Nothing defines youthful skin like a warm healthy glow. While some can attribute their beautiful skin to a case of good genes for the rest of us the proper skin care regimen combined with the proper lifestyle choices can make all the difference when it comes to getting that radiant glow that turns heads.

Wear Sunscreen

Hands down, sun exposure is one of the very worst things for your skin; not only can it cause premature wrinkles but also brown spots and rough, dry skin. Be sure to apply plenty of SPF 30 before you leave the house for the day and pass on the tanning beds. Just remember the sun is as damaging in cold months as it is in summer so sun protection needs to be a year round habit. For days that you plan to be spending time outdoors reapply sunscreen every two to three hours even when it’s cloudy.

Retinol

Derived from vitamin A, retinol products have been proven to unclog pores, boost collagen, improve texture and even out skin tone. The only downside to these potent products is that they can leave skin dry and irritated in the beginning so start off slowly applying every other day until your skin can adjust.

Don’t Over Do It

One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they use too many products. When it comes to glowing skin less is more every time. As long as you have a good cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen and retinol product you should be all set. Anymore and you are risking clogged pores or dried out irritated skin.

Keep Hydrated

Drinking your 8 glasses a day isn’t just good for your diet it’s good for your skin as well. Keeping your skin hydrated from within is just as important as using moisturizer when it comes to keeping skin soft. Water also helps prevent toxins that can wreak havoc on your complexion from building up.

Exfoliate

If dry, flaky skin has the chance to accumulate it can leave skin looking dull. Gently exfoliate skin once a week with a washcloth to brush away dead cells and uncover healthier looking skin.

Diet and Exercise

When it comes to the health of your skin, it is just as important to have a healthy lifestyle as it is to use the right products. A diet rich in antioxidants can reduce inflammation and eating omega-3 fatty acids will keep skin soft and firm. Exercising regularly aids in collagen production and saturates skin with oxygen. Stress and lack of sleep can make skin look years beyond its age so it’s essential to get eight hours of sleep each night. To prevent the buildup of the stress hormone cortisol, that can cause break outs and inflammation, try relaxation techniques like meditating.