5 must-have products for great skin

Here are five basic products to help you get your skin looking smooth, supple and radiant. 

The number one skin-aging culprit is ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. The cumulative unseen damage to the deeper skin layers contribute to sagging skin and wrinkles.

• Most sun damage occurs in the course of regular daily activities such as walking outside or even driving a car. You should wear sunblock every day, especially on your face.

Visit any store's beauty aisle and you'll find shelves of products promising to transform your skin. Why gamble with over-the-counter products when you can ask your dermatologist for a tretinoin (that's the generic name) prescription?

• Retinols slow collagen loss resulting from sun exposure and encourage new collagen production.
• Because they are a powerful substance, many new users experience irritation and even acne at first. Most of these side effects subside within a couple of months.

Skin and coconut oil is a winning combination. Coconut oil penetrates deep into the skin to keep it supple.

• Coconut oil is an effective alternative to lotion.
• Massage a small amount into the skin until it's absorbed.

Ground oats mixed with enough water to form a paste make an amazing natural exfoliant and/or hydrating skin mask.

• Gently massage the paste onto your face, let it dry and then rinse clean. As a body scrub, use the oat paste in the shower.
• The rough texture gently sloughs off flaky, dry skin cells without being as abrasive as commercial scrubs.

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to sweat. The more you sweat, the dewier your skin will look.

• Other skin-beautifying benefits of sweating (as a result of running, cycling, playing tennis or any other fast-paced activity) are increased blood flow and water intake, both of which beautify skin from the inside out.

The body's largest and most visible organ is the skin. Protect, nurture and nourish it and it will look younger for longer.