The desire for great looking skin is not uncommon. Our skin is akin to our "book cover" and is what people gauge our appearance on, so it is easy to see why so many people are constantly looking for the answer to maintaining healthy, glowing and youthful-looking skin. Skin care companies have made millions off these insecurities, promising youth in a bottle, often to the disappointment of consumers. While not all of these products are shams, the majority do not live up to their promises. The Smart & Easy Guide to Skin Care provides an in-depth understanding of the basics and importance of proper skin care. It also provides detailed tips and hints on how to keep skin healthy, glowing and firm, even as we age. This helps to keep our self-esteem up and make us confident in our outward appearance. We have often heard that prevention is the best medicine and this applies to skin care as well. The guide recommends a regular skin care routine that includes the following: Cleansing Exfoliation Moisturizing Sun protection It is advised to cleanse the skin before proceeding with further care. Properly cleansed skin can then be more effectively exfoliated or moisturized. Moisturizing the skin without first cleansing it can, for example, clog pores and leave one susceptible to an acne outbreak. The guide also urges care be used in exfoliation. It is entirely possible to overdo it, which can lead to irritated, inflamed or even damaged skin. The guide goes on to explain some of the modern day problems associated with skin care, such as the added strain on the skin by way of environmental pollutants. It describes the commonly available basic skin care products, their uses and how they are used most effectively. It also discusses the factors that need to be considered when determining which skin care products are most ideal, such as skin tone and type. The Smart & Easy Guide to Skin Care lays out a simple and highly effective basic skin care strategy that includes the following advice: Stay hydrated Stay moisturized Avoid excessive wind Don't forget to cleanse Be gentle on the skin Avoid harsh chemicals Always remember sun protection Avoid stress Eat healthy and exercise Get adequate sleep The guide describes the basics of common skin conditions, such as dry skin, acne and sun or age spots and the best strategies for treating and dealing with these conditions without damaging or further damaging the skin. There are a variety of different skin types, such as oily, dry or sensitive skin and each skin type has slightly different needs. The guide outlines how best to care for each skin type safely and effectively. The guide also notes that different parts of the body (such as the face or legs) need to be treated differently. For example, certain areas of the body, such as the legs, tend to be drier and may require a more heavy duty moisturizer. With each passing year, there are more natural, herbal and organic skin care products on the market and the guide advocated the use of these products as they tend to be more gentle on skin, as they do not contain harsh chemicals or additives. While some of these products work wonderfully, they do tend to cost more and for some, they do not work as well as traditional skin care products. It should be noted that just because something is labeled "natural" or "organic," it does not necessarily mean it is a superior product. Healthy, youthful and glowing skin is highly coveted by many people and has resulted in the lucrative anti-aging and preventative skin care industry. Keeping skin healthy is not all about knowing which creams to apply. The Smart & Easy Guide to Skin Care provides easy to understand advice on how to keep skin healthy, youthful and smooth.