The skin is the body's largest and most visible organ, and fewer things speak better of good health and attractiveness than skin that glows from head to toe. Here is how to keep your skin glowing year round with four easy steps. Cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting it will keep you happy with the skin you're in.

Take special care of the skin on your face and neck. Choose gentle foaming cleansers, preferably free of irritating dyes and fragrances. To clean the skin on the rest of your body, experiment to find which products work best for you. Liquid body washes and bar soaps that include moisturizing properties are a plus when you want your skin to glow from head to toe. Shower or bathe in warm, rather than hot, water, as the heat can be very drying to the skin.

Exfoliating your skin on a daily or weekly basis removes dead or dry surface cells that can rob your skin of its healthy glow. Exfoliating helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and makes moisturizing it more effective. Try various methods and products to see which work best for you. Experiment with sea sponges and loofahs. Try the "scrubs" found on the shelves of your favorite stores. These products come in the form of slightly gritty creams, masks, and cleansers. Other products work by using fruit extracts and other ingredients that exfoliate and give your skin an attractive glow without containing any grainy particles. If you wish to make your own skin exfoliator, mix equal parts of brown or white sugar and olive oil, and stir to form a paste. Gently rub the mixture over the entire body and rinse.

The best time to apply moisturizer to your skin is right after drying it when you bathe or shower. Choose a separate product for the face, neck, and hands, preferably one that contains the vitamins A, C, and E, as they nourish and replenish your skin better than products without them. Select products appropriate for your age and your skin type, whether it is dry, oily, prone to acne and breakouts, or somewhere in between. For glowing skin everywhere else, again, choose a lotion or cream made specifically for your skin type. For sensitive skin, always choose products that are free of fragrance and dyes. Do the same if you use make-up, which should always be thoroughly removed before going to bed.

Protect your skin from too much sunlight and other environmental elements by wearing a daytime moisturizer that contains an SPF 30, PABA-free sunscreen. Dress appropriately for the weather and the temperatures, as their harshness can keep you from maintaining the glowing skin that radiates good health and a natural attractiveness. For nighttime use, you can skip the sunscreen and use a heavier lotion or cream on the face and hands.

By following these skin care tips, you can show your glow all year round.

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