These natural beauty tips can help you not only to keep your skin looking the best that it can, but to create a healthier you.

1. Drink a lot of water. Your body is composed mainly of water and it is a necessary component of all the natural processes that occur there. When you drink water it not only hydrates your insides but it hydrates your skin as well. Drinking enough water is also one of the best "diets" for weight loss. You should drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses per day.
   
   
2. Limit your sun exposure. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can be damaging to your skin. WEAR A HAT! Use a moisturizer or foundation containing sunscreen to avoid wrinkles and sun damage. Make sure the product blocks both UVA and UVB. The sun causes free-radical damage to the sensitive skin of your face and neck. Taking anti-oxidants may help with this as well. Carrots are full of antioxidants. How about a mashed carrot mask?
   
   There's been a lot of hype about never ever going out in the sun without sunscreen. My opinion is that the sun is a natural phenomenon that we've all evolved to live with. If the ozone holes aren't over your country (and they probably aren't unless you live in the far north or far south), you can probably safely be in the sun for some period of time every few days. This is the best way to get the Vitamin D that you need. Exposure to the sun has recently been found to have health benefits as far as the body recovering from sickness.
   
   Be smart about the sun. I'm a big believer in wearing hats. They provide natural shade where you need it most, without chemicals. Use sunscreen when you're out on the beach or any activity that will have you in the sun for a long time. Get a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
   
   Most skin cancers occur on the hands or ear tops, or somewhere else that gets sun exposure all of the time (another reason to wear a hat!). The tops of your shoulders are also especially vulnerable due to their angle since they catch a lot of direct sun (a BIG hat). DO protect those areas with sunscreen. Be careful of the reflected rays (like from water, sand or snow) even if you are in the shade.
   
   To get a few healing rays safely, just begin your unprotected sun exposure at 5 minutes or so a day. Don't cheat! Work up slowly, but don't get silly about it, just use some common sense. You may want to protect any sensitive areas (see above) with good sunscreen before you start.
   
   If you live in Australia, don't listen to me. You folks got some serious sun going on down there.
   
   Did I mention hats?
   
   
3. Get plenty of rest. Think that beauty sleep is just a myth? Think again. Proper rest is very important to your overall health and the health of your skin.
   
   
4. Eat healthy foods Simple foods are good for you in a lot of ways. They provide essential nutrients; vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are often lower in calories than processed foods. You know the kinds of foods I mean. Beans, rice, vegetables, yogurt, lean meats-there are many more. Cook with olive oil. Use onions, garlic and other high-mineral foods. Many herbs and spices, besides seasoning your supper, also contain beneficial substances.
   
   
5. Do some type of exercise regularly. Exercise stimulates your entire system to rid itself of built-up toxins. You don't have to buy a treadmill or join a gym (unless you like that kind of thing). Gardening, playing golf, hiking in the woods, whatever you choose to do to get your blood moving is a step in the right direction. Try parking your car a few blocks away from work. There is no doubt that regular activity will begin to make you feel and look better. Once you are accustomed to the walk you may even begin to look forward to it!
   
   You could take up a sport. Even playing frisbee can provide a good cardiovascular workout. It can also improve your strength and hand/eye coordination. Stretching exercises of all kinds are good for working and flexing your joints and muscles. You can do these anywhere; in the middle of your walk, in your living room or kitchen with a chair, even in bed. So get moving! Once you are hooked on activity you may even have to break out that treadmill for rainy days!
   
   
6. Reduce stress. Easier said than done right? Research has shown that stress is a contributing factor in many health problems. If you are not healthy your skin is not going to look healthy. Take some time out just for you. A luxurious bath is a great stress reliever (Perhaps with some nicely scented oil or salt!). So is relaxing with a good book, a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, watching the sun set, taking a walk, or just sitting and watching birds at a feeder outside your window. Most importantly you must be comfortable with yourself. You have to find happiness in what you are doing RIGHT NOW. Not happiness as some sort of goal: ("I will be happy when I have reached this point, have accomplished this much, have finished...") Get the idea? Decide to be happy now.
   
   
7. MOISTURIZE! I mean all the time. Morning and night. This ties in somewhat with the water tip. You drink water to hydrate your body, you moisturize to hold that moisture in. Your skin is the largest organ you have. As such it is very vulnerable to moisture loss. Keep that water on the inside!
   
   
8. Do something for someone else. A beauty tip? Well yes. Philanthropy makes you feel good on the inside. It is my belief that this makes you more beautiful on the outside. Try it! Feel good to look good.