There are few things as soft and pure as the skin of a newborn. That this very same skin changes with age is one of life''s universal laments. However, most women don't bother looking after their skin until it is too late. By the time the wrinkles are noticed, there will be no chance of slowing the aging process. You should start looking after your skin from your late teens, early twenties - right up until your hands are too shaky to pick up anything. Start now with a daily regime of cleansing, toning, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Once you get use to doing it daily you will feel and look a lot healthier and good about yourself.

Secretions from oil and sweat glands decrease as you age. These secretions originate in the dermis (the innermost layer of skin) and reach the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) through pores leading to the surface. Once the secretions emerge, the oil traps sweat (which is primarily composed of water) just under the exposed surface of the epidermis. As a result, the skin retains moisture and remains well-hydrated. Oil and water secretions are abundant during the teen years and early adult life, but over time these secretions lessen and the skin gradually dries out.

Other factors include thinning of the skin with aging, as well as loss of the fat and supporting connective tissue. Cold weather, dry air, bathing too frequently, using harsh skin-care products, and allergic reactions can also be factors.

A complete daily regime for healthy skin is:

Cleansing your skin and removing dirt, makeup, and other impurities that clog your skin is essential. Cleanse twice a day with a mild, non-irritating cleanser. Always consider your skin type first when choosing a cleanser. A good cleanser will remove impurities without leaving residue.

You should avoid cleansing with soap. Oil- based cleansers are suitable for all skin types. Cream cleansers will suit a dry skin. Smooth on the cleanser and leave it for a few seconds to dissolve impurities. Then very gently wipe it off with cotton wool or damp tissue. When using a wash off cleanser you should apply it to damp skin and then remove with warm water.

A toner re-hydrates, cools, nourishes, and refreshes your skin. Toners remove any remaining traces of dirt, makeup, or oil your cleanser may not have removed. It''s good to use a toner that is alcohol-free, as alcohol may dry your skin. Traditional toners contain alcohol to cut the oil in makeup removers and allow the face to rinse clean. Unfortunately, the alcohol-based toners also remove every trace of natural and needed skin oil. Any alcohol left on the skin can create dryness, reduce skin elasticity, cause irritation, and promote skin eruptions. Try a toner with aloe, for natural healing of the skin, or one with a herb base to help reduce inflammation or soothe your skin. Natural toners do more than dislodge greasy makeup cleansers without stripping skin of beneficial oil. A good toner will also help reestablish the pH balance of the skin, which may be disrupted after the use of cleansers. Using a cotton ball helps diminish the chances of pulling and damaging the skin.

Exfoliating gives the skin a healthy glow and gets rid of the spots that tend to make you look sallow and your skin blotchy. An exfoliant helps remove dead cells that accumulate on the surface of your skin. Make sure the exfoliant is not granular so you do not damage new skin. An exfoliant can be as simple as a face- cloth or as high-tech as the latest serums containing AHAs. Just as the rest of your body requires hydration and nutrients, so does your skin. Your skin should be treated with a daytime moisturizer that provides a broad spectrum sunscreen daily. At night, using a more intense moisturizer helps to rebalance and normalize your skin as you sleep. There's no rule that says you have to use moisturizer all over your face; you may just need a light eye cream and a bit of moisturizer on your drier cheek area.

All skin has its own natural moisturizing factor that regulates water flow from the dermis to the surface. Sebum also helps by forming a barrier on the skin that prevents moisture loss. As we grow older, both of these, however, decrease in activity and therefore we need a water-regulating moisturizer. All skin types really need moisturizing twice a day.

Always spritz your skin with water before applying moisturizer. Water plumps up the skin cells, creating an even surface, making lines less apparent.

Keeping your skin well-hydrated will improve its appearance and keep it healthy. The following suggestions are effective, inexpensive, and easy to implement:

• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Use sunscreen daily.
• Use bath oil cautiously.
• Use mild soaps.
• Pat yourself dry.
• Moisturize.

Following these steps will contribute to youthful, healthy skin. Even though aging is inevitable, these measures will help to slow the age-associated changes of the skin. It is never too late to start treating your skin with care, and it is possible to regain a more youthful appearance.