5 Little Ways to Feel Better About Your Skin Right Now

We all have good skin days and bad skin days. We all go through periods of time where our skin is dry, oily, breaking out, or generally feeling dull. Skin ups and downs are part of being human — and you should know that you’re not alone.

You should also know that comparing yourself to models you see in advertisements and the celebrities you see on the front cover of magazines is a recipe for unhappiness. Most of these photos are massively altered and airbrushed. Try buying from brands like Spktrm Beauty that don’t photoshop the skin of the models in their adds. Or, look for the CVS Beautymark banner, which is given to brands that don’t use photoshop.

Finally, remember that there are still things you can do right now to shift your perspective and feel better about your skin, stat. Here are 5 little ways to feel improve your skin right now.

1. Eat a healthy meal.

The health of your skin is directly tied to a hormone called insulin. Insulin is released when you eat sugar-y, simple carbs like pasta, white bread, soda, and baked goods. Excess insulin can cause your skin to produce more oil, which can contribute to breakouts. So, what should you do? Opt for foods full of healthy fats like nuts, fish, and olive oil, which will not only be great for your insulin levels, they’ll be great for your mood too.

Read more: Can Food Improve Our Mental Health? These Nutritionists Say Yes

2. Give your face a massage.

Many of us would consider a massage if our bodies need a little extra love and attention, so why not do the same for your face? Enter the jade roller, which is a derma roller made of —  you guessed it! — jade. According to skin care expert and facialist Abigail James, the cool, smooth surface of jade allows you to apply pressure to muscles and tissues, which increases circulation and blood flow. Plus, it helps you carve out a mindful minute to step away from the phone and computer, and invest in self-care.

Learn how: If you’re new to jade rolling, here’s a how-to video tutorial you can follow.

3. Drink water.

Your skin is the body’s largest organ, and that means it needs hydration just as much as the rest of your body. Water not only aids in digestion and circulation, it also helps your body flush out toxins. That means more energy and clearer skin — so be sure to get your eight glasses a day.

Read more: 7 New Ways to Boost Your Water Intake

4. Try a sheet mask.

There’s a sheet mask out there for whatever skin situation you’re currently dealing with. We love RAEL masks, which are suitable for all skin types and are made with eco-friendly bamboo yarn.

Shop now: RAEL’s Face Anything bundle, which has five collagen sheet masks, five vitamin C sheet masks, five tea tree oil sheet masks, and five hydration sheet masks is currently on sale for $31.50, or about $1.50 per mask.

5. Get some fresh air.

Studies have linked pollution to decreased skin health, but did you know that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air? It’s true. Taking a walk outside will get you into nature, away from the mirror, and breathing fresh air.

Read more: How Taking a Walk Can Improve Your Gut Health