If you want radiant skin, you want healthy skin. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "glowing with good health". Your overall health affects your appearance and, obviously, the skin's health is of utmost importance.

Many people don't think of skincare as a matter of good health. They may think of it as a matter of personal hygiene. They may use cosmetics to make themselves "look" better. But, often they do very little to address specific issues that either contribute to or detract from their appearance.

When we are young, we may feel that we'll never need to worry about wrinkles, sagging or other signs of an aged appearance. We may spend too much time in the sun and use hazardous compounds on our faces and bodies, sometimes without even realizing it.

One of the first steps that you must take to have radiant skin is too look through the cosmetics that you are currently using. Read the labels of ingredients. Find out what's actually in there. Is it good or bad?

Some of the most common ingredients that cosmetic companies use are also the most detrimental to your long-term beauty. As a group, they are called petrochemicals. Surprisingly, they are found in many of the foods that we eat, as well.

These chemicals are derived from crude oil or petroleum. The ones that are found in creams, lotions and makeup are very similar to petroleum jelly (Vaseline). These compounds clog the pores and destroy the normal pH balance that is necessary to prevent infections, acne and blemishes, of all kinds. They can cause the appearance of overly pigmented areas, which are sometimes referred to as age spots.

Why do cosmetic companies rely on these "non" beneficial ingredients? They use them, because they are cheap.

If you want radiant skin, here's short list of ingredients to avoid:

1. Petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin
2. Ethanol, methanol and other denatured alcohols
3. Parabens, of all kinds
4. Ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol
5. Propylene
6. Benzene, oxybenzone, benzophenone, avobenzone
7. Benzoic acid

These are all common allergens and irritants. Some of them are known to cause cancer. Others are only suspected of causing it. Some of them are sun-screening compounds that were supposed to help protect us from skin-cancer. None of them are good for your skin's health or appearance.

Now, if you really want radiant skin, here's a list of ingredients to look for and the special benefits provided by each.

1. HEQ10-a special formulation of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E that can be readily absorbed into the skin's layers preventing and repairing free radical damage, a major cause of an aged appearance
2. Shea butter-if used regular, your complexion will glow. Shea butter softens and smoothes, fades wrinkles and stretch marks and is the moisturizer that is closest to your skin's natural oils
3. SYNERGY TK-a protein complex that moisturizes, supports cell renewal, nourishes the skin's cells, reduces inflammation, promotes healing and acts as an antioxidant

In conclusion, there are other steps that you can take to have radiant skin, but following these suggestions will give you a good foundation to build on.

To learn more about ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.