Do's and Don'ts for Healthy-Looking Skin

Do:
> Avoid the sun. Nothing is more damaging to your skin than UV exposure. It sets off a chain of adverse and cumulative reactions that lead to wrinkles, discoloration, loss of tone, and dehydration. Whenever you're outdoors, even if you're just running errands or strolling through the park, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.

> Drink plenty of water. Proper hydration is essential for flushing out impurities, fostering the development of new cells and enhancing circulation. Try to drink six-to-eight glasses a day.

> Sleep well. Nighttime is the right time for skin. That's when cells get busy renewing themselves and repairing the day's damage. A minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night is ideal. Any less and your skin will wear the signs of fatigue.

> Eat right. You truly are what you eat, so it stands to reason that the better your diet, the better your skin will look. A healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and complex carbohydrates is recommended for most people. Check with your doctor to determine if you should make special dietary adjustments, or take vitamin or mineral supplements.

> Stay fit. Regular exercise keeps your heart and your muscles fit. It also keeps your skin in shape by revving up your circulation, which eliminates toxins and promotes a healthy glow. Experts recommend a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to maintain your current weight and fitness levels; 30 minutes or more to lose weight and improve your conditioning. Walking, running, biking, swimming and dancing are all excellent aerobic activities.

Don't:
> Smoke. Smoking destroys the underlying structure of the skin, which quickly leads to premature aging. It creates wrinkles and destroys elasticity. The repetitive physical action of smoking creates lines around the mouth. Over time, smoking causes skin to thicken and discolor.

> Drink too much alcohol or caffeine. Moderation is everything when it comes to caffeine and alcohol. For example, a glass of wine is relaxing, but too much wine dehydrates your system, robs you of vital nutrients and may interrupt healthy sleep patterns. Caffeine actually functions as a diuretic and may prevent you from getting enough rest.

> Stress out. Even if you try to appear calm, cool and collected, stress has a way of making its presence known. Anxiety leads to a number of surface manifestations, including blemishes, hives, impaired circulation, itching, irritation and under-eye circles. So relax! Adopt sensible time management strategies, take up stress-busting activities like jogging, yoga or meditation, stay connected to friends and family and see your doctor or a counselor if your stress is getting the upper hand.

Importance of Routine

From the time we're infants, knowing what to expect and when makes us feel comfortable and secure. As adults, routines continue to anchor our lives. That first cup of tea in the morning, or a brisk walk after work helps us transition from one aspect of our day to the next.
When it comes to skin care, routine is also important. Using the right products, regularly and consistently, is the best way to get the very best results. That's because our formulas are designed to have a cumulative effect on your skin. Regular use insures top performance. Simply incorporate your customized skin care regimen into your regular grooming routine-twice a day, every day. Taking a little bit of time out for your skin each morning and evening will guarantee that it will look its best for a very long time to come!

Skin Care Basics

Simple Step #1 CleanseWashing your face twice a day, with a gentle cleansing formula and warm water, banishes dirt, makeup, build-up and oil. But all cleansers are not created equal. The best formula is one that is suited specifically to your skin, designed to gently remove debris, without stripping away vital moisture. After cleansing, your face should feel fresh, not tight!

Simple Step #2 ToneImmediately after cleansing, tone your skin to help restore healthy balance. A soothing toning formula will remove any remaining traces of dirt, makeup or cleanser, hydrate, and return your skin to its natural pH level. Depending on your skin type, toners should be free of oil or alcohol. Look for natural ingredients like coneflower, chamomile or bitter orange peel that will treat your complexion gently and naturally.

Step #3 TreatNow it's time to zero in on your skin's special needs. In this repair phase, you'll address fine lines, sun damage, discolouration, blemishes or uneven skin tone. Brighten, soothe, smooth, refine. Anything's possible with advanced ingredients like alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids, green tea extracts, Vitamins A, C and E and our unique Hydrolipid Matrix.

Step #4 Moisturise/ProtectYour body requires water to thrive, and your skin is no exception. Complete your twice-daily routine with an infusion of refreshing moisture. The right formula will plump up thirsty cells, making skin glow with radiance. It will also form an invisible barrier, preventing vital moisture from escaping and keeping damaging environmental stressors from penetrating. Day and night, the range has the right replenishing and protective products for your specific, skin needs.