3. DIET & EXERCISE ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR SKIN'S HEALTH.

Drinking at least 6 8-oz glasses of water will help your skin stay hydrated and look better. Eating a balanced diet is also important.

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals that are important in mainting healthy skin. Vitamins C and E function as antioxidants, which may help decrease free radicals that can damage skin cells. Recent research indicates you get more benefits by ingesting antioxid then using them topically.

Adequate protein in your diet is very important to maintain skin integrity and aid in wound healing. Exercise leads to increased circulation of blood through the skin that is also very important in your skin’s health.

The goal of cleansing your skin is to remove surface oil, dirt, and makeup. Often times the numerous ingredients in facial cleansing products add extra cost with little benefit. Also, these various ingredients increase the likelihood of irritation especially if you have sensitive skin.

Products I routinely recommend are Cetaphil soap and Cetaphil liquid cleanser. The soap is ideal for all skin types while the liquid is good for dry skin or skin that gets irritated with other skin care products such as RetinA.

Consider keeping both on hand and use the soap or the liquid based on your current skin needs. Other nice cleansers are Dove soap (although people sometimes complain that it feels like it leaves a “film”), Oil of Olay products, Purpose products, and Neutrogena products.

I may recommend a cleanser with glycolic acid after you have been on a skin care regimen for a period of time. We offer several lines in my office that are also great choices.