By Mike Tattersall

The natural approach to skin care is very basic. For good skin you must keep it clean and moisturized for it to look its best. When dealing with aging skin, oftentimes you will find that you need to give it extra moisture. As skin ages, it thins out and tends to be drier. A little extra care is needed.

There are steps you can take to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle free for many years to come. Many people disagree on what actually causes wrinkles. Some believe it is solely due to aging, while others believe that it is a combination of things such as natural aging, smoking, sun exposure and climate. There is no exact definition at this point. But regardless of the cause, keeping aging skin wrinkle free is possible.

The basics of proper skin care:

  1. Keep it clean. Wash your face in the morning before putting on makeup and before you go to bed. Dirt and oils accumulate on the skin during the course of the day and need to be washed off so they do not cause clogged pores.
  2. Exfoliation. Dead skins cells on the surface of the skin make it look dry and flaky. These skin cells can be sloughed off to allow new skin cells to be replenished. A good scrub once a week is good to remove dead skin and give your skin a healthy glow. Be careful not to use anything too harsh. There are some good facial scrubs on the market that work great. This serves two purposes; one is helps to clean the skin deep down and two the scrubbing helps stimulate collagen production to help the skin renew itself. Collagen is something that we lose as we age, so stimulating it will help your skin stay young and fresh.
  3. Toner. A good toner is slightly astringent that helps to remove surface dirt and close the pores. These steps will also help to prevent acne from building up.
  4. Moisturize. Your skin needs moisture always. A light lotion can be used during the day with a heavier cream for night use. Also use a little eye cream under the eyes before going to bed so it can work overnight.
  5. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Water is very important to your skin. It keeps you hydrated and retains the moisture in the skin. The old 8 glasses a day is just a guideline, you actually benefit from drinking more than that. Water keeps the skin plumped up and reduces fine lines and makes crow’s feet disappear.
  6. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables also supply water to the body as well as vital nutrients to the skin. Eat a balanced diet and take vitamin supplements for skin and hair.

Some other good skin treatments include a weekly facial mask; these can be made at home with natural ingredients form your refrigerator. Oatmeal, milk and honey make a soothing, pore tightening mask. Mix a little dry oatmeal with a teaspoon or two of milk to make a paste and add a little honey. Smooth it on the skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off and follow with a good moisturizer.

Another thing to do once a week is to give your face and ice bath. After washing and exfoliating, fill a sink with a little cold water and a few ice cubes. Just splash the cold water directly on your face to close the pores and tighten the skin. This also helps to stimulate the blood flow to the skin and tissues and will make your skin feel very young.

Taking care of your skin is the best natural approach to keeping your skin young and healthy. Daily cleansing, moisturizing and a weekly facial mask are good ways to nourish your skin to keep it looking its best.