As we grow older we realize that gravity is not our friend. Most of us hope to fight the appearance of aging and one way to do that is by learning how to take care of your skin. Why grow old gracefully when you can grow old naturally without the effects of gravity and stress? Keeping informed about good skin maintenance is half the battle!

• When you touch your skin, push up instead of pulling down to avoid helping gravirty at all.

• If you feel the urge to touch your face, place your hands under your chin instead.

Though there are many different types of skin, there are also many things that everyone's skin has in common. There are some basic concepts that promote healthy skin in every human being. Following these steps not only lead to healthy skin, but a healthier body and outlook on life.

We've all heard the phrase "You are what you eat". When it comes to the skin, for some people it's fairly obvious what they eat. The skin is the last filtering place for toxins. People who don't have a healthy diet can see it reflected in their skin as it produces too much oil or doesn't have enough oil to produce. A lack of oil can lead to fragile, easily damaged skin while oily skin can lead to painful blemishes and infection. Try consuming some of the items listed below to benefit your skin and overall well being.

• Antioxidants such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries
• Vitamin A
• Fatty acids such as flax seed, walnuts and salmonhttp://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/skin-food?page=2

The skin collects all of the elements that are in your environment. Avoid situations that expose your skin to harmful chemicals. Avoid touching your skin without first washing your hands. Wash your face after being exposed to situations that may leave chemicals or dirt on your skin.

The skin releases dead cells every day. Some cells stay trapped on the surface and clog pores or effect how the skin produces new cells. As we exfoliate we remove dead skin cells, freshening the appearance of the skin.http://www.renown.org/body.cfm?id=1421

The final step in skin care is protecting the skin. We can do this by avoiding things like hot water that leave damage our skin and leave the pores open so accept more bacteria. Only use warm water on your skin and be sure to moisturize after you have washed and exfoliated your skin. A good moisturizer prevents your skin from "thinking" it needs more moisture and releasing too much oil. It also hydrates dry skin which helps to protect it from further damage.