What are the lifestyle changes and skin care practices you'll have to endure? They're not as drastic as you might think. The first change is in your diet. No matter what else you do, a bad diet will prevent recovery. Switch to high quality protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive or coconut oil, and you'll see the difference.

Next, add alpha lipoic acid as a supplement. A lot of skin damage, and damage to the rest of the body, is caused by inflammation. Although inflammation is a natural response to irritation or injury, sometimes the process doesn’t stop when the acute situation is resolved. Inflamed skin can be puffy, red or blotchy, and tends to have more than its fair share of fine lines and wrinkles. Alpha lipoic acid is a natural anti- inflammatory that will help even out your skin tone and smooth those wrinkles. It also boosts energy production in the cells - the higher the energy level, the more youthful we remain.

Try microdermabrasion or vibradermabrasion to slough off the outer layer of dead skin cells. Ask the dermatologist to go lightly -- nothing too abrasive. Your skin will look fresh, and the procedure will stimulate growth of new skin cells.

Last, but not least, is getting rid of toxic chemicals. Dry skin, eczema and rashes are rampant in many industrialized countries and much of the problem is attributed to household, industrial and environmental chemicals. Our skin was designed to handle a certain amount of this, but we've taken it beyond the limit. Protect your skin with natural cosmetics and household cleansers, and replace your slick chemical-laden moisturizers with a natural, dry skin care lotion that locks in the skins natural moisture and blocks out chemicals.

Our skin is a reflection of our general physical condition. Making the few changes above will nourish and heal the body, and help replace your sun-damaged skin, with the clear, clean, radiant look of good health.