1. Use a cleanser for your skin type. Cleanser is key for the health and appearance of your skin. For instance, for dry skin types, the cleanser you choose may be more important than your moisturizer, according to Real Simple.

One way to tell if you’re using the right cleanser is to check in with your skin. Does your skin feel tight after washing? This often means that the cleanser is stripping away your skin’s natural lipids, which can lead to dryness and even wrinkling. Look for gentle cleansers that are designed specifically for your skin type. Non-soap cleansers are ideal for drier complexions. Foaming formulas are good for oily types.

A bonus with cleanser is that you can prevent common concerns. “You can use your cleanser to avoid dryness, eczema, and psoriasis rather than just treating these issues when they flare up,” dermatologist Diane S. Berson, M.D., tells Real Simple. Here’s more on cleansing.

2. Exfoliate regularly. Dead skin cells contribute to acne, dry skin and dullness. By using an effective exfoliant weekly, you can remove dead skin cells and achieve a healthier complexion. Usually, if you have dry skin, exfoliate once a week. For oily types, two to three times is best. Remember not to over-exfoliate, which can irritate the skin and make it look parched and raw. For the specifics on exfoliation, see here.
3. Got adult acne? Be nice. Skin tends to get drier as we age, and high concentrations of tough acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide can irritate the skin. Instead, choose lower concentrations of common acne attackers. For instance, start with concentrations of 2.5 percent. Or pick products with salicylic acid, which tends to be gentler on the skin.

Anti-acne cleansers may further dry out the skin, so you might want to alternate between a medicated formula and a gentle non-medicated one. Or you can try a cleanser with glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin. Also, wait at least 10 minutes after washing your face before applying your acne product. This helps to prevent irritation, too. For more pointers on treating adult acne, see here and here.

4. Try retinoids. Retinoids or their non-prescription cousin, retinol, are healthy-skin powerhouses. These vitamin-A derivatives rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen synthesis, reducing lines and wrinkles, diminishing discoloration and clearing up acne. They’re the ultimate skincare trifecta, because they help with acne, skin health and radiance. The skincare line Afirm offers three different strengths of retinol. Here’s more on retinoids and retinol.
5. Attention all skin types: use moisturizer. Just like your cleanser, choose a moisturizer that’s designed specifically for your skin type. Dry skin types benefit most from oil-based creams that contain ingredients like glycerin and silicone. (See our article on top five super-hydrators.) For oily skin, water-based lotions are best. For normal or combo types, “experiment with lightweight lotions that contain humectants like sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid, which attract water from the air to your skin," dermatologist Howard Sobel, M.D., tells the Web site RealBeauty. Learn more about choosing a face and body moisturizer and maximizing their effectiveness.
6. Avoid or break bad habits. This includes smoking and drinking alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and makes it look dull and sallow. Smoking leads to unhealthy skin in several ways: According to Ladies’ Home Journal, “The repetitive mouth motion of puffing on a cigarette can cause lines around the lips; free-radicals from smoke can break down the skin's structure, causing weakening and wrinkling; and the oxygen depletion that comes with smoking causes the skin to work less efficiently.”
7. Stop tanning (that includes indoor and outdoor tanning!). The best way to age quicker and harm your skin is through tanning. It might sound harsh, but nothing ages your skin more than tanning. UV rays give skin a wrinkled, discolored, rough and dry appearance, not to mention they increase the risk for skin cancer. Here are the myths and facts on indoor tanning.
8. Wear sunscreenwith SPF 30. Sunscreen is your number one anti-aging, anti-damage weapon. The sun can sabotage all of your skincare efforts. No matter how great your products, sun exposure can damage the health and appearance of your skin. When you up the SPF to 30, you’re increasing your protection. Be sure the sunscreen contains broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
9. Apply it right. Buying sunscreen that includes broad-spectrum protection and has a high SPF is the first step. Knowing how to apply it is just as vital. Many of us simply don’t apply enough sunscreen. Real Simple has a great rule of thumb: “When applying sunblock, use dime-size dollops on your chin, forehead, nose, and cheeks, plus your ears and neck.” Yes, you read that correctly: It’s a dime for each area, not a dime for your entire face.

Also, make sure you’re reapplying your sunscreen every two hours or sooner if you’re sweating, swimming or doing any other activity that may remove your sunscreen.

10. Use a bronzing product. Bronzer gives skin a beautiful glow, and keeps it safe because you aren’t relying on the sun for your golden glow! Choose a bronzer that’s one to two shades darker than your current skin tone, suggests makeup artist Bobbi Brown. Also, because of their light-reflective particles, shimmery bronzers can highlight fine lines, adds Brown. For more on bronzer, see here.
11. Nourish from the inside out. Many foods have skin-boosting properties that are vital for the health of your skin. For instance, foods with vitamin C aid in collagen production. Fruits like blackberries, blueberries and strawberries are rich in antioxidant content, so they’re able to stave off free-radical damage (which contributes to premature aging), according to WebMD.

