Fashion Tips

Taking care of your skin doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, the most important part of any successful skin care regime is this: Just do it!

Every good skin care program includes three basic steps: clean, nourish and protect.

Start by determining your skin type -- normal, dry, oily, combination or sensitive -- so you can choose the products best suited for your skin's particular needs. The ingredients in your products are the key to maintaining healthy, youthful and beautiful skin.

The first step is to clean your skin twice a day.

In the evening, always remove your makeup and wash your skin thoroughly to remove excess oils and dirt.

The second step is to nourish your skin with vitamins, antioxidants, proteins and other nutrients.

Moisturizers are the perfect vehicle to deliver these nutrients. They also play an important part in keeping your skin hydrated. Everyone needs to use moisturizers, preferably twice a day. When choosing a moisturizer, make sure it's designed for your skin type and it includes all the needed ingredients.

The third step is to protect.

Daily sunscreen is vital for all skin types. Any sunscreen you use must include both UVA and UVB protection.

I always tell my patients that healthy, beautiful skin brings out the best in you. So remember: clean, nourish and protect. Just do it!

Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology in Santa Monica, Calif. An assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA, she appears frequently on television, particularly as a skin care expert on "Extreme Makeover" and E!

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