Proper skin care starts from the inside out. Good nutrition, sleep, air and hydration are key to maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.

• Eat fresh food. Keep it simple. Limit intake of processed foods that contain additives and preservatives. Consume a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, high-quality protein, essential fatty acids and high fiber.
• Drink lots of water. Dry skin tends to wrinkle and lose its elasticity faster.
• Get enough rest. Skin's natural cycle of repair and rejuvenation occurs at night when we are asleep. Sleep deprivation slows down the cycle.
• Oxygen is the source of life. Make sure you expose skin to good clean air.
• Don't smoke. Smoking not only increases the risk of cancer but it also is a key factor in premature wrinkling!
• Limit consumption of alcohol. Drinking alcohol is known to dehydrate the skin and may lead to a dull complexion and long-term damage.
• Exercise regularly. It promotes a strong heart and increases blood circulation, which helps keep skin healthy and firm.

What we do to our skin also is important in the maintenance of healthy skin.

Again, it is best to keep it simple and consistent. Common sense tells us to keep skin clean, so we wash and scrub.

Unfortunately, soap tends to remove natural oils and can even change the skin's natural pH by being overly acidic or alkaline.

The four basic steps to a simple yet effective skin care regimen include:

1. Cleansing-Use a pH-balanced gentle cleanser that removes surface dirt impurities. Also exfoliate regularly to rid skin of old or dead cells.
2. Toning-Use a pH-balanced toner that removes surface oils and prepares the skin for hydration.
3. Moisturize-Keep skin hydrated with a high-quality cream or lotion.
4. Protect-Always wear sunscreen during the day. Remember to apply before leaving the house, all year round.