Get That Glow: Skin Care For Your 20's and 30's

Preserve your pretty with these easy tips.

Glow On - Forget expensive creams and makeup that promises miracles — clear, healthy skin is just a meal away when you eat these foods. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Preserve Your Pretty - Yeah, Black don't crack, but that doesn't mean you should ignore your skin. Here are some tips for keeping young, Black skin smooth, glowing and wrinkle-free. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Photo By (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Know Your Skin Type - It’s a simple, yet mandatory set: If you have oily or combination skin, use products such as serums and gels made for your type of skin that won’t clog pores. If you have dry or normal skin, creams and lotions are for you. Stop by your local Sephora for a free skin test. (Photo: Strauss/Curtis/Corbis)

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Know Your Skin Type - It’s a simple, yet mandatory set: If you have oily or combination skin, use products such as serums and gels made for your type of skin that won’t clog pores. If you have dry or normal skin, creams and lotions are for you. Stop by your local Sephora for a free skin test. (Photo: Strauss/Curtis/Corbis)

Drink Up - Drinking plenty of water flushes out toxins and nourishes, hydrates and moisturizes your skin from within.  (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

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Drink Water - Duh. Drinking water is great for hydration, flushing out toxins and maintaining a soft and supple complexion. (It also happens to be Gabrielle Union’s top beauty secret!) So drink up! (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

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Watch What You Eat - You are what you eat. Years of eating junk food, drinking booze and smoking can take a toll on your skin and make you look a bit worn down. Eat more real food — greens, lean meats, veggies, nuts, etc. for younger, firmer-looking skin. (Photo: Abel Mitja Varela/Getty Images)

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Watch What You Eat - You are what you eat. Years of eating junk food, drinking booze and smoking can take a toll on your skin and make you look a bit worn down. Eat more real food — greens, lean meats, veggies, nuts, etc. for younger, firmer-looking skin. (Photo: Abel Mitja Varela/Getty Images)

Photo By Abel Mitja Varela/Getty Images

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Keep It Clean - Going to bed without washing off your makeup is one habit you must break if you want healthier skin. Use a gentle make-up removing cleanser each night to unclog your pores and remove debris from your face. Also, use this time to put on eye creams or night lotions, too. (Photo: Robin Lynne Gibson/Getty Images)

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SPF Smarts - It’s super-duper important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, so opt for an SPF 15 or higher for your face every day, even if it’s not sunny outside. (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: Hero Images/Corbis

Retinol Is Your Friend - Retinol-based creams are great for smoothing your skin and combating wrinkles, and it’s never too early to start using them. Even better, they don’t have to be expensive. Opt for a prescription that your insurance can help cover or try an over-the-counter brand like Garnier Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer Serum and Moisturizer for Wrinkles + Firming. (Photo: Garnier)

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Retinol Is Your Friend - Retinol-based creams are great for smoothing your skin and combating wrinkles, and it’s never too early to start using them. Even better, they don’t have to be expensive. Opt for a prescription that your insurance can help cover or try an over-the-counter brand like Garnier Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer Serum and Moisturizer for Wrinkles + Firming. (Photo: Garnier)

What Causes Dark Spots?

 - Also called hyperpigmentation, dark spots can occur when melanin, the natural substance that gives skin its color, is working overtime. But they can also come from sun damage, pregnancy, acne and certain medications you are taking. But don’t fret, these products, for every budget, can help fade those spots in no time. By Kellee Terrell

 (Photo:  Patryce Bak/GettyImages)

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Keep Dark Spots in Check - Dark spots and discoloration can be a serious issue for Black skin. So opt for products that can help reduce the look of them, such as Neutrogena’s Rapid Repair line. (Photo: Patryce Bak/Getty Images)

Exfoliate Often - Black skin tends to be oily, so it’s important to exfoliate your skin often to help with the skin’s renewal process and to unclog your pores. Use a facial scrub at least once a week, or opt for a deep cleansing facial brush, such as the Clarisonic or Oily of Olay’s less expensive version. (Photo: Clarisonic)

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Exfoliate Often - Black skin tends to be oily, so it’s important to exfoliate your skin often to help with the skin’s renewal process and to unclog your pores. Use a facial scrub at least once a week, or opt for a deep cleansing facial brush, such as the Clarisonic or Oily of Olay’s less expensive version. (Photo: Clarisonic)

Pay Attention to Your Doc - Not every doc is a good one. Some might not listen to your concerns or make you feel bad about your sex life. Pay attention to what your doc says, how they talk to you, how difficult it is to make an appointment and how long you have to wait to be seen. If you’re not happy, it’s OK to find a new doctor.  (Photo: PhotoInc/Getty Images)

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Go to the Dermatologist - Not all of your skin issues can be solved with over-the-counter products. Making an appointment to see a dermatologist is a great step in the right direction for addressing skin issues such as acne, dryness and discoloration. (Photo: PhotoInc/Getty Images)