A Model’s Guide to Skin Care
How do models keep their skin looking so fantastic? After long-haul flights and running around town for castings, they seem to maintain a remarkable complexion. Sure, this may have to do with genetics and touch-ups, but there still are many tips and tricks they use to keep their blemishes at bay. I began modeling at the age of 14 and was whisked away into the glamorous world of photo shoots and runway shows, teaching me the backstage plethora of skin ‘secrets.’ I have learned many vital tips from plenty of makeup artists and have come a long way from my fourteen-year-old self. In this article, I will share some of these pieces of skincare advice. As skincare can be expensive, here is my take on the essential—and affordable—things you need to know.
Supermodels and Victoria’s Secret Angels Sara Sampaio and Alessandra Ambrosio are big fans of hyaluronic acid. Sampaio recommends the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. For a more affordable option and one that I personally use, look out for a cult classic, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. But beware! Ensure you apply a toner beforehand or at minimum have damp skin so that the acid doesn’t dry out your face and you can reap the full benefits. You will be left with dewy, bouncy, and smooth skin.
Courtesy of The Ordinary.
I have been a long-term fan of Korean beauty products. My room is filled with creams, masks, and serums from Dr. Jart+, an innovative Korean brand known for its unique formulations and playful philosophy. My ultimate favorite is their Ceramidin Cream. Used by the one and only Gigi Hadid, this cream is the way to go if you have dry skin. It is packed with five ceramides and is specifically designed to build up your skin barrier. Especially with the drier weather, this cream will provide you with a hundred hours of moisture after just one use.
Courtesy of Dr. Jart+.
I always follow up my moisturizer with sunscreen. I’m sure you have all heard this millions of times before, but never forget to protect yourself from the sun. Your skin is your canvas, don’t let it get ruined by UV rays! To protect from damage in the sun, I recommend the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen which is both lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast, making it perfect for all skin tones.
Courtesy of Supergoop!
The one item I must always have in my bag, whether I’m off to the beach or to class, is Lucas’ PawPaw ointment. Although marketed as a treatment for minor cuts and burns, its endless uses make it a must-have on set. My favorite use is definitely as a lip balm, but makeup artists have been using it as eyebrow gel for years. It undoubtedly comes in handy if you need to keep your brows stuck down for multiple hours or tame all your frizzy baby hairs.
Courtesy of Amazon.
Pores. They’re essential in allowing sweat and sebum to exit from glands, but when they become enlarged, they can often be a source of frustration. Thankfully, there are effective ways to minimize their appearance without damaging the skin. If you're struggling with enlarged pores, skip the blackhead strips, as they may only exacerbate the problem, and instead turn to alpha or beta hydroxy acids. One product I, along with many dermatologists, would recommend is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant to gently exfoliate and reduce pore size. Don't forget to keep your skin clean and extra hydrated to prevent buildup and oil production and you'll be on your way to smoother, more refined skin in no time.
Courtesy of Paula’s Choice.
A healthy gut is an amazing starting point for achieving flawless skin. Beauty truly comes from the inside; I have tried a lot, from probiotics to chlorophyll to green powders. Many of them I’m pretty sure were scams, but two things have definitely changed my skin for the better: collagen and simply water. Yes, I know, water sounds pretty self-explanatory but if you haven’t heard it enough, it is the holy grail. I always start my day with a glass of water and chia seeds; they are loaded with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which both help to strengthen the skin barrier. Collagen is not only good for your skin, but also your hair and nails. My favorite is the Unflavored Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, a product used by one of my favorite actresses, Jennifer Aniston.
Courtesy of Vital Proteins.
On the topic of hair, the one thing that was always stressed over my years of modeling is to not wash your hair every day. It strips away healthy oils from your scalp, leaving your hair dry and weak and making it much more prone to split ends. Funnily enough, we are often told to not wash our hair for 24-48 hours before a shoot to make it look healthier and much easier to style. If you can’t resist, always follow up on a wash day with hair oil and try to let your hair air-dry. You will be left with an amazing shine and generally stronger hair. I love the Moroccanoil Treatment Original, but most products on the market should do the trick!
Courtesy of Moroccanoil.
My final piece of advice, or rather a plea, is as follows. I beg of you to ensure you remove your makeup before heading to bed, it only takes two minutes and your skin will be thanking you the next morning. In general, keep a routine! Stay consistent with your products but don’t be afraid to try new things. Always make sure to patch-test though before trying out a new ingredient, especially if it’s a chemical exfoliant or acid.
As a model, maintaining a polished appearance is a crucial aspect of our job. Nevertheless, true beauty encompasses more than just physical appearance. It involves feeling confident, carrying oneself with poise, and exuding positive energy. I hope this guide has helped you begin your journey toward looking and feeling your best self, and we would love to hear some of your beauty secrets too!
Featured image courtesy of True Beauty Forever.