Feeling comfortable in your skin isn't always easy. After all, we are bombarded every day with pictures of people with flawless skin, also known as porcelain skin. But the truth is that most people don't have that skin naturally. And that's normal!
And before we continue, we must specify that the term porcelain skin doesn't have anything to do with its colors. Instead, it has more to do with its appearance. Healthy, blemish-free, even-toned, and smooth skin has become a new obsession among most women.
But what is porcelain skin? And how can you achieve it? To find answers to these questions, keep reading. We have collected everything you must know on the subject in this essential guide. Follow the tips we included here to feel more confident in your skin!
What Is Porcelain Skin?
You might have already heard of the term, which has become more popular over the past years. And as we explained before, despite being associated with ceramic (referring to its smoothness), "porcelain skin" hasn't anything to do with light or fair skin. Every person with flawless skin and little to no visible pores could fall under this category. The tone must be even and without redness around the most sensitive areas. That might sound like a dream to most people, but with the proper diet, healthy regime, and attention to some steps, you'll be able to achieve it too!
It might be worth repeating that you don't necessarily need fair skin to achieve porcelain skin. Instead, it is about reaching that "flawlessness" and even tone (and you can learn tips about how to do that in the following sections!). For instance, have you ever seen dolls? Probably, yes. Then, porcelain skin is that evenly-toned, shiny, and translucent skin that every influencer seems to have nowadays. And even if we might see more "fair-toned" people fitting the definition of porcelain skin, you can achieve that at any skin color and tone, so don't worry about it. After all, just like not everyone with fair skin is "flawless," people with all complexions can achieve that poreless appearance.
How Can You Have A Porcelain Skin?
Now you may be wondering how to achieve porcelain skin. While there isn't a clear path to follow, you can consider these tips. Combine them and follow them regularly to achieve the results you expect. The idea is that by taking a couple of steps, you'll be able to maintain healthy skin and achieve the flawless and poreless look everyone wants nowadays.
Here, we collected some of the most effective ways to get (and maintain) porcelain skin. But beware: you'll have to be consistent and patient to see results. Don't expect to wake up the next day and have the skin of your dreams! Instead, follow these tips, and (with time) you'll see considerable changes in how your skin looks and feels.
Wear Sunscreen
There is increasing awareness about the need for sunscreen. And for good reasons! Exposing your skin to too much sun and UV damage can cause issues spanning from hyperpigmentation to early aging and even increase the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, staying under the sun without wearing SPF (at least with a protection of 30!) might cause dark spots and freckles.
You should wear sunscreen daily, even when the weather isn't sunny (and even when you work indoors). After all, the UVA and UVB rays of the sun are ever present and are the number one cause of skin issues. Don't forget to reapply it every couple of hours, especially when you plan to stay outdoors for the day.
Besides applying high-quality sunscreen, consider protecting your skin by wearing a hat or covering your face with a scarf. While these might sound like extreme measures, you'll get perfect skin that doesn't show aging! And the earliest you start protecting your skin from the sun, the better the results will be. But don't worry: better start later than never!
Cleanse Your Skin Daily
Taking care of your skin doesn't have to be challenging. You won't have to invest millions in your skin care. However, you must follow a couple of simple steps religiously. Besides protecting your face from the sun, you should also use gentle cleanses daily. Pay attention to the ingredients of the products you choose. Also, pick those suitable for your skin type.
Many people make the mistake of using products that damage their skin. For best results, consider visiting a dermatologist and ask for professional advice regarding which brands and products might be better suited to your needs.
Generally, gel-based soaps are better suited to oily skin types, while if you have dry skin, you'll be better off with a creamy product. Avoid washing your face too often: it will strip away your skin's natural oils and may cause breakouts. Only wash your face twice a day: as you wake up in the morning and before bedtime.
Follow A Simple But Effective Skin Care Routine
As mentioned in the previous sections, taking care of your skin doesn't mean having thousands of products. Instead, more often than not, less is more when it comes to achieving porcelain skin. Besides cleansing, invest in a good toner, a brightening serum (best if rich in vitamins and nutrients to "feed" your skin), and a high-quality sunscreen. If you have dry skin, we recommend you purchase a rich night cream to help your skin repair while you sleep.
Despite sounding trivial, the key to getting positive results from your routine is to follow it regularly (so, every day, no matter how tired you are!) and in the proper order. For instance, applying heavier products before a serum will cancel their effects. Instead, your regimen should be the following:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Sunscreen/night cream (depending on the time of the day).
And that's it! So, you'll only need four of five products for your purpose. And because they aren't that many, you may want to invest in high-quality ones. Of course, you can always put makeup on if you like it. But we recommend you take a break from it to allow your skin to breathe for a while. If you want to have porcelain skin, you should consider taking the time to make your skin as healthy as possible. Doing so will also reduce your need for foundation or concealer!
