Great skin comes from your genetics, but it’s also a result of a good skin care regimen.  We deal with makeup, pollution, smoke, and tons of other environmental hazards that can leave our skin pretty disgusting by the end of the day.  Here are 5 steps you can take to have great skin.

1.  Cleanse. Use a cleanser that works for your skin.  Use exfoliating scrubs about once a week, any more can be too abrasive for your skin.  On a daily basis, stick to simple cleansers that get the job done.  Be gentle, and work in soft, circular motions throughout your face and neck.

2.  Tone. A toner helps remove any residual soap, dead skin cells, dirt or makeup from your skin.  Some toners also help minimize the pores on your skin and decrease the amount of oils produced by your skin.  The point of toner is to help balance your skin’s pH level and to prepare it for moisturizer.

3.  Moisturize. Your skin gets dehydrated, so a good moisturizer adds water and offers relief for your parched skin cells.  Look for one that suits your skin type.  This means you should avoid oily moisturizers if you already have a lot of shine.  Keep in mind that the winter season makes our skin more dry, so you may need to apply more moisturizer during those times.  When you’re moisturizing your face, avoid the eye area.  Skin around your eye is generally more sensitive towards the heavy ingredients in normal moisturizers.  Get a separate eye serum for the area around your eyes.  Be gentle when applying, and move upwards instead of tugging down at your skin.

4.  Protect. During the day, it’s important to apply sunscreen to your face, neck and chest.  Apply sunscreen after you moisturize, but remember to wait about 15 minutes after moisturizing so that your skin has time to absorb the moisturizer.  I prefer a sunscreen that has a high SPF so I don’t have to reapply throughout the day.  Sunscreen will protect your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays that can speed up the aging process.

5.  Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells so that your skin can breathe is very important.  You only need to do this once or twice a week.  Exfoliating too often can irritate your skin.  Consider this as a mini spa for your skin after a rough week.

These steps will bring you great skin, and while it may be a struggle to follow the routine initially, hopefully you’ll build a healthy habit of taking care of your face.  If you need motivation, just think how you will feel when you are the youngest looking grandmother in your group of friends!

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Rubbing a clove of garlic on your nails can strengthen them?  Tea tree oil to get rid of zits?  There are a ton of home remedies that can make you beautiful.  Here are a few that truly works for me.

1. When your arms and legs are super dry, slather on baby oil on them right after yo shower and just let it remoisturize your skin.  Don’t plan to do too much around the house, because oil is a killer to remove from furniture.

2. Eyes got puffy? Slice some cucumbers and put it over your eyes for five minutes to brighten up the “windows to your soul.”

3. Use a dry makeup sponge to remove deodorant marks on clothing.  Old pantyhose also does the trick.

4. Tighten your skin with an easy facial mask.  Beat egg whites like you are going to make scrambled eggs and then put it on your face using a soft paint brush for about 5-7 minutes.

5. Extra virgin olive oil can be a great shaving tool for your legs!  Rub some olive oil on your legs and shave as usual.  It prevents nicks and cuts.  You can even soak your razor in olive oil to prevent rusting.

6. Leave about 20% of your conditioner in your hair when you are rinsing it out.  It leaves your hair silky smooth.

7. Get rid of dark circles under your eyes by placing cut potatoes over them for about 5-7 minutes.

8. Dissolve aspirin in honey and use it as a facial mask.  Aspirin is a salicylic acid so it helps slough away dead skin cells.

9. Apply vaseline to your lips before applying lipstick to use as a base and to keep lips moisturized.

10. And the best kept secret: exercise, drink a lot of water, and get a lot of sleep!

What are some of your secrets?

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There are a million types of moisturizers for the face, and with summer looming over us, here are my top picks

I love Creme de La Mer. This is my ultimate moisturizer, as I have noted before. It is on the heavier side, but even my oily skin handles it well. My complexion has improved so much after I switched to this brand, so this is my personal favorite. 2oz. for $220

philosophy hope in a jar, original formula for all skin types is also a popular favorite among my friends. It also contains organic ingredients that leave the skin rosy and healthy looking without the need for makeup. 2oz. for $38

skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cream is the cosmetic equivalent of kid gloves. Incredibly soothing and comforting, this light-as-air cream provides hyper-protection and healing relief for super-sensitive skin. 1.7 oz. for $75

Boscia’s Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 is lightweight, which is perfect for the summer. It contains natural ingredients and provides sun protection as well. 1oz. for $27

Elemental Herbology’s Soothing Oil-Free Facial Hydrator SPF 12 is an ultra-light, nutrient-rich, and organic face cream filled with botanicals and antioxidants. I’ve tried it once at a beauty shop, and it definitely was very soothing. 1.7oz. for $88

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 is also light and easily absorbed. It leaves no greasy residue, which some moisturizers with sun-protection do. Also uses natural ingredients. 2.5oz. for $18

Users also raved about the following moisturizers:

Peter Thomas Roth Max All Day Moisture Defense Cream, SPF 30

Dr. Brandt Infinite Moisture

Phytomer Hydracontinue Moisture Reinforcement Cream

What’s Your Favorite Moisturizer?

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I’m from southern California, a wonderful area where the weather does not get too extreme in terms of rain, but it sure does get hot. It’s only May, but I’m starting to feel the heat. I’ve packed away the winter clothes (which means cashmere cardigans, turtlenecks, and peacoats in California terms—we hardly hit below 45 degrees Fahrenheit) and am prepping my skin and body for the heat and the beaches.

I am in love with Clarins’ HydraQuench Lotion with SPF 15 . Clarins has an entire line of HydraQuench products that offer moisture-packed lotions and cooling cream gels for the complexions that get really dry. The main ingredient is the katafray bark from Madagascar, which is used by Madagascans for sore throats and irritated skin. This bark has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, which aid the skin to heal after a tad too long in the sun. Price: $48