Try using an exfoliating scrub on your face to remove old, dead skin cells. Over time, dead skin cells can build up on your face, making it looks dry and dull. A gentle exfoliating scrub can remove these dead cells, revealing the fresh, radiant skin hidden beneath. Additionally, exfoliating dislodges dirt and oil from within your pores, helping them to look smaller. Avoid excessive eating of chocolate to ensure optimal skin. Most chocolate can cause acne when eaten in too large of quantities, causing the body (primarily the face) to overproduce oil. Some chocolate is fine to eat, but only eat the suggested serving size of the chocolate product you are consuming. If you are plagued with Melasma or the appearance of brown patches on your skin you can always use skin lightening creams to help. There are over the counter hydroquinone creams that you can buy but you may even want to pay for one that is prescription strength depending on the severity of your spots. In order to have clearer, cleaner skin, you should exfoliate once every other day. This washes away the top layer of dead skin, making it look younger, tighter, and healthier. Do not exfoliate too much, though, because the top layer, or "horny layer" of skin helps keep your skin clean and healthy too. If you constantly remove the top layer of skin, it will become prone for blemishes, acne, and blackhead. Skin is the most important part of your body, and you should treat it with care at all times. Never rub your skin too hard or wear any dirty clothes, as this could have a negative chain reaction affect on the skin on the rest of your body. Wash your clothes regularly, and treat your skin delicately. For outstanding skin care it is best to moisturize skin immediately following a shave. Shaving irritates and abrades the outermost layers of the skin, which can dry out the underlying layers and make them vulnerable to infection. A light treatment with an appropriate moisturizing product will nip this potential problem in the bud. Never, ever go to bed wearing makeup. This is just an invitation for a major skin break-out at almost any age. Sleeping in make-up causes oil and grime from the day to stay in close contact with your skin for hours. It clogs pores and irritates the skin. Even if you are completely exhausted, take the time to remove your makeup and take care of your skin. Did you know that food can be used to heal your skin? Raw potato slices carry a lot of potassium, making them ideal for easing dark under-eye circles. Just chill the slices a bit prior to using them, and you'll have a soothing way to naturally combat your dark circles! For clear skin, do more laundry -- specifically, wash your bed linens. The oils and dirt from your skin are transferred to your pillow case while you sleep, so regularly washing your bed linens, especially your pillow case, prevents you from putting dirt and oil back on your skin every time you go to bed. Wash your pillow case every other day and your bed sheets at least once a week. A necessary skin care step that many people skip is exfoliation. This is the removal of the top layer of dry, dead skin using either a soft brush or exfoliation gloves. It's necessary for younger, healthier skin. In fact, the reason why men often have younger-looking skin than women, is because shaving automatically exfoliates their skin. An added bonus for women, is that exfoliating will help their foundation go on more smoothly While these skin care tips may not solve everyone's skin problems, they're a great place to start working toward a healthier look for your skin. Don't let your skin problems take over your life - start working now to repair your skin and see how much difference healthy skin can make. elf cosmetics