ACHIEVE THE FLAWLESS SKIN YOU'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF. By Chinyere Obinna

BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT - This is an ongoing series. In later posts, we will discuss skin care products that work.


Yes it is possible to achieve that flawless, glowing skin that you've always dreamed of. While some women are genetically blessed with beautiful skin, all women can achieve that glowing complexion with the right steps. Good skin is part genetic, part common sense, but totally achievable. Here are steps that you can take towards flawless skin.Beauty starts from the inside out. To achieve long lasting skin beauty, you need to nourish your skin from the inside first. This means that you have to be good to yourself. Start from your diet. Assess your eating habits and make changes that will lead to overall health benefits in your life. Replace white breads and refined sugars with healthy, whole grains found in oats, bran and whole wheat pasta. Eat lots of fish like salmon and tuna. Do not forget your fruits and vegetables. Green, leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale are very skin friendly as well as high in anti-oxidants, which ward off the free radicals that attack our body and wreak havoc on both our health and our skin. Avoid margarine, which contain hydrogenated oils and cook with olive oil, especially the virgin type from the Mediterranean, which is high in anti-oxidants that is also heart friendly. Establish an exercise routine and drink lots of water to flush out toxins. Do not forget to rest. Not only will your skin benefit, you waistline will also benefit as will your overall health. Establish a skin care routine. If you are like me, you probably stay so busy that you sometimes go to bed without cleansing your face. That is a no-no. Going to bed with any form of make-up on your face does a great deal of damage to your complexion. Even if you do not use any foundation or powder, you still need to remove all the impurities and pollutants that have settled in your pores from the environment. Your skin care routine will depend on your skin type. The best way to determine your skin type is to go to a cosmetics counter at your local department store and get your skin type assessed. Depending on your skin type, you will need to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and occasionally exfoliate. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that accumulate over time on your skin, revealing newer, younger skin and makes it easier for your moisturizer to penetrate your skin surface. It is not advisable however, to exfoliate daily and if you have dry, sensitive skin, you may opt for a mild exfoliant. If you have oily skin that tends to break out, you have to be especially careful about keeping your skin clean. Avoid touching your skin or trying to pop a pimple as that may lead to scarring. Products that contain salicylic acid are great for reducing break outs. And always protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun by using a good sunscreen when you go outside. Smile. Do not forget that a good attitude and confidence go a long way in boosting your body image. If you project confidence, others will see you in that light. Always remember that you are all beautiful.