With all of the fancy salon treatments and ever-growing skin care lines, it can be quite tough to know just what you skin needs to be healthy. Fear not! We are here to help clear the air and have it all make sense. Just read through the following tips on basic skin care, and you will be on your way to radiant and glowing skin.

1. Know your skin type. If you don’t know what your skin needs, then how will you know what to feed it? Skin that feels tight, dry, itchy, or flaky is a member of the “dry” club. Can’t make it through a whole day without your skin becoming shiny, oily, and uncomfortable? Step right up and welcome to the “oily” crew. Last but not least, if you have certain areas of your face that stay comfortable or get slightly dry, along with your forehead, nose, and chin getting oily easily, then you are part of the “combination” group.

2. Pick a facial cleanser that is right for your type. With dry skin, look for a cream-based cleanser; this will help your skin retain some of its natural oils that it needs. For dry or combination skin, look for a cleanser that is medicated with acne-fighting ingredients or all-natural, herbal ingredients to help balance out your skin. Just make sure not to make the classic mistake of washing with soap; it is far too drying for everyone!

3. To tone or not to tone. Back in the 1970s and 80s, when toners become popular, they were quite well-known for being full of skin-drying (and stinging) alcohol. Thanks to the new formulas, that has all changed. Still, there is no requirement for you to use a toner to get great skin, especially if you are older (read: over 35). If you do like to stick to the traditional “cleanser, tone, and moisturize” routine, make sure to pick a toner that is recommended for your skin type.

4. Nip acne in the bud. No matter your age, acne can be a problem. Even if you keep your skin wonderfully clean; stress, the environment, your diet, and picking at your face can cause acne. The good thing is that there are oodles of over-the-counter treatment options to help. Adding a basic acne fighting cream to your regimen can help keep most of these buggers at bay. If you still are having acne issues, try using a face wash with acne-fighting ingredients in it as well.

5. Use a different moisturizer for day and night. Yes, even if you have oily or combo skin, it is good to use a moisturizer. Make sure to use a different moisturizer for day and night as well. With your day cream, it should have at least SPF 15 in it. For your night cream, find one that is especially tailored to any skin issues that you are having: dryness, acne, redness, loss of elasticity, oiliness, wrinkles … etc. The evening is the best time to use heaver, treatment moisturizers because they will have time to be absorbed and take effect while you sleep.

6. Treat your skin to a weekly scrub and mask. Doing so will help keep your pores clean and your skin healthy. As with all other products, make sure to pick a scrub and mask that is just right for your skin type.

7. You are what you eat (and do). You’ve heard it before and here it is again: what you eat and how much your exercise affects all parts of your life, including your skin! Lots of water and a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will keep your skin youthful. Also, taking the time to get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise will keep your skin, and your body, in top form (as well as reduce stress).

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