12 healthy habits for better skin

Are you worried about how well your brain, heart and other organs work, or how they look? The answer may seem obvious, but when it comes to our body's largest organ we're often more concerned about appearance than function. However, healthy skin isn't necessarily a product of the latest skin care products or make-up. As with other organs, it's our lifestyle choices that can make all the difference.

While there are some factors we can't control -- like age, genetics and hormones -- there are many things we can do to keep our skin healthy and looking younger for years to come:

Handle with care. Taking more care with your lingerie than your skin? According to experts, the same rules apply: gentle washing and gentle drying. You don't need expensive products - a gentle cleanser like glycerin soap will do the trick. Warm water is better than hot or cold, and don't linger too long in the tub or you'll actually lose moisture. When you reach for the towel, avoid rubbing your skin and pat dry instead.

And don't skip the bedtime wash. Before your head hits the pillow, make sure your skin is free of all the oil, dirt and make-up you accumulated during your waking hours.

Shave with caution. Razors are a budget-friendly way to get rid of unwanted hair, but they can also cause irritation (especially in delicate areas.) You can keep your skin soothed by shaving after a warm shower or bath or putting a warm cloth over the area first. Keep your tools sharp and clean, and shave in the direction of hair growth rather than against it if your skin is sensitive. Shaving gel, shaving cream or lotion can provide some much needed lubrication for dry skin.

Avoid irritants. Even if you don't have sensitive skin, the harsh chemicals in cleaners and detergents -- not to mention perfumes, dyes and additives in personal grooming products -- can aggravate your skin. Cleaning products can strip moisture from your skin, even if it doesn't react to them. In addition, your skin can absorb chemicals with which it comes in contact -- allowing potentially-dangerous toxins to enter your body.

How to dodge the risks? Read the labels carefully: a good rule of thumb is to avoid any ingredients you don't recognize or can't pronounce. (Some natural health experts advise that if you wouldn't eat it, don't put it on your skin.) Wear gloves when handling or using products that contain harsh chemicals, like cleaning products.

Moisturize regularly. Does your skin feel tight after a shower? Chances are you need a moisturizer to nourish and protect your skin. What product you buy and how often you use it will depend on a number of factors, including where you plan to use it (face or body), your age, skin type (dry or oily) and any skin issues you have.

For daytime wear, the Mayo Clinic recommends a moisturizer with at least SPF 15. Beauty experts recommend something a little heavier on the face and neck for night time use to combat the affects of aging. Baby oil is another option for extra-dry skin, and aloe vera and anti-oxidant ingredients provide benefits too. Avoid products with alcohol -- they'll dry the skin.

Skip the sun. Aside from the dangers of skin cancer, the sun is responsible for most of the signs of aging on our skin, according to experts. We already know how to protect against this hazard: stay indoors during peak hours, sit in the shade, cover up with clothing, don a hat and sunglasses and regularly use sunscreen or sun block.