Never Go To Bed Without Washing Your Face
If you are into taking care of your skin, you have probably already heard of how bad it is to go to bed without washing your skin. After all, doing so prevents your skin from taking a break and doesn't allow it to repair. Because the products you apply generally clog your pores, the result might be breakouts. And none likes to deal with them.
So, no matter how tired you are, always cleanse your skin before sleeping. Use an oil-based remover for even the best results. One of the latest trends is double cleansing: after removing your makeup with oil, wash your face with your favorite cleanser. Doing so will ensure you go to bed with clean skin while helping it repair itself overnight!
Don't Lose Your Faith in Face Masks!
Trends come and go with skincare, but we can assure you that good face masks are still worth the hype. You don't necessarily have to spend much on them: some of the best face masks are food-based. And this means you can easily do them at home. For instance, if you have oily skin (and want to get rid of breakouts), consider making a honey mask. All you have to do is take a spoon of natural honey (better if organic), add two drops of lemon juice, and apply the mixture evenly to your face. The result will be brighter and nourished skin. Plus, honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can heal your breakouts faster.
Other ingredients you can experiment with include yogurt, avocado, oats, and even coffee! Alternatively, consider purchasing sheet masks: they are effective and practical (and don't come with the mess of homemade masks!).
Invest in High-Quality Products
Even if we said you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to achieve porcelain skin, with the "less is more" principle in mind, we suggest you buy good (but few) products that won't damage your skin.
If you visit a dermatologist, the doctor will suggest some of the best products for your skin type. They must be free of harmful chemicals and offer long-lasting benefits. While they might look more expensive on paper, you'll realize that they will last more, give you better results, and won't cause you issues.
Drink Your Water!
Clear skin comes from within. So, even if you might have heard of this before, you must drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Also, following a healthy diet is crucial. Water will help you clear toxins from your body, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will nourish your skin and make it look brighter.
Avoid processed foods, dairy, and too much sugar: your skin will thank you (and you'll be surprised by how glowy you'll look in a matter of weeks!).
Do Not Touch Your Face
Following this tip might be more challenging for some people. After all, many tend to pick their face. However, you must avoid that if you want to achieve porcelain skin. Think of how many things your hands might have touched before you pick your skin. Probably a lot of gross things! And to avoid spreading bacteria and germs on your face, you should put your hands on your face when necessary (thus, rarely). Doing so will contain breakouts and keep your skin clear.
Also, never (ever) pop pimples! It will only worsen things (and you probably know this already). Usually, it will spread acne all over your face. So, resist the urge!
Limit Your Use Of Makeup
We said this before, but it is worth stressing the importance of limiting the use of makeup to get porcelain skin. After all, no matter how high quality the products you use, adding layers to your skin will clog your pores. So, don't use too many things on your face and avoid applying foundation, especially on warm and humid days.
What's The Best Make Up For Porcelain Skin?
Of course, we understand that not everybody likes to live without some makeup. And If you don't want to abandon it, don't worry. You can always follow a minimal routine that won't do much damage to your skin (and will make you look gorgeous).
To begin with, start with your skin regime. Then, consider using a primer to allow all the products to "set" on your face evenly (and last longer). Avoid applying bronzer and pastel colors: keep it simple! Use some rosy pink blush and go for sandy tones. On the eyes, the soft taupe looks very good! Also, it might look much cleaner with some mascara without anything else. Finally, brush your eyebrows for a natural (but elegant) look.
What Masks Should You Make For Porcelain Skin?
As we mentioned, applying face masks can help you nourish your skin and achieve that flawless look everyone seems to want nowadays. Besides the honey and lemon mask, you can experiment with other ingredients. Here is a list of our favorite face masks to help you achieve (and maintain) porcelain skin.
Eggwhite Mask
Despite sounding gross, applying egg white on your face can bring visible results! After all, eggs are rich in proteins and have skin-enhancing properties that will help improve the looks of your skin. Separate the yolk from an egg and mix the white with a tablespoon of organic honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
Almonds
Almonds have properties that improve skin complexion and make it softer and smoother. To make a mask, you need 8 to 10 almonds and soak them in milk (or water) for a couple of hours. Once the nuts are softer, grind them into a fine paste. Apply the mixture to your face for 20-30 minutes. The results will be astonishing!
Orange
You might have noticed how vitamin C seems to pop out as an ingredient in most products. But the hype is a healthy one. Still, you don't have to purchase plenty of products. After all, you can incorporate this vitamin naturally into your skin. One of the best ways to do so is to prepare an orange mask. It will minimize blemishes, even your complexion, and brighten your skin. All you have to do is to take the orange pulp and apply it to your face in a circular motion. Leave the fruit for up to 15 minutes and rinse the mask. Remember to apply sunscreen after this face mask: vitamin C increases your skin's susceptibility to sun rays!
The Bottom Line
So, now that you know a little more about porcelain skin, what are you waiting for? It is your turn to feel confident in your skin and take care of it! Remember to contact a dermatologist to know which products work best for you and create a skincare regime suitable to your skin type. Apply masks up to twice a week (but no more) to nourish your skin and give it all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to glow!