7 Tips for Healthy Skin

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. The path to a glowing, radiant complexion begins with healthy habits.

Follow these simple tips for healthier skin. You'll look better... and feel better, too!

1 - Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Enjoy lots of fruits and vegetables for their skin-enhancing, anti-aging properties.

Include Omega3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel. If you're not a fish eater, consider a fish oil supplement. Vegetarian sources include walnuts, ground flax seed, and flaxseed oil. Try this yummy Flax Seed Smoothie.

2 - Exercise regularly. Exercise improves muscle tone, enhances blood circulation, increases oxygen, and removes toxins. It raises your energy level and promotes a radiant complexion.

3 - Manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques. Yoga,meditation, breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, and gentle exercise are all good choices to calm your mind and raise your spirit.

4 - Get your beauty rest! Mom was right... you really do need your sleep. Regardless of what you slather on your skin, without enough sleep your skin will be dull and saggy; your eyes will be puffy. Sleep is a true beauty secret!

5 - Prevent premature aging by shielding your skin from the sun. Avoid the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Cover-up and use an SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen... and please, skip the tanning parlor and tanning beds. They are NOT safe! For a golden glow, apply a self tanner.

6 - Cleanse your face morning and night. Choose a natural soap or cleanser, suited for your skin type, and warm water. If your skin is dry, water alone is adequate in the morning. Always remove make-up before you turn the lights out at night... no matter how tired you are! This will allow your skin to breathe and avoid clogged pores.

7 - Moisturize regularly. Most everyone can benefit from a moisturizer. Again, select one based on your skin type. Apply right after your bath or shower.

To avoid potentially toxic chemicals, use all natural body care products .

One final tip: Take a few minutes once a month to perform a skin self-examination. Look for any changes or irregularities. For more information on self-exams, go to Medline Plus.