Skin

Skin care is fairly simple. Don't believe everything you read about expensive creams and anti-aging solutions. They don't work. All you need to know is your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or sun-damaged), and you can go from there. Simple is best. The following is my personal skin regimen.

• Start by finding a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. Bar soaps tend to dry out the skin, so I use liquid soap. Also, never use regular soap on your face. Use creamy cleanser for dry skin and clear cleanser for oily skin. Don't cleanse too often; no more than twice a day. Also, use only lukewarm water since hot or cold water is harsher on the skin.
• Next, exfoliate. I never used to because I didn't think it would make a difference, but then I bought a simple drugstore exfoliator, St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub. I noticed the difference immediately; my skin at once looked younger and with a healthy glow. You don't need to worry about expensive or potentially harmful chemical peels, etc., when a basic drugstore or home remedy will do the trick.
• Consider using a toner. Toners remove remaining traces of oil, makeup, and dirt, and they aren't for everyone. I like the way my skin looks and feels with a toner, so I use a basic alcohol-free toner (since alcohol dries the skin) and apply it with a cotton ball when I wash my face in the morning.
• Moisturize. Moisturizing is almost the most important skin care tip I can give you. Moisturize after every shower, and moisturize your hands after washing them. Even oily skin will benefit; only acne-ridden skin will not. I have dry skin myself and started moisturizing regularly in my early twenties. It made an immediate difference. No more itchy dry skin, my skin looks better, and it feels incredible. I get compliments all the time on my soft skin. Just don't overdo it.
• Add a few drops of baby oil to your lotion when moisturizing to help make your skin extra soft.
• On the topic of moisturizers, eye creams and other specialty creams: Avoid them. They're overpriced and don't make any noticeable difference. Your regular moisturizer works just as well.
• On a related note, don't bother with cellulite creams and so on. They don't work. Either live with it, or diet and exercise to stay in shape.
• Finally, apply sunscreen. Using sunscreen is the most important skin care tip I can give you. Well, that and not smoking. Between not smoking and not tanning, I look ten years younger than I am. Twenty years from now, I will still look ten years younger than I am. Don't tan. It's a stupid, ugly trend that makes your skin look orange, not healthy. Don't worry about having pale skin. Anyone who tells you pale skin looks bad is just being a racist. Ignore them. You'll be glad when you start to age and don't show it the way your contemporaries do.
• A couple of last, miscellaneous tips: Drink plenty of water, and keep your hands off your face to help avoid acne. Drinking plenty of water will help with that too. "Water" can also include juice and tea, of course; you don't actually have to drink eight glasses of water a day. Keeping yourself well hydrated will help act as a natural moisturizer, plus it will help flush any toxins out of your system. I like to add a slice of lime to a glass of ice water; I drink more water that way. Staying hydrated will do wonders for your energy level.