Beautiful Skin: Why Less is More

When it comes to having great skin, often times less is more. Here are some tips for having young-looking skin without spending a lot of time or money to get it.

1. Keep your cleansing routine simple. Some experts claim that there's really no need to use masks or toners because they don't really do anything for your skin long-term. The same goes for scrubs and exfoliants - they don't really do a whole lot for your skin and most people forget to use them regularly anyway.

2. Stick to the same skin care products. Don't keep switching to the newest, hottest cleanser or moisturizer. Once you find one you like, just keep using it.

3. Don't over cleanse. If you have dry skin, you might try just washing with plain water. If your skin is acne-prone, you may think you need a strong cleanser, but it's actually best to just use a gentle cleanser that won't dry out or irritate your skin.

4. Don't use a washcloth to wash your face. Instead, use your fingertips. They're much more gentle than a washcloth and won't stretch or pull your skin as much.

5. A good eye moisturizer is recommended. The skin around your eyes is very thin but has no oil glands, so it needs extra care.

6. Always, always use sunscreen! The sun ages your skin more than anything, so even if you're only going to be in the sun a couple of minutes, be sure to apply sunscreen or use a moisturizer or foundation that contains at least 15 SPF.

7. Drink water! Drinking water helps eliminate toxins from your body and hydrates your skin, giving it a more supple, radiant appearance.

8. To make your skin appear younger, use a dermatologist-recommended skin bleach to lighten age spots. Some studies have shown that this actually helps your skin look younger than reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Keep your nightly routine. Make a promise to yourself that no matter how tired you are at night, that you'll always wash your face and apply moisturizer before going to bed.

10. For people with acne-prone skin, it's recommended that you change your pillowcase every two to three days. Bacteria and oil builds up on it and can irritate your skin while you sleep.

11. Always, always wear sunscreen! This is so important to keeping your skin young-looking that it deserves to be said twice.

Having great-looking skin doesn't require the most expensive skincare products or a half hour beauty ritual. It just needs a little TLC and a couple good, yet inexpensive products.