Found in foods like salmon and walnuts, essential fatty acids also keep our skin healthy. “Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what act as barriers to harmful things but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell,” nutritionist Ann Yelmokas McDermott, Ph.D., says in the same WebMD article. Here’s a list of nutrients that help cultivate healthy skin, from head to toe.

12. Wear blush. Blush instantly perks up any complexion, giving your skin a healthy flush. Sweep blush on the apples of your cheeks. Try a gel-based blush, which tends to create a dewy look, and go one shade brighter, according to Ladies’ Home Journal. Find out more about what blush color and kind is best in this how-to.
13. Use an antioxidant-rich cream. Antioxidants help skin fight age- and damage-enhancing free radicals. When searching out products, look for antioxidants such as idebenone, vitamin C, ferulic acid, green tea and coffeeberry.
14. Get rid of expired products. Putting on spoiled products can really do a number on your skin. Expired skin care and makeup can cause irritation and infection. For instance, toss mascara after three months, because it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can even lead to eye infections. See our complete guide for suggestions on when to throw out products and how to extend their shelf life.
15. Try alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients — including glycolic acid and lactic acid — are excellent exfoliators, helping to slough off dead skin, so it can’t mix with oil and bacteria to clog pores and cause breakouts. Thanks to alpha hydroxy acids, your complexion isn’t dulled by dead skin cells. Instead, skin looks radiant and refreshed.
16. Hydrate from head to toe. Healthy skin doesn’t end at the neck. Be sure you’re using a good moisturizer from your face to your feet to help your skin retain moisture. Hydrated skin doesn’t just look healthier; it is healthier. “[Moisturizers] help the skin maintain its barrier function, which is paramount to its health,” dermatologist Amy Wechsler, M.D., tells Stylist.
17. Stress less. Many people are surprised when they learn that stress plays a big role in the health of our skin, exacerbating skin conditions, triggering acne, causing dryness and leaving skin unhealthy, as a whole. To stress less, consider moving your body, practicing breathing techniques, pampering your body with spa-inspired DIY treats, and sleeping more.
18. Match makeup to your skin type. If you have dry skin, try using creamy blushes, eye shadows and foundation. If you have oily skin, go for lighter-weight and powder products. This way, your makeup doesn’t slip and slide. Here’s more on beauty tips for oily skin.
19. Find the right foundation. Many of us view foundation as a thick, gooey product that’ll inevitably look caked on. But there are actually many types of foundations that serve different purposes. For instance, for a dewy complexion, look for water- or oil-based foundation with the ingredients sodium hyaluronate or glycerin, writes Bobbi Brown in Prevention. And pass on powder, which takes away the luster, she says.

To control shine, Brown suggests opting for an oil-free, long-lasting formula or a cream-to-powder one. To lessen the look of lines, find a foundation with peptides, alpha hydroxy acids or hyaluronic acid. And if you need a boost of softness, apply moisturizer before your foundation. Get more facts on finding and using foundation.

