Perfect skin is one of the most highly desired elements of beauty today. Many factors affect one’s skin and every individual’s skincare needs are different.

Smoking, stress and sun exposure are a few external skin influences but there are general measures which can help obtain great skin.

General measures include adequate sleep, a healthy diet and sufficient water intake. Use of sunscreens, sunglasses to reduce eye lines, avoidance of smoking and limited alcohol consumption and use of the right skin care products.

Skin care products with CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) promote repair of tissue damage, prevent excess moisture loss from the skin, giving a softer feel. Using such products as part of a regular skin care regimen goes a long way in slowing down the natural aging changes.

Taking care of your skin early on can help your skin stay healthy well into your golden years. It's an investment that only takes minutes a day and establishing a regular routine is now an important part of a healthy lifestyle. An effective skincare routine is one that is followed consistently over time and which will start showing results over time. This is applicable for women as well as men.

Regimen

Cleansing is the cornerstone of an effective skin care regimen. The use of a mild, hypoallergenic non-fragranced face wash is a basic necessity two to three times per day. Avoidance of harsh perfumed soaps or exfoliants on a regular basis will prevent drying of the skin. Instead, facial foams that stimulate the skin's natural collagen production are a perfect choice.

Moisturizing: The use of a moisturiser is an important aspect of one’s daily skin care programme .The choice of an oil or water based moisturiser will depend on one’s skin type and climate.

Sunscreen: This forms the most important application in one’s daily routine and the regular application of a broad spectrum sunscreen is the most effective anti aging application one can use. Products enriched in Vitamin C, Micro Collagen and SPF 15, protect the skin from permanent sun damage.

Night cream: The use of a night cream and an under eye cream are part of an effective skin care regimen. Ultra moisturizing active ingredients in under eye cream promises to create miracles within seven days. Exfoliants, toners and astringents, masks, and serums all have their place in skin care but their usage is specific and needs to be tailormade for specific skin. Your skin care routine should change depending on the season, weather and your humidity exposure and also must vary as you get older.

The author is a consultant dermatologist, Pond’s Institute