Three Essential Steps For Radiant Skin

By Lana May, LME, CMT, NCTNB

The skin is the largest organ of the body and protects us from the environment and the elements. It is an amazing organ that is constantly renewing itself by producing new skin cells on a daily basis, but maintaining a radiant, healthy complexion requires care. These three essentials steps can start you on the path to the healthiest skin possible.

The first essential step for healthy, radiant skin is to have a consistent daily skin care regimen for your skin type. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or normal, it is important to be using skin care products that are formulated for your type of skin and skin conditions. Using the appropriate daily cleanser, exfoliant and moisturizer on a regular basis makes all the difference in achieving a healthy, hydrated and vibrant complexion. If you are uncertain about the type of skin and skin conditions you have and what products to use, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or a licensed skin care professional to determine what skin care regimen is best for your skin.

The second essential step is to minimize sun exposure and UV damage to the skin. Nothing ages the skin faster than excessive sun exposure. Protect your skin everyday year round by wearing a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 or higher. Wearing SPF daily can help to minimize wrinkles and discoloration of the skin often caused by excessive sun damage. It is important to apply the SPF not only to the face, but the neck and chest as well. The neck and chest are often neglected and frequently show more signs of aging and damage than the face.

The third essential step for your skin is sleep. The skin is rejuvenating, rebalancing and restoring itself while you are sleeping. When you skimp on sleep, one of the first places it shows is in your face. Sleep deprived skin looks lackluster, tired and tends to sag. Consistently getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night can make a huge difference in maintaining a youthful and radiant complexion.