20. Switch skin care with the season. Your skin changes as the seasons do, perhaps not dramatically but enough to warrant fine-tuning your routine. Usually, it’s best to choose richer creams for wintry months when the weather dries out your skin. In the summer, select a lighter moisturizer. If you have oily skin, you might be tempted to skip lotion altogether. If that’s the case, make sure you’re using a serum, says dermatologist Leslie Baumann on her Yahoo! Health blog, The Skin Guru. Here are some tips for winter, spring, summer and fall.
21. Wear sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from potentially harmful UV rays (which can damage the retinas), but they also block the sun from adding wrinkles to your eye area. Look for glasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection.
22. See a dermatologist. Consulting a reputable dermatologist can really boost the health of your skin. For starters, if you aren’t already, it’s important to get an annual skin cancer screening. Next, a dermatologist can help you create an effective routine that’s customized for you, taking into consideration your skin type and specific concerns. Seeing a dermatologist is especially crucial if you’re noticing suspicious moles or a skin condition. Your dermatologist is also the one who can prescribe effective anti-acne and anti-aging treatments like retinoids. More on moles and reasons to see a dermatologist.
23. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas. We might remember to put sunscreen on our faces, but we usually forget the other places. Remember to apply sunscreen to your neck (and the back of your neck), chest, ears, hands and feet. If it’s exposed, put sunscreen on it.
24. Use a serum. Whatever your skin type, serums are a great addition to your skincare routine. Why? Serums typically have a high concentration of good-for-you ingredients, such as vitamin C and ferulic acid, and penetrate deep into the skin. Be sure your serum comes in a tightly sealed, dark container, so ingredients don’t spoil and lose efficacy.
25. Target under-eye concerns with an eye cream. Got a puffiness problem, dark circles, dryness or lines and wrinkles around your eyes? Then try an eye cream to address these issues. An eye cream works better than your face moisturizer because it’s specifically formulated with gentler ingredients (the eye area is more delicate) and it contains specialized ingredients to target eye-related concerns. Get the details on choosing a good eye cream here.
26. Cover up that scalp and skin. When it’s summer, wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover up a bit of your face (along with your ears) and your hair and scalp to prevent sun damage. You may even consider investing in SPF-treated, loose clothing. When it’s cold, wear gloves to shield hands from moisture-zappers like wind and low temps.
27. Don’t neglect the neck and décolleté. Like we said above, be sure to apply sunscreen to these oft-missed spots. Plus, as you’re going through your morning and evening face routines, keep the neck and décolleté in mind. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer on both areas. And apply your retinol formulas, too, which work to minimize aging. See these six tips for the specifics on caring for the neck and décolleté.
28. Apply beauty-boosting lip gloss. Lip gloss immediately brightens your face, infusing it with radiance. Stick to brightening colors like peaches and pinks, which can also take years off your face — unlike dark, harsh-looking lipsticks. Be sure to apply lip balm or lip moisturizer underneath, which has SPF to shield your pout from the sun and prevent premature aging. Remember that lips are extra vulnerable to UV rays.
29. Smile. Nothing looks more radiant and healthy than a smiling, happy face!
30. Be prepared. Keep a small beauty bag with you for on-the-go touch-ups. Include products that you normally use, such as lip gloss, lip balm with SPF, blotting papers (if you tend to get oily throughout the day), a mini mascara (great for perking up those peepers!), blush and concealer. And keep a bottle of sunscreen to reapply.
31. Avoid cutting cuticles. Your cuticles actually serve a purpose. They act as a barricade to bacteria. Instead of cutting them, simply push back your cuticles for a polished and healthy look. Use a cuticle cream to moisturize your cuticles and nails. L’Occitane Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Cream nourishes the skin with super-rich emollients.
32. Soothe redness. Red, raw skin is common during the blistery, chilly weather. Soothe your skin by searching out formulas with green tea, licorice or chamomile, dermatologist Jeanette Graf, M.D., tells Woman’s Day. These ingredients calm the skin and combat redness. Pevonia RS2 Care Cream contains all three ingredients.
33. Treat blemishes while concealing them. Choose a concealer with acne-fighting ingredients so you can hide blemishes and effectively treat them at the same time. Look for benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. Here’s more on concealer.
34. Use body oil for smooth skin. If you’ve got very dry skin — and for many of us, dry skin seems to surface during the windy and cold winter and fall — apply a body oil, followed by your moisturizer (see how this works for you; the moisturizer might end up being unnecessary). Apply the oil within three minutes after a shower or bath to seal in moisture. Body oil gives parched skin much-needed hydrating relief. Plus, skin looks smoother and more supple. Jurlique Rose Body Oil helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.
35. For healthy hands, bathe in cream regularly. Do you wash your hands often throughout the day? Avoid dryness, roughness and cracking by applying a rich cream right after you wash your hands. For extra hydration, bathe hands in petroleum jelly at night and seal in moisture with a pair of cotton gloves. And always wear rubber gloves when washing the dishes or doing other household chores to protect your hands.
36. Combat scaly skin with kindness. According to dermatologist Arielle N.B. Kauvar, M.D., on TotalBeauty, gently exfoliate and moisturize scaly skin. For exfoliating your body, consider a physical exfoliant, which contains granules or beads to slough off dead skin cells, or use a brush specifically made for the skin (such as the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush), she suggests. Also, you can opt for a moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid.
37. Use a tinted moisturizer. When you need a hydration and complexion boost, a tinted moisturizer is perfect. Since tinted moisturizer is sheer, you can go one shade darker than your skin tone and give your skin extra warmth, says the Allure Daily Beauty Reporter.
38. Banish body acne. Acne on your body is embarrassing, annoying and tough to treat. But you can help to prevent and treat body blemishes with a few simple tips: Shower immediately after doing any sweat-inducing activity. Consider using acne-fighting cleansers designed for the body. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells that build up and contribute to acne.

About beauty guide Julyne Derrick suggests the following steps to banish back acne: Use a gentle anti-bacterial facial cleanser on the back (avoid soap); after letting your skin dry, apply a cream or gel with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. Then — and this third step is optional — in conjunction with the benzoyl peroxide treatment, use a cream with alpha hydroxy acids.

39. Hands off! We know it’s tough to keep your hands far away from your blemishes. The urge to pick or squeeze might seem too tempting. But when the desire strikes, repeat: Bothering my blemishes can cause inflammation and scarring!
40. Get skincare conditions treated. What may seem like stubborn, extra-sensitive, finicky skin may actually be a skin condition that requires special treatment. Like we said above, that’s why it’s important to visit a dermatologist regularly. Even conditions like rosacea and acne may look alike. So if your efforts to treat your skin have been futile, give the doctor a call. Take a look at our articles on eczema, rosacea and psoriasis to see if you’re experiencing their symptoms.

Having healthy, glowing skin doesn’t have to be complicated. From choosing the right cleanser and moisturizer to seeing the dermatologist and never leaving home without your sunscreen, the above tested tips can help you achieve and maintain clear, radiant and healthy skin.

See also:

Caring for Your Body

Yoga for a Healthy Complexion

Makeup Tips for Mature Skin

Sunscreens that Save Your Skin and Your Wallet