Achieving real skin confidence is possible. Creating your healthiest skin means taking a holistic approach to nurturing your complexion and boosting your emotional skin positivity.

From not comparing yourself to others, stressing less, eating well, and really getting to know your complexion, let’s take a look at how to feel confident in your own skin.

Digital detox & de-stress

You don’t have to spend very long scrolling through social feeds to spot the seemingly perfect skin and flawless bodies of influencers, friends, or total strangers.

If you’re constantly comparing yourself to edited and staged posts on social media, it can take a toll on your confidence and distort your body image.

Taking a break from social media, or limiting your time on it, gives your mind a break. You cut the comparison anxiety and can focus on feeling confident in your own skin.

Stress, in general, takes its toll on your skin too.

Ever noticed how you break out or skin conditions - like eczema - flare up when you’re stressed out? Stress causes your adrenal glands to release a surge of the hormone cortisol which can trigger skin issues - particularly acne.

Managing stress by prioritising self-care will boost your wellbeing, leaving you feeling happier and more confident in your own skin.

Focus on sleep hygiene

Sleep - or lack of it - has a dramatic effect on your stress levels and skin.

Commit to getting more quality rest by going to bed earlier, ending screen time at least an hour before bed, turning phones to flight mode, and sleeping in a dark bedroom.

Taking a short nap during the day can also help manage stress levels. Essentially, the better your sleep schedule, the more confident you’ll look and feel.

Do something that makes you happy

Make time for an activity that boosts your endorphins and makes you smile.

A healthy self-care routine allows you to take time out of your day, even if just for 5 minutes, to do something for yourself. We’ve put together some simple, everyday self-care ideas here.

Appreciate yourself

Press pause on the negative thoughts of your inner critic and take time to appreciate the good things about yourself.

Write out a few of your recent accomplishments - no matter how small - or things you like about yourself. You could repeat some positive affirmations or speak a compliment out loud to yourself in the mirror, too.

Smile!

The simple act of smiling has been shown by studies to improve your mood, lower stress levels, and even boost your immune system. Smiling brightens up your face and makes you look better too. Possibly the quickest way to boost your confidence!

Know your skin type to build the right routine

Beauty is more than what we see in the mirror. It might be hard, though, to feel confident in your own skin when you’re self-conscious about issues like dryness, acne, and fine lines.

A healthy complexion will boost your skin confidence. To nourish your complexion the right way you need to know the best skincare products to treat it.

Without knowing what your skin really needs, you’ll invest in products that won’t deliver the best results. Your skin struggles will continue and instead of boosting your skin confidence, the anxiety about your skin will continue.

Studies have revealed that skin conditions can lower self-confidence, induce anxiety, and even lead to depression.

All good skincare routines begin with knowing what skin type you have.

Normal Skin

‘Normal’ is the term used to refer to skin that has a well-balanced sebum and moisture production - it’s not too oily or too dry. Normal skin has refined pores and no visible blemishes, flaky areas or oily spots.

Best ingredients for normal skin: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), ceramides, fatty acids.

Recommended product: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterised by a lack of natural sebum - it produces less than other skin types. As a result, skin tends to be rough and flaky looking.

It’s more susceptible to irritation and infection as a lack of moisture means the skin’s protective barrier is weak. Skin can be dull and lack elasticity.

Best ingredients for dry skin: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, squalane, Vitamin C + E.

Recommended product: esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil

Oily skin

Oily skin produces more sebum than normal and is prone to breakouts, blackheads, and acne.

Pores are visibly larger and the skin is shiny. The good news about the oily skin type is it usually has fewer wrinkles.

Best ingredients for oily skin: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), aloe vera, activated clay and charcoal, Vitamin C.

Recommended product: esmi Anti Redness Minty Green Smoothie

Combination skin

Just like the name suggests, this skin type is a combination of different skin types. The characteristics of combination skin are an oily, shiny ‘t-zone’ with dry, flaking skin in the cheek area.

Best ingredients for combination skin: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), Vitamin C + E, acai oil.

Recommended product: esmi Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil

Sensitive skin

Some of the signs you have sensitive skin include a tendency to flush and become red easily, dry patches, itchy skin, and sensitivity to changes in weather / temperature.

Sensitive skin can often occur as a response to using the wrong type of skincare products.

Best ingredients for sensitive skin: Lactic acid, provitamin B5, witch hazel, jojoba oil.

Recommended product: esmi Hydrating And Nourishing Acai Duo

When you know your skin type and how to heal specific issues, you can make more informed product decisions about the right skin treatment routine for you.

Commitment to your routine is crucial. Some skin results may take longer to show but don’t give up. Your healthiest complexion and real skin confidence are on their way!

Eat well for skin confidence

We all know the saying - you are what you eat. When it comes to your skin, it’s advice is worth listening to.

Diet plays a huge role in how your skin looks and filling your plate up with healthy, wholesome food will help you feel more confident in your own skin.

Beta carotene

Beta carotene is important for skin tone and skin cell development.

Foods high in beta carotene include carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, peas, broccoli, apricots, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, red and yellow peppers, and parsley.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids

These essential fatty acids have been shown to minimise UV-induced photodamage, extrinsic signs of skin ageing, and inflammatory skin issues.

The following foods are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids; salmon, mackerel, oysters, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, seaweed, and edamame beans.

Omega 6 fatty acids can be found in whole-grain bread, poultry, eggs, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Selenium

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown a selenium-rich diet can help fight free radical activity and may protect against UV related skin damage and inflammation.

Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, wheatgerm, and broccoli.

When it comes to healthy, supple skin, hydration is key. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water each day for brighter, more energised looking skin.

Including a regular green juice, like celery juice (great for skin!) in the mix will also step up your skin’s nourishment.

If you want good skin, cut out or at least reduce the amount of sugar you eat too.

Sugar is one of the biggest contributors to inflammation that shows up on your skin as dry patches itchy skin, acne and wrinkles. Cutting down on processed and high-fat foods will also help.

Take these simple, actionable skin tips and see your skin confidence soar!