Australia lifestyle

Experts agree there are four basic steps improving and defending the quality of your skin: cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting. There’s also a lesser-known, fifth step: nourishing skin from the inside out.

For cleansers, keep it simple. Find a cleanser appropriate for your skin type and make sure it is not too harsh, as “over-cleansing” can actually harm your skin. Don’t wash your face too often: dry skin responds by producing more natural oil, which can clog pores.

Exfoliation is key! Use a gentle product, like a scrub or a product containing retinoids, regularly to remove the layer of dead skin cells.

Everyone, regardless of skin type, can benefit from a good moisturizer. Even if you have naturally oily skin, a moisturizer will help “even out” your complexion.

ALWAYS be sure to protect your skin with sunblock. Nothing does more damage to the delicate skin on your face than the sun. Be sure to choose a sunblock that is “non-comedogenic,” which means it is specially formulated not to clog pores.

The old mantra goes that true beauty comes from the inside – and it’s completely correct. Great skin starts with great nutrition and proper hydration. Certain daily multivitamins are geared toward improving skin, loaded with vitamins A, B, C and E, which are known to plump and refine skin. Fish oil is also great to calm inflammation, avocado keeps skin moisturized and spinach brightens skin with its amazing cocktail of vitamins and minerals.