Skin Care 101

Skin care can be a complicated and confusing subject but it doesn't have to be. Looking great depends far more on your knowledge of several simple but highly important topics. Some of the topics discussed may be things that you already know or have heard before but the key to success is practice. It doesn't matter how much you know if you don't allow each of these to become an ongoing part of your daily routine. Here are some skin care 101 tips to get you started on the path to perfect skin:

1. Sun Exposure

The sun is your enemy when it comes to skin care. Sure that tan looks great now but the long term damage that ultraviolet radiation does to your skin is significant and often time irreversible. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can lead to lines, wrinkles, discolorations, and a general thinning of the skin. If you are going to be out in the sun it is crucial that you protect your skin. ALWAYS wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (higher is better). Be sure to wear sunglasses as well to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

2. Sleep

This is one of the most often overlooked elements of a proper skin care routine. Sleep is your body's natural mechanism for recharging and renewing itself. When your body is deprived of sleep, it will be visibly evident in the appearance your skin. Make every effort to keep your body on a sleep schedule. Get in the habit of going to bed at or near the same time every night and doing the same when you wake up in the morning. This helps to keeps your body's natural rhythm in sync. When it comes to sleep, quality is nearly as important as quantity. Be sure to create an environment that is conducive to getting good sleep. Block out any sources of extra light or sound that may interrupt your sleep. Make an investment in a high quality pillow and sheet set as comfort has been shown in studies to play a huge roll in sleep quality. You can also invest in a good sound machine to cut down on noises that may keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Improve your quality of sleep and you will notice an almost immediate improvement in the appearance of your skin!

3. Exercise

Adding regular exercise may not seem like something that belongs in a discussion about skin care but it plays a very important role. Exercise stimulates the flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout your entire body and helps to remove harmful toxins while stimulating the growth of new cells. Exercise doesn't necessarily have to be strenuous to get the job done either; a brisk 20-30 minute daily walk can do the trick. If you need a little help in this department, you may want to consider a topical anti cellulite treatment.

4. Moisture

Keeping your skin properly hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin youthful and healthy. Remember that moisturizing happens in two different ways. The first way is one that tends to be forgotten. Drink plenty of water and make sure that your entire body is properly hydrated. Your body is made up of over 60% water which it uses to naturally moisten tissues, regulate temperature, and carry vital nutrients to the skin. A good moisturizing routine MUST start from the inside. Next, you can think about supplementing your body's natural moisture with a high quality topical moisturizer. I have a few favorites including a product produced by Philosophy.

5. Cleansing

Cleansing is one area of skin care where we often do more harm than good to our skin through our own misconceptions. Here are a few good tips to keep in mind: Always cleanse with warm water. The key here is to avoid water that is too hot or too cold as both can lead to broken capillaries. Never use a bar soap anywhere above the neckline. Bar soaps tend to be both drying and abrasive and can disrupt the natural moisture and oil balance of your skin. Instead, choose a gentle cleanser that does not contain any harsh chemical ingredients. When cleansing the face, it is important to remember that less is more. You should never need an application larger than the size of a dime for the entire face area. With a good quality cleanser you can often times use even less and still get the job done. Finally, don't overdo it. Cleansing once a day before bed time will keep your skin free from external impurities and preserve the natural surface oils that your skin needs for a healthy glow.

6. Makeup

Choose a high quality mineral based make up that won't clog your pores. Makeup should be used to enhance your look, not create it so a soft thin layer is all you need. Bare Essentials Mineral Make Up is a great choice. Give your skin a break once in a while by skipping makeup altogether. If you are just going to be hanging around the house or running a few quick errands, allow your skin to breathe for a day. The most important thing to remember about makeup is to ALWAYS remove it before going to bed. It doesn't matter how good your makeup is, your skin will tank you for removing it at the end of the day.

This list is by no means a complete guide to skin care but following the guidelines above will yield big beauty dividends without costing you a fortune in cosmetic treatments and procedures.