Skin Care 101

As any expert is bound to tell you, good skin is a woman\'s best accessory. You can wear designer clothes or get professional makeup, but there\'s only so much you can do if you don\'t have good skin to start with. Models and actresses pay a fortune for good skin care, but you don\'t have to spend that much-all it takes is a few simple practices.

Most doctors recommend a three-step approach to skin care: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Cleansing refers to getting rid of dirt and dead skin, including those that get stuck in your pores. Toning is meant to restore the pH balance of your skin after cleansing. Moisturizing hydrates your skin to restore the moisture lost during cleansing and toning. Do this once a day if you don\'t get much outdoor exposure, or twice if you wear a lot of makeup or spend a lot of time outdoors.

You can also try to minimize makeup use-or if you can\'t, at least stick to skin-friendly products. Everything you put on your face affects the chemical balance of your skin, so it\'s best to keep your regime as simple as possible. Many companies now offer all-natural and organic makeup, which contain little to no chemicals that can irritate or cause allergic reactions. One of the most popular types is mineral makeup, which is made from naturally occurring dyes and undergoes very minimal processing. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to get a dermatologist\'s advice before choosing a brand.

Your skin needs can also change according to the weather. For example, winter tends to dry out the skin and create dry, rough patches. If you have this problem, switch to a milder soap during winter and invest in a soothing moisturizer. Drink lots of water to help hydrate your skin. In warmer seasons, your biggest problem is usually ultraviolet damage. Make sure to wear sunscreen and wear a hat on really hot days. Avoid bronzing lotions or tanning products-they\'ve been linked to permanent skin damage and increase your risk of cancer. Get a tan the natural way and choose a dermatologist-approved sunscreen to protect your skin.