Here are 5 tips for  healthy skin care tips for you.  I have broken them down into five categories, all of which are important for protecting the skin's health and appearance.  The categories are: sun exposure, free radical damage, nutrition, cleansing, moisturizing.

Sun Exposure - How it Affects Your Skin

Healthy skin care tips could not be complete without mentioning the impact of overexposure to the sun.  We need small amounts of sunlight to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but be smart.  Wear a hat, sunglasses and other protective clothing.  Limit direct exposure to 15 minutes, three or four times per week.  If you expect to spend a lot of time outdoors (say a day at the beach), stay in the shade, as much as possible and use a broad spectrum sun "block", not a sunscreen, on exposed areas. 

The daily use of sun-screening compounds has been recommended, a lot, lately.  The subject is controversial, to say the least, because researchers have seen an increased incidence of malignant melanoma in regular sunscreen users.  The debate goes back and forth between the scientists, but they all agree that we must not rely too heavily on mild sun screening agents that are commonly found in skincare products. 

Free Radical Damage - What is Does to Your Skin

The reason that the sun causes damage is that UV rays increase the production and activity of free radical molecules.  We are starting to see more healthy skin care tips promoting the use of products that contain antioxidants, the body's natural defense against free radical damage.  You have probably heard that people who smoke have more wrinkles.  The reason is that cigarette smoke and other air pollutants increase the production and activity of free radicals.  Dermatologists now say that the molecules are responsible for wrinkling, sagging and all of the signs of aging.  You need antioxidants.

Nutrition - Importance for Skin

You get some of the antioxidants that you need by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.  So, good nutrition plays a role.  If you are not already doing it, take a fish oil supplement and a good multi-vitamin, every day.

Cleansing - Skin Care Necessity

Cleansers should be safe and gentle.  In fact, this whole collection of healthy skin care tips assumes that you are treating your face and body with the greatest care.  Use cleansers that contain natural ingredients like manuka honey and tea tree oil.  If you have excessive oiliness or you need something stronger, use orange oil.  Don't exfoliate.  Don't scrub.  A clay based mask every week or two will pull out any dirt and grime that you missed, without damaging the skin's cells.

Moisturizing - Your Skin Loves It

The best moisturizers can be used on any type of skin, whether dry or oily.  It is the rampant inclusion of mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin that cause greasiness and breaking out.  Real moisturizers penetrate deeply and are not greasy.  Look for grape seed oil to use during the day and avocado to use at night and try to find lotions that also include antioxidants. For help see AHealthyRadiantSkin.com.  Hopefully, these healthy skin care tips will help you look younger and fresher.   Start using them today.