In a previous article, I shared with you that good skin care starts within. Keeping well hydrated goes hand-in-hand with a healthy diet. Many physicians, nutritionists, and skin care experts recommend drinking a minimum of eight, 8 ounce glasses of water per day. This daily water does not include coffee, soda pop, tea or other water-based drinks…just pure, clean water. Keeping our bodies well hydrated raises the skin's natural barriers, and helps to moisturize and nourish the skin.[1] Water also flushes out toxins, and toxins are very bad for our skin!

Another important aspect of keeping our skin healthy is enjoying regular exercise. Exercise keeps our blood circulating oxygen throughout our bodies to all the vital organs, including our skin. It makes us sweat, which releases toxins, helping to keep our immune system strong. It is especially good if we can exercise often in clean, fresh air. Spending time breathing in deeply and exhaling the old, stale air completely out of our lungs really helps with circulation.

While our skin was designed to keep out germs and toxins, it wasn't meant to come in contact with the range of chemicals we have in the world today. Some chemicals won't cause immediate damage to the skin, but repeated exposure over time can cause an accumulation of toxins in our cells. This can cause a vast array of problems, but from the skin's perspective, toxins accumulating in our bodies cause inflammation in our cells. This causes skin irritation, dryness, and different kinds of dermatitis.[2] We should be wearing rubber gloves anytime we are using harsh chemicals - even while washing dishes and hand-laundering delicate clothing.

During these cold winter months, dry hands are an increasing problem. Be careful not to use hot water while washing your hands. Hot water effectively removes the oils from our skin, which isn't good for skin health. This applies to showering, too. I truly enjoy a long, hot shower, but I don't enjoy the effects of it on my skin. Also, wearing warm gloves this winter will protect your hands from the drying chill of the air. Prevention is the key!

Another useful tip is to use a humidifier during the winter (and during the summer months if you use AC). A good humidifier will bring the desired moisture back in, preventing the skin from the painful effects of drying out, such as peeling and cracking.[3]

Have you ever added essential oils or massage oil to your bath? This is such a great way to replenish oils to dried-out skin, and depending on the essential oil you use, can be invigorating or relaxing. My sweet husband runs me a bath about once a week, "For stress-relief," he says. Little does he realize that he's helping me keep my skin soft and moist.

A good night's sleep is part of the "Good Skin Care" process. We've all looked in the mirror after a short night's sleep and seen the bags and circles under our eyes. Even men don't care for that. It makes us look and feel older than we are. While we sleep, our bodies regenerate from the day's wear and tear we put it through. Generally, an adult needs about eight hours of sleep. In reality, most of us are barely getting six! Not healthy! There are many natural ways to get enough sleep and to get enough actual rest. A good herbalist or naturopath can recommend safe remedies that will work for your body. Shutting down the computer or TV by 9pm can help our body clock realize that the day is over sooner, so we'll be ready for sleeping when we hit the bed.

I think you'll find that most of these tips are not only great for taking care of your skin, but they will also help to reduce stress - a major skin-aging component. Be sure to take time, even 15 minutes a day, to quiet your body and mind, pray or meditate, and simply relax.[4]

So, take care of your skin, and your body, by using these simple skin care tips.

[1] beautytips.ygoy.com/skincare/hydration.php

[2]skincarenet.org/article-2.html

[3] beautytips.ygoy.com/skincare/winter-skincare.php