A good skincare regimen goes a long way toward having glowing healthy skin.  Having good skin takes seven basic steps, and makes all the difference.

1. Wash your face

First, your skin should be washed properly.  A good face soap is mandatory to make sure all dirt is washed away.  It is best to buy the proper soap for your skin type which is either dry, oily or combination.  For dry skin, the water should always be lukewarm, not very hot. Hot water can make dry skin very irritated and it is best to use a soap that is very moisturizing. For oily skin it is best to use a cleanser that is made for oily skin, as well as a toner and moisturizer. Combination skin requires an exfoliating cleanser and a good moisturizer.

2. Drink water

Drinking lots of water is also important for taking care of skin.  Water can keep your skin moisturized and supple. It helps the body with digestion and circulation.  Also, your skin is made of cells which require water for replenishment. Many people wonder how much water is necessary. 64 ounces a day or more should be adequate to maintain vibrant, healthy skin.

3. Vitamin C and D

Vitamin D is an important vitamin for healthy skin.  It contains a group of fat soluble steroids that help to absorb phosphate and calcium in the intestine.  Unlike the other vitamins, the main source of this vitamin is made by our body through the sunlight. There are supplements for vitamin D, but some sunlight is crucial. Eat well. Vitamin C actually helps with the collagen in the skin. This helps prevent wrinkles. It will also helps with dryness. Citrus fruits, broccoli and strawberries all have plenty of vitamin C.

4. Sunlight (in moderation)

Limit too much sun exposure.  Even though sunlight is required for vitamin D to be absorbed in our bodies, too much sunlight can be a bad thing. That’s because sunburn results when too many UV rays enter the skin and cause damage. This damage can be permanent. That is why it is a good idea to apply sun-tan lotion or sunblock to the skin to protect it from harmful rays.  So even though some sunshine is good, too much can have a negative effect.

5. Proper Diet

Healthy fats like nuts, like almonds, are also good for the skin. Good skin also needs zinc and iron which is provided by lean meats, eggs and some cereals.

6. Sufficient sleep

Sleep is very important to feeling great and having glowing skin. When you’re lacking sleep, your body makes more of the hormone cortisol. It can also cause skin to break out and bring more stress which affects your entire body.  A good night’s sleep rejuvenates your whole body, including your skin.

7. Cut down on stress

Many people believe that over taxing their bodies will have no effect, but the truth is stress can affect the whole body including your skin. Stress can create an imbalance in your body that results in acne and other skin problems. To alleviate stress, it is important to get fresh air, exercise and have a quiet relaxing environment and manage your time well.

With anything, progress takes time and practice. These steps are general, but are a good place to start for anyone who is ready to make a change to their skin regime.