Skin is one of our most precious assets, but our hectic lifestyles leave very little time for proper skin maintenance and as a result, our skin no longer has the baby softness that we had when we were born. Further, as we age, our skin steadily gets thinner and thinner and eventually wrinkles. The sebaceous glands that produce oil become less active, and the less active the sebaceous glands, the drier the skin. Added to our glands producing less oil, the quality and quantity of our blood vessels decrease which makes our skin more fragile. The skin no longer has that youthful looking glow or colour. There are some skin care tips which can help to postpone the natural aging process and prevent the various types of skin problems that occur. These will also help you to keep your skin glowing and healthy for years to come.

1.) Guard Yourself from the Sun. One of the most important things to remember is the damage that the direct sun can do to the skin. Ultraviolet rays which are invisible but intense, damages the skin and causes the skin to become dry and rough. Liver spots, deep wrinkles and various disorders such as benign and/or malignant skin tumors can also result. In actuality, a lifetime of sun exposure can be the reason that the skin goes through such changes..

For complete sun protection, take note of the following points:

- Avoid going out in the sun at the most intense hours: The rays of the sun are most damaging during 10am to 4 pm, and so, avoid going out in the sun during these hours.

- Put on protective clothing. Wear clothes such as long pants, long sleeved shirts, hats and caps, which completely cover the skin. In addition, remember that some fabric and certain styles provide more protection from the sun compared to others.

- Use sunscreen. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) higher than 15. It is feasible to apply the lotion 20 minutes before going out in the sun and, if possible, reapply it every two hours, especially after being in the water or after intense sweating.

2.) Cleanse your skin. Cleansing is an essential part of caring for your skin and the key is to treat it gently.

- Limit bath time and use warm water. Long showers and hot water remove the essential oils from the skin, limit your bath and shower to about fifteen minutes or less, and try to use warm water rather than hot water.

- Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps generally strip the essential oil from the skin and can make your skin dry. Select mild soaps that contain extra fats and oils.

- Avoid irritating additives If your skin is sensitive, avoid skin product which contain dyes or perfumes. These can irritate the skin and could trigger an allergic response.

- Pat dry After bathing or washing, softly blot or pat your skin with a cloth so that a little bit of moisture remains on your skin. Moisturize your skin with cream or oil immediately.

3.) Moisturize regularly. Moisturizer greatly assists in maintaining your skin's natural moisture. The moisturizer works by putting a seal on your skin. Needless to say, the moisturizer that you use also depends on many different factors such as your type of skin, your age and any skin conditions such as bad skin or acne. The best way to find out if you require a moisturizer is to wait for 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you need to apply a moisturizer. Finally, it is always feasible to consult a dermatologist. He will not only tell you about your skin type, but he will also help you with the right kind of products and lotions, and if treatment is required to help you to maintain your skins youthfulness.