You know what healthy skin looks like. It sparkles, no matter how old you are. Even if you haven't inherited a flawless complexion, you can make the most of what you have got without restoring to beauty products whose prices make you weak in knees.
First, know your skin type and how best to care for it.
Normal Skin-is clear, supple and soft, neither too dry nor too oily. It is not overly sensitive to sun, climate or the environment.
Dry Skin-looks dull, feels tight after washing, and needs constant protection and moisturizing to avoid flaking and peeling.
Oily skin-might feel soft and supple, but it looks shiny and needs to be cleaned several times a day. Pores are larger than those of either normal or dry skin. This type of skin is often prone to blackheads and pimples.
Sensitive skin-reacts badly to sunlight or irritants. It burns easily and may develop rashes, blotches or spots when exposed to new substances, such as chemicals often found in commercial skin-cleansing products.
Most people have a combination of skin types-for example, basically normal with some oily areas on the forehead, around the nose and on the chin, and maybe some dryness around the eyes.
Look for Skin Basics.