We usually think about skin in terms of what we can put on top of it (like a juicy toner-serum-moisturizer sandwich). But just as important as curating the perfect skincare routine is thinking about your face in terms of skin health. As the largest organ of our bodies, the skin is impacted by general health as much as our lungs, brain or heart. 

Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay natural aging and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these four no-nonsense tips:-

• Cleansing

If you want to remove dirt and grime from your skin and keep it oil-free, daily cleansing is an absolute must. Cleansing also removes the residue of all the skin products you use and keeps your skin looking fresh and clean. Use a cleanser that suits your skin type and is soap-free so that it is gentle on your face.

• Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and makes skin paler. This also depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibres that give your skin strength and elasticity.

• Drinking more water won’t boost your glow, but sleep can.

Despite the number of times we’ve heard celebrities swear that drinking more water is their secret to a clear complexion, research says that it’s a myth. The water you drink reaches your other organs before it gets anywhere near your skin, and as long as you’re not dehydrated, your daily water intake won’t impact you outwardly. Shift your focus to getting enough beauty sleep instead.

• Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in fish oil or fish oil supplements and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger-looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated.