skin type to achieve the best results.
Cucumber is packed with 90% water, making it a great hydrating agent for the skin. In addition, the vitamins and antioxidants found in cucumber help nourish and protect the skin. Using a cucumber mask is an inexpensive and effective way to get healthy, glowing skin. For those with dry, sensitive skin prone to breakouts, turmeric can be a life-saver. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Traditionally, turmeric has been used in beauty routines for its skin healing and rejuvenating effects. It’s a common ingredient in both Eastern and Western medicine, where it’s used in various therapeutic formulations.


6. Get Enough Sleep
When you sleep, your skin has the opportunity to renew and regenerate, making it appear brighter and healthier. Lack of sleep is also a leading cause of acne, so getting enough rest helps build a strong immune system to fight off infections and improves skin flaws, reducing wrinkles. Sleep has also been shown to promote hair growth, as the body releases growth hormones that enhance hair health. We all understand the importance of getting 8 hours of sleep per night. If you don’t get enough quality sleep, your skin will bear the consequences first.
Sleep is crucial for overall well-being. Therefore, you should stick to a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring you get enough rest for your body to thrive and rejuvenate properly. Proper sleep will give your skin a fresh, youthful glow. On the other hand, staying up late can lead to dehydrated skin, loss of elasticity, and a dull complexion, along with dark circles under your eyes and overall fatigue. Aim to go to bed before 11 PM, ensure you sleep for 8 hours, and take a 30-40 minute nap during the day to keep your energy levels high and your skin always looking its best!


7. Exercise
Exercise is a fantastic way to enhance the health of your skin and body. It boosts blood circulation, improving the texture and appearance of your skin. Physical activity also provides the skin—the body’s largest organ—with the ideal conditions to produce collagen, the fiber that helps maintain youthful and firm skin. Regular exercise can even help to clear up skin issues that appear over time. Acne sufferers may find relief through consistent exercise, as sweating helps unclog pores. It can also calm acne flare-ups by reducing the release of stress hormones. Those with psoriasis, which is often triggered by stress, may also benefit from daily physical activity. Even after a vigorous workout, exercise prevents clogged pores.
Make exercise a daily habit for radiant skin. You should work out in the morning and evening, or engage in activities like gym sessions, yoga, or others to improve your health, boost circulation, and give your skin a rosy, smooth appearance. Consistent, long-term exercise stimulates collagen and elastin production—two key factors that help keep your skin firm and youthful. Wrinkles are minimized, and clear signs of aging caused by time are visibly reduced. Additionally, exercise strengthens the muscle-skin system, improving its ability to regenerate and protect against environmental damage. It also has a positive effect on your mood and overall health, providing long-term benefits.


8. Use the Right Moisturizer
Nowadays, makeup has become an essential part of many people's routines. To maintain smooth and healthy skin while applying makeup, it’s important to protect your skin with a layer of moisturizer. Moisturizing not only hydrates the skin, but also provides essential nutrients for protection and repair, preventing makeup from directly affecting your skin's health. It also ensures that your makeup applies evenly and doesn’t cake. The area around your eyes tends to be drier and more prone to wrinkles, so it’s recommended to use a small amount of eye cream to keep the skin hydrated. This will help the eyeshadow adhere better and prevent damage to the delicate skin around your eyes.
To maximize the benefits, choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. After applying the cream, gently tap with your fingertips to allow it to absorb. Then, warm your hands by rubbing them together and gently press them onto your face, helping to improve blood circulation, making your skin appear radiant and smooth. Additionally, be mindful to use soft motions when applying moisturizer, especially around the eyes and mouth, to avoid stretching the skin and forming wrinkles. For smooth, glowing skin, using a moisturizer is essential. Select a cream that’s best suited for your skin to maintain a youthful, bright complexion. Also, always protect your skin from the sun and pollution to prevent future skin problems, keeping your skin healthy and vibrant.


