5 Habits to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Radiant

First published on Glamour.com

PHOTO: SPENCER AMONWATVORAKUL

You kind of know when you're going to have a terrible day before it even unfolds. It usually begins in the morning—maybe you've overslept, noticed a surprise zit on your chin (of course) or—woof—left your apartment without your keys. But if you can incorporate good habits into your A.M. routine, you might be able to stop that bad day before it happens. You might not get your keys back, but your skin will look fresh and glowing no matter what. Here, five ways to begin your day on a high note.

1. Working up a sweat.

Maybe you exercise in the morning. Maybe you exercise at night. Maybe you consider walking to the subway your cardio. Still, getting in a workout session in the morning pays off for your skin. That's because aerobic exercise, like using an elliptical machine or going for a run, increases blood flow to your skin, which enjoys the steady supply of nutrients and oxygen. There's nothing like a post-gym flush—especially one that's completely natural.

2. Drink your H2O.

It feels like you can't go a day without hearing about how a model begins her day with hot water steeped with lemon. It sounds idyllic, and it probably is. But if you're the sort of person who can barely find two matching socks in the morning, that might not happen. NBD. Just drink some water. It'll hydrate your skin, make you feel more energized, and can even aid in weight loss. The downside: There is none.

3. Don't skimp on sleep.

Overnight is the only time that your skin isn't busy contending with constant environmental aggressors like UV light and pollutants. So your cells are programmed to take advantage and have a skin cell repair free-for-all. Which means if you miss out on sleep, you also miss out on those benefits (and that's not even taking the inevitable dark circles into account). When it comes to your skin, you snooze...you win.

4. Protect your skin from harsh conditions.

Annie, before and after eight weeks using Rodan + Fields' four-step Soothe regimen

The world takes a toll on skin and can actually cause sensitivity—even if you're not genetically predisposed to it. To combat irritation and visible redness from the daily grind, Rodan + Fields' four-step Soothe regimen offers a comprehensive approach to sensitive skin. The Gentle Cream Wash removes grime and makeup without stripping skin, the Sensitive Skin Treatment contains a proprietary peptide complex that conditions skin and helps support its surface when it faces environmental aggressors associated with dry, irritated, sensitive skin, and the Moisture Replenishing Cream deeply hydrates skin without suffocating it. They work together to nourish and protect compromised skin.

5. Identify your biggest skin care concern.

Not only does it speed up the process when you book a facial (treat yo'self!), but nailing down your biggest skin-care gripe means you can better prioritize the products and formulas you use. Because if you're using the wrong products, you could be causing redness, chronic irritation, and even stinging. Think of it as skin self-sabotage. Figuring out your skin type and needs mean you're better equipped to improve them—and leads to brighter, better skin in the long run.