Guest Author - Rebekah Mack Bono

By now we all know how important a daily skin care regime is in order to maintain, or reclaim our youthful radiance; however, so many of us simply don’t do it.

Skin care tips are plastered across magazine covers everywhere, with simple how to guides, dermatologist recommendations, and even the best products for each skin type.

Some of us opt to go through invasive procedures that, “no one will ever notice,” others simply can’t find the extra five minutes due to busy schedules.

You would be amazed at how little effort and time it actually takes to keep yourself looking great. With a few simple steps each morning and night, you can achieve optimal skin health.

First and foremost, kick the habit. If you smoke, your skin will never look its best, and if you think it does, I promise it will look ten times better within two weeks of quitting.

Next, follow these essential skin care tips. If you want to add to your regime, that’s fine, but these are the basics.

· Cleanse with a gentle cleanser using your clean hands. Keep away from fragrance and dyes.
· Do not use harsh, abrasive cleansers. They will aggravate your skin. This is especially important if you are acne prone.
· Moisturize after cleansing, even if you are oily. The key is choosing the right moisturizer. Non-comedogenic is better than oil-free as some oils are actually good for your skin.
· Get your daily dose of SPF. Choose 20 or higher, with UVB and UVA protection. Many moisturizers are two-in-ones these days, providing both hydration and sun protection.
· Don’t forget your eyes and neck. These areas need care just as much as your face. (The same SPF rules apply.)
· Gently exfoliate around twice per week to remove dead skin cells. Try an at home Micro-dermabrasion kit or glycolic peel. These are available at your local drugstore, department store, or can be provided at many salons and spas by a good esthetician.

There are a few things; you must never do to your skin.

· Never use hot water, opt for lukewarm to prevent skin from over-drying.
· Never use a washcloth. They are simply too abrasive for the face and breed bacteria. Use your clean hands.
· Never rub your face dry with a towel, pat gently instead.

Acne Skin Care Tip: While picking at blemishes may give you instant gratification, it actually leads to long term scarring, so never pick. Also, avoid over cleansing. This is another common myth, if you wash more, your acne will go away, not true.

What are some other skin care tips? Drink plenty of water, exercise daily, and maintain a healthy diet. Great foods to eat include salmon, eggs, and Pomegranates. This will assist in keeping skin youthful, smooth and resilient.

Make the above skin care tips a part of your daily skin care regime to achieve more radiant, smooth, and youthful skin.