Tips for healthy skin care inside and out

Jet, April 12, 2004

The skin is the body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of the body. That's reason enough to really love the skin you're in--and treat it properly.

While the skin protects against heat, light, injury, and infection, it also regulates body temperature, stores water, fat and vitamin D, and can sense painful and pleasant stimulation.

Given the skin's importance, here are a few key tips on caring for your skin inside and out:

INSIDE OUT SKIN CARE

* Nourishing your skin from the inside out begins with nutrition. Yes, you are what you eat, so you should eat--at least five a day--fruits and vegetables.

* Get plenty of exercise. Exercise stimulates the whole body, gets your blood flowing and makes you glow.

* Drink plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

OUTSIDE-IN SKIN CARE

* Keep it simple by washing your skin with warm water and a mild soap or body cleanser. Follow up by using a body polisher to remove dead cells.

* You can tighten your pores by splashing on a mild tonic lotion.

* To combat dry skin, smooth on a moisturizer while your skin is still moist from washing. Avoid products that irritate and overly dry your skin.

* If you're prone to acne, use products that will not dog pores.

* Protect your skin from the sun, which ages your skin rapidly, causing premature wrinkling. If you must be in the sun, try shielding your face by wearing a hat with a wide brim. Broad spectrum sunblock that protects against UV A and UV B should be used.

* Smoking isn't advised. In addition, try to stay away from smoky places because second-hand smoke also causes wrinkling and a poor complexion.