Seven secrets to sensational skin

Tips for beautiful, radiant skin at any age.
Jul 1, 2011 | By: Wendy Killick

Prioritize Your Pillow Time
Get enough sleep.  When you feel tired and rundown, inflammation increases, giving you puffy eyes and dull skin.  Night time is when the body restores itself.  Give Mother Nature a hand and make it a habit of turning in early.

Take Time to Unwind
Devise coping strategies for stress.  Unmanaged stress can make you look years older than your chronological age.  This constant anxiety increases the cortisol levels in the body leading to acne flare-ups, eczema, diffused redness and loss of collagen.  If you are feeling stressed, try deep breathing techniques, relaxing in a warm bubble bath or watching a funny movie while sipping a fantastic beverage. You can also make a night of it, and do all three!

Butt Out
Stop smoking and try to limit your exposure to second hand smoke.  Smoking dramatically reduces the supply of oxygen to your skin.  Your face is bathed in a cloud of poisons and oxidizing chemicals that will cause it to prematurely wrinkle and take on a grey, dull appearance.

Suds Up
The most important time to wash your face is just before going to bed at night.  Dirt, pollution grime, and the day’s activities can clog pores making them a happy haven for bacteria.  It is the daily sludge and bacteria which lead to break outs.  Be sure to use a physician grade cleanser that will maintain the pH levels of your skin and allow for deeper penetration of prescriptive ingredients.  In the morning, all you may need to freshen up is a splash of warm water or toner, giving you a few more precious minutes in bed.

Eat Smart
A balanced diet is the key to good health and fresh glowing skin.  Fruits and vegetables such as blue berries, broccoli and tomatoes are full of antioxidants which will protect your skin from inflammation and aging.  Salmon, flaxseed, avocados and almonds boost hydration which keeps the skin supple and firm.  Reaching for some yogurt with blueberries is a delicious alternative to junk food and will benefit both your face and your hips!

Sweat It Out
Get your heart pumping!  Any activity that speeds your heart rate or produces a sweat will increase the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to your skin. And here’s the good news.  Studies show that women who exercise regularly have firmer and more toned skin.

Add a Retinoid to Your Routine
Vitamin-A derivatives such as Tretinoin, Renova or Tazorac, will speed cell turnover and collagen growth. Collagen growth will smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and fade bothersome brown spots. Milder OTC versions (look for retinol) are gentler, although it can take up to 3 months to see noticeable results. Apply a pea sized amount nightly with an equal amount of a moisturizer. 

Slap On the Sunsreen
Okay, I have to say it again.  Protect yourself from the sun.  Wear a sunscreen whenever you are outside and make sure your sunscreen is a good one.  It should protect from both UVA and UVB, have a SPF of 30 or higher, and contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at concentrations of at least 10%.  As with so many things, you get what you pay for.  The chemical based sunscreens picked up at the grocery store may work at the beach when you are able to reapply it every 40 minutes, but for everyday make sure you invest in the best.