With new research, new products and new skin protection advice
popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things
to do to improve and protect your skin.

A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and
a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will
first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since
these two factors play an important role in the health of a
person's skin.

These days we seem to be living in the fast-food age and the
condition of your skin is often neglected. You still can't beat
the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and
a good complexion.

Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods.
Give your skin a drink too. Those eight glasses of water a day
your mom always told you to be sure to drink are essential to
maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts.
And don't count coffee or any of the caffeinated sodas as part
of the eight glasses because caffeine is dehydrating. The water
you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the
tap. Another suggestion is that you keep a liter-size bottle
close at hand, or simply drink a glass or two with your meals,
and a few in between.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of
makeup you sue. And be sure to clean your tools regularly.
Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria
and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. One
of the leading cosmetic authorities suggests that cosmetic brushes
be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a month. A good way is to
soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water
using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess
moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a
tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.

Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin
with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check
the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help
block the penetration of pollutants.

A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and
rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also,
body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own
natural moisturizer.

One skin care expert has come up with a do-it-yourself version of
a treatment you may like to try. Stir the juice of half a lemon
into one cup of plain yogurt. Keep it in the refrigerator and
apply it as you would a cream every night before bed. You can
even apply a thin coat of moisturizer over it is you like, after
waiting about five minutes for the yogurt mixture to penetrate.
With consistent use, you should see more even pigmentation and
smoother skin in three to four weeks.

Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne
appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin
conditions then to get worse. Set aside quiet time to meditate
or daydream. Be sure to get enough sleep. To avoid morning eye
or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn't collect
there. And, you can keep the oil from your hair away from your
face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to
bed. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your
overall health as well as your complexion.sk to get down to the
essential things.

About the Author
Article by Jay Harris of IMI Concepts. Visit his website http://www.home-job-alert.com