Ah, the ad campaigns for beauty creams. You know how they work. A scene often features a woman with self-esteem issues because she looks older than her age. Then lo and behold! Using the beauty cream transforms her into the most youthful-looking woman in the world. And she lives happily ever after…

The truth is, looking younger doesn’t only rely on facial creams, even those that claim to be “natural” (which, IMO, is not true because things lose their naturalness the moment they are taken away from their natural environment, hyper-refined and processed into products).

But the skin is really what makes a person look younger or older. So take good care of it. However, you can’t be lazy. Creams won’t get you all the way there. In fact, there are only three important requirements to help maintain your skin’s radiance:

1. GOOD NUTRITION
Water, fruits and veggies play major roles in maintaining your glow. They also help you achieve a healthy and strong body that keeps you away from disease and untimely death. They keep you hydrated while also reducing the risk of many illnesses that are usually brought by old age like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and even Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Also, limit your diet to 1,700 calories a day. The majority of diseases are linked to excess weight. Japan boasts its cultural tradition called “hara hachi bu” (eating at 80 percent full) as the secret why there are many centenarians in the country.

2. PROPER EXERCISE
A good exercise regimen is an important key to looking and feeling younger. It helps promote good circulation, gives you energy, regulates your metabolism, and helps rid your body of toxins through sweating. Non-organic foods are not the only carrier of toxic waste that go inside your body. You also pick up toxins from the air you breathe. Exercise helps your body functions better to regulate your bowel movements, urination, exhaling, and sweating – the four ways to get rid of the toxins inside.

3. ADEQUATE SLEEP
Sleeping Beauty is proof. When you get adequate sleep everyday (normally 8 hours), you maintain the adequate amount of cellular water that keeps your skin moisturized and supple. Progressive staying up all night results into progressive loss of cellular water. The loss of water results to bad skin complexion and appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Moreover, adequate sleep helps boost your immune system and keeps you away from diseases and skin-related problems like rashes and eczema.

As you fall into deep slumber, your hormones initiate the restorative process of cell and tissue repair. However, limited and intermittent waking sleep cuts this process.

And here’s a lesser-known fact: when your skin is benefiting from adequate sleep, beauty products and skin treatments also work more efficiently. If you have a dull facial skin, for example, it can be easily rejuvenated when it is treated on the outside by moisturizers and sunscreens; while inside, it is undergoing cell and tissue repair via enough sleep.