How to get clear, spot-free, skin in 2 weeks!

Around 6 weeks ago I begun using face care products, I used the whole lot..a daily exfoliator, cleanser, toner, moisturiser—even steaming my face once a week! UNTIL...one day...my cleanser and toner ran out...
As these ran out, rather than buying more, I simply started to follow the tips/steps in this post to naturally get better skin without often-expensive and unnecessary products!

skin care, before and after  =)
both not photoshopped

Please note, if you have a skin condition, are young (damn) or inherently have spotty/bad skin, this guide won't help you 100%—but your skin will still improve. As you can see in my second picture, my skin isn't perfect, I still have a few spots and my skin tone is still a little uneven, but greatly improved (in my opinion)!




As you can see from the picture, just 2 weeks into my new skin-care routine/lifestyle (deep) my skin was a little more even (although I naturally have quite red skin), I had fewer spots, and the ones I had were less obvious, the bags under my eyes were less visible and I think I looked healthier as a whole!

Helpful products:
Clean 'n' Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub — some people say you should only use exfoliators/scrubs weekly, but this twice-daily one works wonders! It's also oil-free which is great for people with oily skin like me, and the micro-beads help lift away dirty, erasing dead cells and unclogging pores. It's also gentle for people with sensitive skin. Tip: avoid getting any in your eyes, it stings so bad! (Amazon—£5.50)

it doesn't take a genius to guess which side of this lorry
driver's face has been in the sun!

Olay Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Day Lotion — although slightly expensive, it is oil and fragrance-free and great for sensitive skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (I don't care if I'm only young, these are my fear!) and in my opinion, dark circles under your eyes. In general I find it brightens up my skin. It also contains SPF 15, giving you about 150-300 minutes sun-protection, great for autumn/winter days (Boots—£9.99, eBay £5-£10)
Sunscreen — the brand doesn't matter, just get a high SPF so it lasts all day! (For 10 hours protection, I recommend SPF 60+ for fair skin, 40+ for average skin, and 30+ for darker skin) Sun protection is the most important part of maintaining healthy skin, in my opinion.

Lifestyle choices to improve your skin (freeeeee!!)

before and after drinking three litres of water a day—such a
drastic difference!

Drink water rather than pop/soda/fizzy drinks — Not only is this good for your health (in b4 pepsi/coke don't have sugar in them anymore. if they taste sweet, they most likely contain things that are bad for you!) but water is also great for your skin (and body). Every system and function in our body depends on water. Also, after a week you no longer are into the habit of drinking pop and you don't even desire it any more.

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day — When people hear the word exercise they think of lifting weights and running on a treadmill, but realistically you can just sneak 30 minutes into your day. For example, I walk 10 minutes to bus stops every day, 10 minutes walking at college and 10 minutes exercise at home. I'm not running a few miles!

Eradicate stress —Stress causes an increase in skin, hair and nail problems. I know it's not easy to stop being stressed, but you can try meditation, being apathetic, and simplifying your schedule!

these two are 61 year old twins. susan, on the right, is a sun
loving smoker

Avoid the sun without "protection"! — As mentioned earlier, either use moisturiser with SPF and sunscreen or avoid the sun!

Get enough sleep — "Sleep is free cosmetic medicine, pure and simple." Your parents might tell you this is a bad idea, but to kickstart your body into a normal sleeping pattern, as I did a couple of months ago, stay up all night one time, and stay awake until the time you want to sleep daily. I sleep at 10.30 and wake up between 5.30 and 8.30, feeling totally refreshed (usually)!

Eat a healthy diet — I choose to ignore this one, so I won't go into detail on it. Although unhealthy food is good on your time and money, it's bad for your skin, so if possible try to eat little of it! I'm trying to cut down on fried food.

Don't drink or smoke — As well as your body internally being healthier, it will show on the outside too! I find non-smokers and non-drinkers look much healthier than those who do. Plastic surgeon Dr. Bahman Guyuron says "Smoking reduces oxygen to the skin, which also decreases blood circulation, and that can result in weathered, wrinkled, older-looking skin".

Do you have any tips I haven't listed here? Comment below! =)