Your skin needs attention not just once a week, but daily if you want it to be healthy.

If you depend on just fortnightly clean up sessions or the monthly facials to prep up your skin, you`re not doing your skin any favours. Here are simple things that your skin needs everyday...

Moisturising
You skin is sensitive — take good care of it and nourish it with moisturisers. Moisturisng twice a day is important if you want your skin to look healthy, blemish-free and improve your complexion.

Water
When you drink water, it flushes out toxins from your body and allows cells to absorb vital nutrients. It also makes sure that your digestive system works properly. And your skin needs water the most to keep it hydrated. It also removes skin impurities, which cause acne and pimples and keeps the skin looking healthy and smooth. Ensure that you have at least eight to 10 glasses of water daily if you want glowing skin.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are found in fruits, vegetables, certain fish and oils. Antioxidants have free-radical-fighting activities, which kill molecules that damage healthy cells. Are you getting enough Vitamin C and E? While vitamin C helps build collagen for plump skin, Vitamin E protects cell membranes. Vit C is found in whole grains, apples and citrus fruits, while Vit E is present in wheat germ oil, almonds and peanut butter.

Sunscreen
No matter how cloudy or rainy it is outside, wearing sunscreen is a must 365 days of the year. Sunscreen not only protects you from skin cancer but also delays the signs of ageing that are caused due to sun exposure. So if you don`t want discoloured, wrinkled, pigmented and flabby skin, ensure that you slap on that sunscreen no matter what. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it 20 minutes before you step out. Re-apply every few hours so that the effects are maximum.

Cleansing
If you want to remove dirt and grime from your skin and keep it oil free, daily cleansing is an absolute must. Cleansing also removes the residue of all the skin products you use and keeps your skin looking fresh and clean. Use a cleanser that suits your skin type and is soap-free so that it is gentle on your face. Women with extra dry skin should opt for a creamy cleanser while those with sensitive skin should opt for an alcohol-free cleanser. If you have an oily skin, use an acidic cleanser, which breaks up sebum — your skin`s oily secretion that causes clogged pores. When you use a cleanser, gently massage it into your face for about 30 seconds so it gives good results.

BDST: 1549 HRS, Oct-30, 2013
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