Our journey through life can hit our delicate skin with age spots, blotchiness, dryness, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and a host of other unwanted bumps and bruises our skin can do without. No one ever promised us a rose garden, but a consistent regimen of skin care combined with skin lightening agents, and sun protection can lead to a beautiful clear complexion.

Sun protection: For a healthy and clear complexion, women of all ethnicities need to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen. Going outdoors without sunscreen puts all women at risk for a deadly form of skin cancer know as Melanoma. Although this form of skin cancer is more prevalent in light skin or Caucasian women, dark skin women who do not wear sunscreen not only put themselves at risk, but they increase their chances of developing hyperpigmentation as well. Women should wear sunscreen as a makeup base prior to their makeup application containing UV protection ingredients like Octinoxate, the world’s most popular UVB sunscreen, and broad-spectrum Zinc Oxide with a minimum of SPF 15 or more to protect their skin from burning UVB and aging UVA rays.

Hyperpigmentation: Although most women suffer with some form of hyperpigmentation, it is most common with women of color. Successful treatment can be achieved with a consistent approach to treating the affected area over several weeks.

Diet: Your diet has a direct impact on the health of your skin. Establishing healthy eating habits such as including a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all important for the skin, because they are packed with vitamins and minerals. Leafy green vegetables which are loaded with nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and Vitamins A, C, E and K and are all very important for the skin to keep it looking its best inside and outside.

Exercise: If your schedule does not allow you to go to the gym, brisk daily walking for at least one-half hour during your lunch hour will be beneficial for the general health of your body. When you have small errands to run, try walking instead of driving. Not only will your body benefit, but you save on gas as well. The simple act of taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and of briskly walking around your block can add to improving your overall health. Now you can get rid of all the excuses and “just do it”.

Hydration: One thing that will make your skin look smooth is hydration. Proper hydration will keep your skin looking plump and make large pores less visible. The use of a moisturizer applied daily will further protect and improve your skin tone. It is best to apply to your skin while it is damp to create an effective moisture barrier. As you focus on improving your skin tone, don’t underestimate the effects that drinking water have on your looks. Try drinking at least 8 glasses of plain water each day and you will see a healthy and glowing complexion in no time.

Exfoliation: Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells and debris buildup which leads to a dull complexion. Not exfoliating your skin will cause it to look dull, dry and old and no one is ever be ready for that. Exfoliation diminishes coarse or enlarged pores and helps slow down the signs of aging. No one is perfect but you can certainly make your skin look perfect by making exfoliation a part of your cleansing regimen.