Maintaining a healthy complexion is so crucial for the modeling industry. I’ve definitely had my battles with agency and client rejection because I had cystic/hormonal acne when I first got into the industry. For some people, perfect skin seems to come naturally (good genes) while it can take a lot of work for others. I was definitely on the other side.

Whether you want to be a model or not, skincare is essential for several reasons. And it’s not all about the way you look. Our skin plays a major role in how our bodies function day to day. After all, skin is the largest organ of the body. On a scientific level, it prevents viruses and bacteria from entering your body and protects you from harmful solar radiation. It helps regulate your body’s temperature and reacts to critical changes in your environment through pain and pressure.

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Overnight waves. ? Making the bun dent a thing this season! Literally hair creases from wearing it up.

A post shared by JULIA LEE (@itsjulialee) on May 8, 2020 at 10:37am PDT

So how do we get our skin to live its best life and glow up? The basics are using the right moisturizer and exfoliating products depending on your skin type. You can amp it up with certain cosmetic treatments like chemical peels and microneedling, but the most important thing is to adopt good habits. Try incorporating these five practices into your daily life, and I promise your skin will improve dramatically.

1. Drink more water

Doctors, dermatologists, estheticians, and the like are always recommending people drink more water, and it’s not for nothing. Being adequately hydrated can help almost all aspects of the body, and the skin is no exception. Drinking eight glasses a water a day will help to rid your skin of toxins and give you a radiant glow. Add a little lemon and apple cider vinegar for a deeper clean.

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Do you see ?? Sour, but cleansing ? Try ACV w/ lemon for clear skin. I know, Covid-19 got me needing a mani…

A post shared by JULIA LEE (@itsjulialee) on Mar 28, 2020 at 3:01pm PDT

2. Eat the right food

You are what you eat. Your diet has a massive influence on your skin’s health, so pay attention to what you put into it. Meals full of fried foods will only make your skin greasy and lead to acne breakouts and other imperfections. I’m not saying restrict yourself from fatty foods because fat is essential for our bodies. But instead, opt for healthy fats like omega-3. When deciding on your next meal, pick ingredients high in omega-3. Clean eating means clear skin. And having a balance will keep your hormones and body in check, limiting breakouts.

3. Exercise

Being physically active slows the aging process, and it also has a positive effect on your skin’s appearance. The general recommendation is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. This could be anything from a power walk or bike ride to something more extreme, like kickboxing or reformer pilates. Just make sure to wash the sweat off your face afterward!

4. Get more sleep

We could all use more sleep in this busy world, and lack of sleep can definitely hurt your skin quality. Not getting enough rest at night can speed up the aging process and lead to wrinkles as well as worsening any existing skin problems. Be sure to get your eight hours each night. 

5. Reduce stress

Stress is one of the worst things for our body. It can worsen almost any health condition and has been linked to all kinds of skin issues, including rashes, acne, and sweating. If you are suffering from stress, take steps to relieve anxiety. There are so many ways to reduce stress including talking about your problems, meditating, or taking a break from stress-inducing technology.

I challenge you to do these 5 practices religiously for a month, take a before/after pictures, and let me know if you see a difference.