Contrary to what the beauty industry would have you believe, having beautiful, glowing skin isn't dependent on expensive creams and moisturizers and tonics. Sure, these kinds of products and can help take your regimen to the next level, but they definitely are not – and should not be -- the foundation of your regimen. Really, the most important thing you can do to ensure you have lovely skin isn't worrying about what you put on your face, but making sure what you keep off it: namely, sunlight.
Much of the damage that causes skin to look like it's "aging" is due to exposure to the sun. Wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, discoloration, and changes in tissue elasticity can all be directly traced to how much time you spend in the sun. So, the first weapon in your arsenal should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Make sure that your sunscreen is high-SPF and designed to be used for the face, since many regular sunscreens can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts.
The second thing you'll need will depend on what kind of skin you have. If your complexion is oily, you will need a gentle cleanser designed to help rid your skin of excess oil. If your skin is dry, you will need a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Adding more oil to an already-oily complexion goes against common sense, but you would be surprised at how many people have bought into this myth!
The third and last piece to this puzzle is admittedly more difficult, but just as important, if not more so. Drinking enough water is vital for both skin health and overall health, but "enough" will vary for everyone. Many experts recommend taking your body weight, dividing that number in half, and then drinking the resulting number in ounces; for example, a 200-pound man would need to drink 100 ounces to stay hydrated. This number should increase if exercise is involved, however, or depending on your altitude and climate's temperature. The half-the-body-weight rule should be a starting point, not a hard rule. Popping a multivitamin when you chug a glass of water will make sure that your skin is receiving the vitamins and nutrients it needs to look its best.
These three strategies of protection, management, and nutrition are the cornerstones for any beauty regimen that will succeed, and will get you amazing results in no time!