Some people are born with great skin…or are they? While good genes can predict the fate of your skin, much of the desired radiance may be achieved with healthy lifestyle habits. Consider these top 15 habits to pick up… and transform your skin!

1. Cleanse your face before you sleep. Regardless of how tired you are, force yourself to get in that bathroom and clean off the day’s grime! Regular cleansing eliminates excess oils, as well as dirt and dead skin cells. All of these components can clog pores and lead to a dull texture and appearance. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser. You absolutely don’t need one packed with dozens of ingredients. Also, pat your skin dry – rubbing vigorously will strip away moisture, resulting in dull, irritated skin.
2. Take a shower in lukewarm (not hot) water. Taking hot showers can be relaxing after a hard day, but the damage to your skin isn’t worth it. Heat strips moisture, so you’ll end up with dry skin.
3. Bid farewell to sunburn. Daily sunscreen is a must to protect your skin against sunburn that can lead to cancer and premature wrinkles. There’s no excuse not to wear sunscreen! The Mayo Clinic recommends a minimum SPF of 15.
   
4. Invest in protective sunglasses. Not all sunglasses are made the same, no matter their price tag. Instead, pay attention to the protection offered: A good pair of sunglasses should block both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re timid on spending the money, just think how this purchase is a lifelong investment (assuming you don’t lose them)!
5. Pamper yourself with a monthly facial. Techniques used by spa professionals help to eliminate toxins from the skin while balancing pH through the help of cleansing, steaming and moisturizing. An esthetician can also help you safely get rid of the gunk built up in your pores over the course of a month.
6. Exfoliate once or twice per week. Regular facials are important, but you shouldn’t neglect at-home exfoliation. No matter what your skin type, everyone reaps the benefits of dry skin cell elimination through face masks. Products with fine beads and pearls help exfoliate the skin, but take care in using if you have blemishes as these can irritate them. For an easy, gentle exfoliating experience, use a body glove or loofah.
7. Mask your skin. Facial masks are often used in professional facials for treating dry skin, or for drawing out dirt and oil from combination skin. You can gain the same benefits at home with a weekly mask. Try an all-natural mask made of plain yogurt and oatmeal for a rich treat that balances all skin types.
8. Put lotion on within three minutes of bathing to lock in moisture. Avoid excessive rubbing, as this may strip the product away from the skin.
9. Make water more accessible. You already know the hydrating powers of water for radiant skin, but it’s difficult to meet your eight-glass-a-day quota if there’s no water around. Make water more accessible by having a portable BPA-free bottle on-hand at all times. Have a bottle on hand at work, home and the gym, so you never find yourself without H2O.
10. Don’t be a water-hater. If accessibility to water isn’t the problem, then you may pass up on Mother Nature’s best beverage because you can’t stand the taste. Try squeezing fresh organic lemon juice in your bottle of water for some extra flavor – the taste will surely have you hooked in no time! As a bonus, lemon juice acts as a detoxifier to help clear your complexion.
11. Eat healthy fats. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s are proven to reduce inflammation and acne. Add salmon, tuna, nuts and olive oil to your diet on a regular basis.
12. Load up on antioxidants. Examples include vitamins A, C, and E, found in produce and whole grains. Certain skincare products already have antioxidants in them because they encourage skin cell protection and repair damage.
13. Exercise every day. Regular workouts encourage increased blood flow and glowing skin. Your skin will reap the benefits even after just 30 minutes per day. You don’t need to work out hardcore – even taking a long walk during your lunch break will help your systems flow!
14. Go for a “clean” diet. This means no packaged, processed and fast foods. If you’re used to these types of foods, it can be challenging to get clean at first, but you will notice skin texture improvements within 30 days of switching. Instead of using those “low-fat” microwaveable meals, the purpose of a clean diet is eat whole foods that provide adequate nutrition without all the extra salt and sugar. Stock up your kitchen with fruits, fresh veggies, whole grain bread and brown rice.
15. Find your daily Zen. Your emotions may show on your face…and stay there overtime. Unmanaged stress causes increased skin sensitivity, sebum production and dryness. Next time you find yourself overwhelmed, take a quick meditation break or go for a quick walk outside to unwind.