55 Skin-Care Tips to Live By in 2020

The best defense against dry skin? Making friends with a daily moisturizer. Applying lotion right after stepping out of the shower seals in the moisture that your skin has just absorbed. And since hands are often the first indicators of aging, invest in a heavy moisturizer to keep in your bag, car, and office. Here are a few ELLE.com can't stop talking about.

Can't figure out why you have dry skin? Caffeine may be the culprit. Replace the java with H2O, and add fruit slices, like orange or lemon, to enhance the flavor. In conclusion, Skincare > Starbucks.

Tearing yourself away from the 'gram may seem like too high a price to pay. But we promise your skin is paying more. Keep antibacterial wipes handy to swipe your phone clean and help your skin stay clear. Make cleansing your cell—and yourself—of toxins a part of your weekly to-do's.

Slathering your skin with SPF is a priority, even if you're worried your block will make you break out. "Sunscreen formulas made with zinc are generally nongreasy and nonirritating, making them especially good for acne, sensitive skin," says Colleen Shimamoto, educational adviser for DermaQuest Skin Therapy. "So, opt for physical blocks like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which reflect the sun's UVB and UVA rays."

If your skin feels parched, it might be time to give up your secret pretzel stash. Excess sodium in your diet can suck the moisture out of skin and leave it dull and dry. Cut back on salty treats and invest in a hydrating facial moisturizer to combat the dehydration. Unfortunately, fresh skin trumps that order of french fries.

"When you exfoliate, you're evening out the skin's surface by revealing fresh cells underneath," says Annet King, director of Global Education at the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica. "Exfoliate regularly to remove the dead, complexion-dulling skin cells that can give you a dull appearance."

While you may not apply hair products to your face, the residue can often end up there anyway. Next time you use hairspray, cover your face with a clean towel to protect your skin. Also, use a sweatband when you hit the gym to keep the products from dripping down when you begin to sweat.

Your excuse to practice J.Lo's routine from Hustlers or learn a TikTok dance is here. Exercise gives your face a healthy glow by increasing blood flow. And when you sweat, it clears the body of toxins and removes dead skins cells so new ones can grow. Without regular exercise you may see an increase in age spots, so grab your dancing shoes and get to work.

Keep those sunnies close! Squinting in the sun can contribute to crow's feet, so always sport sunglasses with UV protection. Those with light-colored eyes have heightened light sensitivity, but brown-eyed beauties should shade their peepers, too.

"Whether it's a facial, massage, or even a pedicure, be sure to pamper yourself," says Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare. "Your health and appearance are positively influenced by increasing your emotional and mental well-being. A visit to the spa is a foolproof way to promote stress relief and relaxation." Doctor's orders!

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest, so it shows the first signs of aging. Even if you're in your 20s, preventative care now will keep your eyes looking healthy for decades to come. Here's some eye masks to get the self-care started.

When your body heats up, sweating helps it keep your core temperature down. Unfortunately, this can irritate skin and cause breakouts. To remedy, look for a body wash that lists salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as an ingredient on the label.

"Sleeping in certain positions may result in sleep lines," according to The American Academy of Dermatology. After a while, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so hit the sheets backside-first.

There are thousands of reasons why smoking is bad for you, but did you know second-hand smoke can also be harmful to your skin? Though you may not be lighting up, being around smokers can cause skin sagging and speed up the wrinkle process.

We know it's tempting to mess with that pimple, but resistance is key. Popping and picking at the skin on your face will push dirt and bacteria deeper into pores, which only results in more breakouts. Put your curiosity to use and opt for an overnight treatment instead.

"Toners are a handy product to keep in your arsenal to help balance pH levels in your skin," says Jennifer Yen, founder of Purlisse Skincare. "Look for ones that are free of irritants like alcohol, fragrance, citrus, menthol, color, and other aggressive extracts." Here, try these to combat oily skin.

Laying on the lotion is good for your skin, right? Not quite. "Over moisturizing can cause you to break out, and can even give you milia, the tiny white spots that are formed when dead skin cells get trapped," says Dr. Debra Jailman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. So, think twice before you slather.

"Foods like salmon, herring, and trout provide our skin with oils that lubricate cells and reduce inflammation," says Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious. "They are also heavy in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in keeping our skin smooth."