Beauty Tips: Some ways to make the difference between a dull complexion and glowing radiant skin.

Use a good moisturizer. Choose a highly protective day cream to form a barrier against the elements. The best products contain zinc oxide, and provide an SPF of at least 15. Try Relish Advanced Moisturizer SPF30 for a great moisturizing product that nourishes your skin while protecting it. And don't forget about your lips. Chapped lips are often the most noticeable problem in the winter. Use a highly moisturizing lip balm for a protective barrier, with vitamin E for good elasticity.

Exfoliate twice a week. This will remove dead cells and allow the skin to drink in much-needed extra moisture. Thanks to cool winter temperatures and central heating, our skin's natural oils (which we complain about in the summer) are no longer produced. So your skin loses the moisture usually retained in the lower dermis of the skin, which can lead to premature aging of the skin and fine lines, and skin can appear puffy and grey.

Drink a glass of hot water with lemon. Clean your skin... starting from the inside. This herbal remedy is a sure-fire way to energize your body. It will detox your entire system, including the liver and gall bladder. This means that your body will be able to clean the blood faster to get rid of toxins responsible for bad skin.

Don't take long, hot showers. While they feel delicious, hot showers strip skin of its natural moisturizing lipids. Instead, take a short, warm shower; pat your skin almost dry, then put on a good moisturizer while skin is still damp.

In the Winter humidify indoor air. Consider buying a humidifier. By circulating moisture in the air that you breathe into your lungs and into your pores, you will keep skin and nasal passages from drying out.

Simply sleep! Most celebrities agree that the best secret to beautiful skin is a good nights' rest. When you don't sleep enough, your oxygen level drops, cells are not renewed as quickly, and, you guessed it, degenerative skin aging sets in. Try for eight hours of rest a night... snooze your way to glowing, healthy skin.

Are You Sun Smart? Here are a few facts...

Did you know?

• Even mild sunburn is a first-degree radiation burn.
• UVA rays penetrate glass/windows.
• Sunscreen helps prevent premature signs of sun damage, such as fine lines, freckles and wrinkles.
• Sunscreens do not interfere with the body's ability to synthesize Vitamin D.

And did you know most people need at least one ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover their body? That's enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass!

SPF - Sun Protection Factor

The SPF ratings determine how many times longer your skin can tolerate UV rays when sunscreen is applied. For example, if it takes you 5 minutes to burn and you use an SPF 15 sunscreen, it should take you 75 minutes to burn (5 minutes times 15 SPF equals 75 minutes).

UVA and UVB rays

UVA penetrates more deeply into the skin and are responsible for contributing to photo damage and wrinkling of the skin, premature aging, and skin cancer. UVA causes skin to tan and poses a risk year-round, even on cloudy days. UVA is prevalent in tanning parlors where tanning devices can emit two to five times more UVA than is found in natural sunlight.

UV radiation at high doses increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. And prolonged exposure to UVA or UVB increases photo-aging.

UVB rays are stronger than UVA. UVB is responsible for most of the redness (sunburn) and tanning associated with sun exposure, and is the primary cause of premature aging and skin cancer. UVB tends to be more intense during the summer months, especially in higher altitudes.

SPF 15 gives you 94% to 95% UVB coverage, while SPF 30 bumps you up to about 96%.

Application

Sunscreens should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours, always reapply after swimming, exercise or excessive sweating.

Apply to your entire body, face, lips; including tops of ears, tops and bottoms of your feet; scalps where there is thinning or no hair, noses and bony surfaces.

Limit time in the strong midday sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Self Tanners

All sunless tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the only FDA-approved active ingredient for self-tanning lotions. DHA is a simple sugar and is nontoxic, when applied to the skin it reacts with amino acids on your skin's surface to turn it brown. DHA is safe and does not damage skin as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis.

Relish self tanner does not have a sunscreen, so always apply relish SPF15 or SPF 30, when exposed to the sun.