8 tips to help you get gorgeous glowing skin

Your skin is the first layer of your immune system, serving as a shield between you and the legions of germs in your surroundings. To help protect and keep it moisturized, which helps enhance the protective abilities of skin, here are eight handy tips.

Change your moisturizer every time the season changes. Why? Simply put:

• Your skin needs more moisture in winter than summer. So when it's time to wear a heavier sweater, it's also time to buy a heavier moisturizer.

As a rule of thumb, when you swap your sweater for a T-shirt, switch to a lighter moisturizer as well.

"Skin destroyers" sounds harsh, but with time certain things can ravage the appearance of skin. So what are these enemies of a soft, youthful-looking complexion? Smoking, tanning salons and sunbathing.

• Many doctors agree that all three will age your skin prematurely.

It's important for men to recognize that skin-preserving products, such as cleansers and moisturizers, aren't just for women.

• Men need skincare just as much as their partners and sisters.
• To help prevent wrinkles and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, use a daily moisturizer containing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• Guys should also use a gentle exfoliant every week and a nighttime moisturizer.

Although it's okay to raise a toast, don't overdo the alcohol. Limit yourself to one glass of wine or one alcoholic drink per meal or "celebration."

• Overindulging in alcohol can enlarge the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin, which may result in redness and "rougher" looking skin.

Some people have naturally oilier skin than others, which acts as a dirt and dust magnet. In turn, there's a tendency towards developing acne when the grime isn't removed.

• De-shine your face throughout the day by periodically dabbing on loose powder to blot excess oil.
• Don't use pressed powder, which actually contains oil as an ingredient.

Never ever rub your eyes – apply compresses instead.

• The skin on your face is extremely delicate, especially under your eyes.
• Use a very light touch on your face at all times.
• If your eyes itch, apply a cold compress or cloth to the area, or try a cotton-wool pad moistened with toner or witch hazel.

If you buy and use lots of different skincare products, some will probably contain the same ingredients, thus making them redundant. And some brands aren't very compatible with others, though you have no way of knowing that until you've already paid for and opened them.

• You'll get better results if you use products that are formulated to work together. You may have to shell out a little more cash, but experts agree you'll get better results.

Hydration is essential to healthy, radiant skin.

• According to the Dieticians of Canada, you should aim for a daily fluid intake of about 3 L (12 cups) for men and 2.2 L (9 cups) for women to keep your body hydrated.
• What's more, the Dieticians of Canada indicate that fluids may include water and other beverages such as milk, juice, broth or soups, coffee and tea.

Although water is one of the best fluid choices, the old thinking that you need 8 cups a day to stay healthy has been disproven.

• Ultimately, the water content of the fluids you consume help to flush toxins through your kidneys instead of sweating them through your skin.

Remember, certain foods (such as veggies) are also considered a source of water throughout the day.