Your skin is a bellwether to your overall health. If you're not healthy, it will be reflected in your complexion. But that doesn't mean you should neglect your skin even if you're feeling fine.

In this article, we cover a wide range of skin-care topics -- such as hands and nails, makeup, perfumes and colognes, blemishes, and even homemade skin-care aids. We'll start with the basics.

Basic Skin Care
  • Go Green with Skin Care
    Check out Planet Green's Natural Skin Care tips to learn more about keeping your skin healthy.
    Always wear a moisturized sunscreen when outdoors, winter and summer. The sun's rays can burn you even if the air feels cool, and sunlight reflected off water or snow can be particularly powerful.

  • No matter what your skin type is, use a protective sunscreen when you are in the sun; don't expose your skin for more than 15 minutes. Don't forget to use sunscreen on your face and the back of your hands because these are constantly exposed to the sun's rays.
  • Always remove your makeup before going to bed.

  • If you usually wear makeup, give your skin a chance to breathe one day a week by going without.

  • If your face tends to be puffy in the mornings, keep skin freshener, astringent, and cotton pads for your eyelids in the refrigerator for a quick pick-me-up.

  • Rub moisturizing lotion on your legs before applying shaving cream for a smoother, softer finish when removing leg hair. Men who have normal to dry skin can also benefit from this technique.

  • Use a humidifier to lessen the drying effects of indoor heat on your skin in the winter.

    Use a humidifier in the winter to moisten the air and make it easier on your skin.
    ©2006 Publications International, Ltd.
    A humidifier can lessen the effects of winter-dry air.

  • Take baths in the evening to avoid exposing your skin immediately to outdoor air.
In the next section, we'll shift from the basics to something more specific: caring for your hands and nails.

An Herb-Scented Skin Toner
To make your own herb-scented skin toner, use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, and add the following flower or herb petals of your choice. Spray on the skin as desired to freshen.

For dry skin: violet, rose, borage, or jasmine

For oily skin: peppermint, marigold, rosemary, or lavender

For sensitive skin: violet, salt burnet, parsley, or borage

For normal skin: lemon balm, rose, spearmint, or chamomile