After years of masking, exfoliating, hydrating, cleansing and steaming, I have arrived at simple no-nonsense skin routine that works for me -- my very own 10 Steps to Healthy Skin. My 10 steps to healthy skin make me look and feel better today than I did in my twenties. Don’t get me wrong, I do have forty-year-old skin which looks far different from twenty-year-old skin, but the process has been natural and age appropriate. There are some women, you know them, who wage war against aging end up becoming a cartoonish version of their younger selves, I am pleased to say that is not me. We cannot be twenty forever (thank goodness for that) and no amount of cosmetic procedures or surgeries will stop time.

Besides, with age comes wisdom and wisdom only comes from experience. For example, I know that steps for healthy skin do NOT include a summer “glow” from a faded sunburn (I rarely tan). Nor does a Diet Pepsi habit contribute a “+” mark in the healthy skin column.

Exploring the 10 steps for healthy skin that are right for you can be trial and error.  Here are 10 steps for healthy skin to get you started:

1. Water. Nothing is better for your skin than water. All the other concoctions out there is no match for water. So hydrate to avoid dull and wrinkled skin.
2. You are what you eat. It’s true. Just change your diet to what you know you should be eating, like foods rich in antioxidants (think berries, green leafy vegetables, and fish to name a few) and observe the positive changes in your skin. It’s magical.
3. Decrease alcohol consumption. If you’ve ever detoxed off alcohol, one of the first things you will notice is the appearance of your skin. Try giving up alcohol for just one week and see how many positive comments you get on your complexion.
4. Reduce stress. Stress causes the body to increase production of the hormone cortisol, which causes the skin to become oily and more prone to breakouts. Yoga combats this stress and (if doing a lot of inverted poses) improves blood flow to your face.
5. Sunscreen. Even if you are driving down the street in your car or sitting in a meeting at the office, the sun can penetrate windows and damage your skin. An SPF 15+ is recommended for daily use.
6. Use all natural skin care products. Kari Gran’s products fit this description to a tee, and also make sure your shampoos and conditioners contain natural ingredients. Many that do not can cause neck and forehead breakouts.
7.  Sleep. At least seven hours a night. (I’m thinking of posting this over my sons’ beds.) Cells renew and regenerate during sleep so the more you get the better.
8. Exercise, get some cardio and sweat a bit. Sweating is good for the lymph system, it opens up and unclogs the pores, perspiration is also a secret weapon for keeping our skin looking its best. Just remember to wash your face or take a shower after your workout. 
9. Take your vitamins!
10. Lastly, have the wisdom to see your own beauty.  A laugh line is from laughing, which is a beautiful thing.