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    10 Secrets for Perfect Skin

    By | Beauty on Shine – Wed, Feb 29, 2012 11:19 AM EST

    Everyone wants clear, glowing skin - the good news? Getting it is easier than you think!

    Secret #1 - Get Plenty of Exfoliation

    "Exfoliation is key in order to remove the dead, complexion-dulling skin cells that accumulate on top of your skin," says Annet King, director of Global Education at the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica. "When you exfoliate, you're revealing fresh cells underneath, evening out the skin's surface, and giving it a healthy glow." Miza Shiman from OC61 Salon and Spa in NYC suggests, "mixing corn meal with warm water." The DIY money-saving mixture can act as a scrub. Use it twice a week.

    Secret #2 - No Smoking
    "In my practice, I can spot a smoker's skin a mile away. The difference in texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation is enormous between smokers and nonsmokers," says Dr. Christine Rodgers, EnPointe Skin Solutions' expert. Adds DermaDoctor founder Dr. Audrey Kunin, "For every 10 years you smoke, your face ages 14 years."

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    Secret #3 - Always Wear SPF

    "Never go out without SPF 30 on your face, neck, ears, chest, and hands," says Ken Simpson, founder of Skin 2 Skin Care. This will help keep dark spots and premature skin aging under control. If you're driving a long distance, keep applying SPF 30 on your hands, face, and neck. And don't forget that glass doesn't filter UV rays, even in your home or office!

    Secret #4 - Use a Night Cream
    "Apply a thick night cream," says BettiJo Hirschi, Creator of Bath by BettiJo. "This becomes absolutely essential once you hit 30 to help boost your skin's regeneration at night, but if you can get yourself in the habit before then, you'll be set to age gracefully!"

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    Secret #5 - Treat Yourself

    "Pamper yourself. Your health and appearance are positively influenced by increasing your emotional and mental well-being," says Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare. "Whether it's for a facial, massage, or even a pedicure, a visit to the spa is a foolproof way to promote stress relief and relaxation. It's just what the doctor ordered."

    Secret #6 - Put Eye Cream Everywhere
    "I like using my eye cream on the nasal labial folds and a dab right between the eyebrows on the number 11 lines [the vertical lines that tend to form in that area]," says Regina Viotto, skin-care specialist at Paul Labrecque. "Eye cream usually has a higher concentration of active ingredients so the skin in these areas will benefit greatly."

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    Secret #7 - Change the Sheets

    "Change your pillowcase weekly," says NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel. In a clinical study, it was determined that cotton draws moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and causing sleep lines and wrinkles. Not to mention that dust mites, sweat, and other gross things harbor where you sleep (maybe) eight hours a day.

    Secret #8 - Eat Antioxidants
    "Antioxidants have proven to be extremely important as an aging preventative in a skin-care arsenal," says Dr. Sobel. "I recommend looking for products that have a complex of antioxidants, such as green tea, vitamin C, and CoQ10."

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    Secret #9 - Wear Sunglasses
    "Find a great pair of shades," says Dr. Sobel. "Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin from premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Since retro, oversized sunglasses are in, take advantage of the fuller protection while being trendy!"

    Secret #10 - Eat Well

    "Embrace an inside-out approach by combining a balanced, healthy diet and supplements with your skin-care regimen," says Dr.Sobel. "500-1,000 mg supplements of purified fish oil will keep your skin hydrated and naturally moisturized, and they can also help minimize symptoms of eczema." Noxzema Consulting Dermatologist Hilary Reich adds, "The importance of fish oil is widely touted for cardiac health, preventing cancer, improving memory, and keeping our immune systems in check. When your insides are healthy, your skin looks its best."

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