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Looking after your skin shouldn’t cost a fortune. If you take care of your body and treat it well, your skin will have that natural glow that many of us long for.

5 Ways to Protect Your Skin from the Elements of Life

Get plenty of sleep

Lack of sleep will cause you to get dark circles and bags under the eyes. It will also cause you to have poor skin. Sleeping 8 hours a night allows the skin time to rejuvenate and boost itself, which only happens at night.

Drink lots of water

Water keeps the body and skin hydrated and looking fresh. Aim to drink st least 8  8-ounce glasses of water a day. You also need to cut down on caffeine drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body and affect the skin.

Eat healthier meals

Your skin will thank you for all the nutrients it can get from your food. In particular, foods full of Vitamins A, B, C, E and K will help to keep your skin looking fresh. Most fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs and some types of meat are loaded with these.

Wear sunscreen

Exposing your skin to the sun without protection is a sure way of damaging and aging it prematurely, and it increases the risk of skin cancer too. If you have to be out in the sun, avoid the hottest times of day (11am-3pm) and wear plenty of sunscreen.

Use a skincare regime

The right regime will vary according to the type of skin you have, whether it is dry, greasy, combination, sensitive or mature. For a basic skin regime designed to cleanse and nourish the skin, follow the below:

• Cleanser: A cleanser (used either by hand or with a facial mitt) will pull away the dirt and dead skin cells that can lead to spots, so should be used twice a day. Most cleansers are aimed at a particular skin type, so trial some to find the right product. A good cleanser should clean and make the skin feel soft, but without any harshness or product build-up.

• Facial Toner: After cleansing, apply a toning liquid. Most toners are gentle and designed to be poured onto a cotton wool pad and wiped across the skin. Toner removes the excess dirt left behind by the cleanser, and balances the skin’s PH.

• Moisturiser: Always apply a light, thin moisturiser unless you have dry skin. Moisturiser that is too thick will clog pores and cause blemishes. Some moisturisers also have foundation and primer in them (otherwise known as BB Cream), which is a 3-in-1 product that saves time.

• Primer/Foundation: These are useful if you wish to wear makeup, either as part of a daily skincare regime or to cover unsightly blemishes. Primer acts as a base for foundation which reduces the chance of makeup slipping, and foundation keeps the skin looking fresh all day

By thinking about your skin and the products you use, you can protect it from life and have flawless, fresh-looking skin everyone will be talking about.