Basic steps in having a great skin

When I was still young, as far as I can remember, maybe around 5 or 6 years old, my mom would never fail to tell me that it is very important to take care of your skin since it is the largest part of the body that needs attention. Of course, as a young child, it just goes in on the first ear then out on the second. I never really pay attention, of course, as a child who cares? Even when I was in my preteens, she would always remind me to put body lotion and cleanse and moisturize my face twice a day regardless. I get mad sometimes or I should say most of the time because when you're too tired to do it, you just wanna go brush your teeth and wash the private you know what I mean. Those two are just the most important thing before going to bed. Not realizing that there is actually one more. Ooops also one thing I forgot is the feet. In the Philippines, since your feet can easily get dirty, it's also one of the body parts that needs to be washed before going to bed. My daughter gets annoyed and irritated too whenever I tell her or ask her too much to wash her face and moisturize and do this and do that. I hope she realizes what I mean sooner than I thought.

As time goes by, during high school and until college, a lot of people would notice and praise my skin. That's when I realized that my mom is really right and thanks to her! I got into that habit religiously and never forget to do the routine eversince. Of course I also cannot deny the fact that I am half chinese, and for that thanks to my dad. That's a plus factor there also.

Now, as I am nearing 40, I feel that my skin gets itchy and scaly more than often now as I get very dry skin. Whenever I feel like I don't put enough lotion or moisturizer, I would always go back in the room and reapply. I think I put lotion more than enough everyday when I take a shower and no wonder, it only lasts between 10-12 weeks for me. In the philippines, during those days, we always use pumice stone instead of a loofah when taking a shower/bath to take out dirt, dead skin cells and sweat from our body. This small stone, you will see them in every bathroom of the house that you go to. I remember in high school and even in college, how funny that some of my schoolmates would always even ask me if I am wearing a stockings and if I say no, they wouldn't believe it so they would touch my legs and feel it if I'm telling the truth or not. Or they ask If I'm wearing a press powder or a foundation. That's not the case now. Unfortunately after giving birth, I got a few stretch marks behind my legs and I have age spots in my face together with a few blackheads and whiteheads here and there. I don't really go to spas to have facials. I just do my own facial routine(lemon & evaporated mild, mixed together or just plain egg whites to firm the skin) and make my own body scrub(olive oil and sugar) if I'm in the mood to make some. Below are just a few tips and/or suggestions to take care of your skin.

1. Face- very important to wash/cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day. SPF Sunscreen is very crucial in daily use even on winter time. Use a different moisturizer at night.

2. Face- use facial sponge at least 2-3 times a week to take off dead skin cells, whiteheads, blackheads. This can be bought in Walmart, Target, Walgreens for about $2.99 or less.

3. Body- loofah sponges are very cheap so don't be too lazy in buying them and using them. If you get very dry skin, you can also use body wash that has lotion/moisturizers in it.

4. Drink plenty of water. 8 of 8 ounces daily.

5. Eat at least 3-5 servings of fruit and/or vegetables a day. Try eating fruits with a dash of salt, lemon, grnd pepper, cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese and olive oil. Yummm!

6. Change the way you eat fruits. Eating fruit on an empty stomach or before a meal is now proven to be really effective. It plays a major role in detoxifying our system. It helps you maintain weight, prolongs life, gives you energy, and a great skin.

7. Get into the habit of drinking a cup of tea after meal. Drinking hot/warm water or soup will make a big difference in the long run.

8. Steam vegetables 2-3 times a week that you like to eat. You can substitute this with rice if you're trying to watch your carb intake. Vegetables has a lot of fiber that helps move out the toxins from your body which helps in achieving clearer, radiant skin.

9. Get enough sleep. 7-8 hours a day is good.

10. Drink alcohol on moderation.