Why is it that the skin of a newborn baby can conjure up feelings of envy in many of us? Simply because, as we age, our skin loses that satiny-smooth feeling it once had. Our environment, our age, what we eat, and the amount of sleep we get all play a part in the look and feel of our skin.

Because most of us have, at some point in our lives, not followed all the rules when it comes to proper skin care, we may feel that it is too late to do anything about it now. Thankfully, there is hope! Lets look at a few tools that can help slow the aging process and give our skin a youthful glow:

1. What you are is what you eat Remember that old saying? It is true that by consuming fruits and vegetables, especially brightly coloured fruit and leafy greens, we are giving our bodies vitamins and antioxidants that combat the breakdown of collagen and elastin in our skin. Also important is to make sure to drink water every day. Studies tell us different amounts to drink, from 2 glasses to 8, but they all agree on one thing: drinking water is good for you!

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize Think of all the hot showers and baths you have taken; sure, they clean your skin, but they also dry it out. Our skin gets drier as part of the aging process, too. So, the best thing to combat dryness, of course, is to get some moisturizer and apply it! Your local drug store or beauty spa sells a great variety of moisturizers, and one of them will be just the right one for your skin. Ask the beauty advisor or pharmacist for assistance if youre not sure which one to buy.

3. Sun exposure = sun damage You can enjoy the warmth of the sun without damaging your skin simply by wearing sunscreen. An SPF rating of 15 or higher is recommended, and its important to reapply if you are outside for long periods of time, or have been swimming or exercising. The UVA and UVB rays that come from the sun contribute to wrinkles, dryness, and of course sunburn. There is also the risk of skin cancer. So, take a couple of minutes to slather on some sunscreen, and have fun in the outdoors while taking care of your skin!

4. The AHA Factor AHA, or Alpha Hydroxy Acid, is a chemical commonly found in moisturizers and other skin care products. If your skin is looking dull, AHA works to get rid of old skin cells and get your skin looking soft and healthy.

5. Get your beauty sleep Take time to get some sleep at least 7 to 8 hours per night. While we sleep, our bodies recharge and prepare for a new day. Our skin recharges too. So, no matter how busy your day is, keep an eye on that clock, and before it gets late, take a few moments to relax and unwind. This will help you get the restful sleep you, and your skin, need.