We all know the importance of a healthy skin if you want to look great. If you are not sure how to achieve this, follow my top ten tips and you will not go far wrong.

# Be aware of your skin type. You need to know what skin type you have because skin care products vary and you need to use one that is suitable for you.

# Drink water every day. Some say that you need to drink eight glasses of water a day to ensure that your body is fully hydrated. Your skin will thank you for it.

# Regular cleansing. Use lukewarm water to wash your face twice a day to clean all the dirt and grime.

# Take care. Avoid excessive scrubbing and try not to exfoliate too hard. Also take care not to overdo the creams and lotions.

# Keep your skin moist at all times. You do not want your skin to become dry because this will allow the outer layer to crack and become rough and unattractive.

# Avoid the sun. # Keep away from strong sunlight. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is when the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest.

# Always apply sunscreen. Make sure you use a product with the correct sun protection factor (SPF). Best advice is to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Also choose products that offer broad spectrum protection and are water resistant.

# Dress to protect your skin. A hat with a wide brim shades your neck, ears, eyes, and head. Look for sunglasses with a label saying the glasses block 99 to 100 percent of the UV rays. Wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts when in the sun.

# Avoid artificial tanning. Do not use sunlamps, tanning beds, tanning pills, or tanning makeup. Tanning pills have a color additive that turns your skin orange after you take them. The FDA has not approved this for tanning the skin. Tanning make-up products will not protect your skin from the sun.

# Make regular checks of your skin. Keep an eye on any birthmarks, moles or spots and if you notice any changes in the size, shape or color consult your doctor. Fair-skinned people are advised to have an annual skin check.

So there you have it – my top ten skin care tips for a healthy skin.

Sally Tyler is a health researcher and writer about Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Skin Care. Visit her site at http://www.antiagingproducts101.com/1/ to learn about the latest developments in Dry Skin Problems