15 GREAT THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR SKIN

It protects you, warms you, and transmits the pleasures of his touch. Isn't it time your showed your skin some love?
SARAH MAHONEY; ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ALEXIS FARAH

Go au naturel. There are more skin-care products claiming to be "natural" or "organic" than there are reality-TV stars.

If environmental and purity standards are important to you, consider buying products made in Europe. Companies overseas making eco claims trace ingredients back to their sources to verify their natural origins.

A few of the brands that do: Lavera (lavera.com), Weleda (usa.weleda.com), and Dr. Hauschka Skincare (drhauschka.com). And while you're at it: On products from the U.S., look for the National Products Association's new Natural Seal; it certifies that 95 percent of the ingredients are truly natural and pose no suspected human health risks (for more information, visit naturalproductsassoc.org/certifiednatural).

Use an anti-ager--now! Don't wait for the first crow's feet to appear before you reach for that little tube. "Even women in their twenties should be using a topical retinoid--unless they're pregnant or nursing," says Francesca Fusco, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Here's why: Retinoids, which contain vitamin A, are one of the most potent agents for preventing and reversing sun damage and signs of aging. And, says Hirsch, "they're the ultimate multitasker. They speed skin renewal by shedding dull, pore-clogging cells and increase collagen production to prevent wrinkles."

Fight the fuzz. Painless hair removal sounds about as legit as those Nigerian e-mail scams.

But this is one investment you won't regret: Studies have shown that Eflornithine HCl, a prescription cream sold under the name Vaniqa ($63 for 1 oz, drugstore.com), reduced hair on the chin and upper lip for nearly 60 percent of women tested.

And in two separate studies, using the cream with laser hair removal was more effective than either treatment alone.

Rise, but don't shine. Sleep on this: While you're logging quality snooze time, havoc may be breaking out on your face.

Hormonal surges during sleep cause your sebaceous glands to pump oil--and about 14 hours later, you end up shinier than the Harry Winston showroom. Those cursed with oily skin and breakouts can fight acne and grease slicks before they strike with an overnight treatment.

One of our favorites is Vichy Normaderm Night ($20 for 1.7 oz, vichyusa.com).