Tips For Great Skin at Every Age

• Cleanse your skin every night to remove the dirt, oil, makeup, and stress of the day. Exfoliate weekly to remove dead skin buildup that contributes to congested pores, a dull texture, and acne. “And, no matter what, don’t pick at blemishes,” warns organic esthetician Andrea DeSimone. Poking and prodding at pimples can lead to scarring that can take months to get rid of.

• A study published in Pediatrics found that only 25 percent of teens wear sunscreen regularly. If you were that 16-year-old, you may have some catching up to do. Regular sunscreen use (think: anytime you’re outdoors) protects against wrinkling, spotting, and loss of elasticity caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• Researchers at Colorado State University found that when people consumed a diet of protein, fruits, and veggies (and no simple carbs), they had fewer breakouts. Full disclosure: The study group were native hunter-gatherers in New Guinea. DeSimone suggests that the modern girl take a probiotic supplement to keep intestinal flora balanced and maintain regular elimination, which is crucial for good skin.

• If your diet consists of popcorn, cupcakes, and macaroni and cheese, it may be time to clean things up for the sake of your skin. Start the day with hot water and lemon or chlorophyll to drive the system’s alkaline, which helps flush out skin-dulling impurities. Or, drink a juice boosted with protein powder. It’s a skin-saving alternative to bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll, DeSimone says.

Read: Easy Avocado Face Mask for Acne

• Start using a serum rich in antioxidants (we like Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Serum). Antioxidants slow and prevent the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation. That is a  process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell damage, showing up as skin spots and fine lines.

• Dermatologists also recommend using a night cream made with a retinoid. Retinol and retinoic acid — forms of vitamin A — have been shown to plump wrinkles and kick start the release of collagen in the skin.

• Be more diligent with sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen (one ounce for the entire body). As a general rule of thumb, use enough SPF to generously coat all of your skin that will not be covered in clothing.