9. Facial Massage
Facial massage techniques can help tone the facial muscles, preventing sagging as you age. The production of collagen and elastin triggered by the massage process helps the skin remain firm and smooth. This method is especially beneficial for women in their middle years, when signs of aging start to appear. By massaging the face, blood and oxygen circulation improves, enhancing metabolism and flushing out toxins, giving the skin a bright and radiant look. Massage is also an excellent relaxation technique, providing a sense of calm as you feel your face being gently nurtured.
After a massage session, you’ll notice smoother skin compared to traditional skincare methods. Gentle massage not only beautifies the skin but also reduces dark circles around the eyes caused by prolonged work or wearing glasses. Taking care of the eye area will refresh your face, making it look more awake. It’s recommended to massage your face 2–3 times a week to improve blood circulation and enhance nutrient absorption. Learn the correct massage techniques or visit a spa for professional treatment—you’ll feel the change each day. Using natural massage oils, such as olive oil, vitamin E, or coconut oil, can further brighten and rejuvenate your skin in an astonishing way.


10. Cleanse Your Face Daily
Washing your face is an essential daily habit that cannot be skipped. If you don't clean your face after a long day of work or study, your skin won't be able to fully 'rest.' Washing your face every day helps remove dirt, chemicals, and environmental pollutants. Without cleaning, bacteria will have a chance to attack and damage your skin. Your skin also needs to 'breathe,' especially if you wear makeup daily. Cleanse your makeup off so your skin has the chance to regenerate and protect itself from external factors. Only by properly cleansing your face daily can the subsequent skincare steps work effectively. For instance, if you're dealing with acne, pigmentation, enlarged pores, etc., along with face cleansing, you should also use specialized skincare products. Furthermore, overnight, oil and dead skin cells build up in your pores. The first thing to do upon waking up is to remove these impurities accumulated overnight to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Plus, washing your face in the morning helps you feel more awake and refreshed. Starting the day with a clean face is the perfect way to feel rejuvenated!
Washing your face is a must every day. Exposure to dust, sun, rain, and pollution can clog your pores, leading to acne and dull skin. However, don’t over-wash. Unless advised by a dermatologist, you should never wash your face more than twice a day. Over-washing can strip away essential oils, which is not good. Your skin needs some oil to maintain moisture and a healthy, youthful appearance. If you dry out your skin, your body will compensate by producing even more oil, possibly leading to acne! The key to washing your face correctly and keeping your skin clean and smooth is to maintain balance. Therefore, always cleanse your face regularly, especially after being outdoors. Also, wash your face with a cleanser suitable for your skin type 2-3 times a day and incorporate facial massage to improve your skin's texture and beauty.


11. Exfoliate Regularly
Dead skin cells form the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis). These skin cells are continuously produced and shed. As new skin cells are generated, they push the older, dead cells to the surface, replacing them. These aging skin cells are what we refer to as 'dead skin.' Exfoliating is the process of removing these dead cells, allowing your pores to breathe and making room for new skin cells to form. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead cells, promoting skin renewal and making your skin appear brighter.
Your skin naturally regenerates itself. So why is exfoliation necessary? Without proper exfoliation, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, causing your skin to feel rough and lackluster. Over time, they can block your pores, trapping dirt and oil, which leads to breakouts. When dead skin cells aren’t removed, they also act as a barrier, preventing your skin from absorbing other nutrients. Exfoliation is essential for achieving smooth, glowing skin. But is it safe to exfoliate frequently? How often should you exfoliate? Use a scrub or natural ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or rice bran to gently remove the dead cells. However, don't overdo it—exfoliate only 2-3 times a week, focusing on areas prone to blackheads, like the nose and cheeks. Exfoliating is a simple yet crucial part of your skincare routine.


12. Steam Your Face
For those with acne-prone skin, steaming your face becomes an essential step in skincare. It helps remove bacteria, excess oils, and unclogs pores, effectively preventing breakouts. However, steam should be used correctly, as improper technique—such as using the wrong temperature, too much time, or getting too close to the steam—can lead to adverse effects. Steaming works by opening up the pores, allowing dirt and impurities to be expelled while enhancing the absorption of nourishing ingredients. But if done improperly, steaming can cause your pores to enlarge permanently, leading to more skin issues.
Many people mistakenly use ice after steaming to shrink pores, but this sudden temperature change can cause skin shock, leading to irritation, broken capillaries, and premature aging. Instead, gently cleanse your skin with warm water or apply a nourishing mask, followed by a rose water toner. Steaming has long been a popular, easy way to cleanse the skin, removing dirt, dead skin, and excess oils while promoting better absorption of beneficial ingredients. You can steam using a steam machine or a bowl of hot water, and adding essential oils like olive oil, chamomile, or lavender enhances the experience.


