Six simple secrets for gorgeous skin

It doesn't take hideously expensive products or time-consuming treatments -- you can maintain a glowing complexion with a few common-sense habits.

Some people have such flawless skin that it leaves you wondering what the underlying secret is. Many think that it is just plain luck, to have been born into a good gene pool. Even as experts agree that genetics indeed play a vital role, they are of the opinion that gorgeous skin can be cultivated by adhering religiously to half a dozen habits.

Paula Bourelly, a professor from Georgetown University, agrees that genetics play a vital role, and not all individuals are lucky enough to be born with a naturally beautiful skin. Dermatologists are of the opinion that genes are the jackpot from where one can start the 'beautiful-skin journey', but sticking to certain skincare habits is vital to maintain a glowing complexion. Here's what they suggest.

1. Don't smoke out your complexion

Experts say that cigarettes and cigars have the power to fast-forward the aging of your skin. Thus, those who smoke regularly develop premature wrinkling and mottled skin earlier than who do not smoke.

A study carried out between twins, one smoker and the other a nonsmoker, proved the same point. This also goes to prove that even the effect of good genes can be nullified by mindless smoking!

If you are conscious of your appearance and the overall looks of your skin, you should definitely avoid smoking.

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In order to maintain gorgeous skin, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or cream that is effective enough to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays goes a long way.

In order to get the maximum results, sunscreens having SPF 30 or even higher, should be used even on cloudy days. Apart from this, the sunscreen has to be applied every two to three hours when busy with an outdoor activity.

According to Bourelly, the chronic sun exposure results in uneven skin tone and rough skin.

Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives, which are found to carry out numerous skin-friendly activities, such as reducing fine lines, unplugging clogged pores, increasing the production of collagen, clearing up bothersome acne and lightening freckles and brown spots -- all in all, improving the skin texture. Retinoids have also been shown to cure precancerous skin lesions. The most common brands of retinoids are Retin-A, Renova, and generic Tretinoin.

According to Paul M Friedman, co-author of the book Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin, retinoids should be an integral part of any anti-aging regimen. According to him, people should start using retinoids as early as age 20.

However, retinoids initially could cause some redness, flaking or dryness. To overcome this, he suggests that you apply very tiny amounts once in two to three days in order to let your skin get adjusted. Gradually, the frequency can be increased to allow your skin to benefit from this anti-aging product.

Overloading your dressing table with numerous skin care products (and their subsequent overuse) will only do more harm than good. The ingredients in one could interact with the other when applied simultaneously and spoil the show, literally.

It pays to keep things simple where skincare is concerned. The essential products one needs for daily use are just a cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen and a retinoid.

Sometimes people tend to switch from one brand to another, labelling each to be ineffective without using them for a considerable period of time. According to experts, a particular skincare lotion or cream should be used completely before giving it a 'no-good' stamp.

Of course, if you have any allergies to any given product, you should stop using it immediately -- otherwise, the above rule applies.

There are many aspects to a balanced lifestyle:

• Balanced diet: A diet containing major portions of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fish will reflect positively on your skin. The essential fatty acids in these foods help keep the skin glowing. If you can shun processed foods and concentrate on organically grown fruit and vegetables, that is even better. Fruit like blueberry, mango, and papaya provide your skin the natural nourishment it requires.
• Balanced sleep: This means timely and sufficient sleep. A regular seven to eight hours of 'beauty sleep' will surely rejuvenate your skin. Insufficient sleep from time to time will rob your skin of the youthfulness and give it a haggard look.
• Balanced exercise: Regular exercise keeps the circulation going and gives your cheeks a youthful rosy tint. Exercise has the capacity to reduce stress too, which will reflect on your skin.
• Balanced mind: Above all, a balanced mind filled with positive thoughts is a surefire formula for beautiful, youthful, taut skin. Yoga and meditation are two methods by which you can bring about a mind balance. Yoga gives you physical rejuvenation as well as peace of mind. Regular practice of meditation helps to control stress hormones and calms the mind enormously. A truly calm mind has the power to heal itself. In a study, psoriasis patients who were given ultraviolet light treatments while listening to meditation tapes healed four times faster than those who did not listen to the tapes.

In life, nothing is impossib#8804 it just takes some effort and discipline. This is true when it comes to achieving gorgeous-looking skin too. So now you know, whether you were lucky to be born with beautiful genes or not, you can still look your best by following these 'gorgeous six' tips.