The skin is the largest body organ, so it is important to keep it in a healthy condition. Our skin does its best to protect us from harmful substances entering our body and sometimes it feels like it's working overtime to combat the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. Some of these toxins are hard to escape, such as pollution in the air and chemicals and germs we come in contact with. What we choose to put in our bodies in terms of diet, fluid and nutrients and what we choose to put on our skin when it is clean and rested, is totally within our control and is essential to optimum skin health.

Our skin reflects how we look after ourselves, inside and out. This includes getting plenty of rest, low levels of stress and a positive mindset. This is where we can really make a difference to the health of our skin.

Avoiding cleansers and moisturisers with chemicals and replacing them with natural alternatives will help maintain your body's balance. There are a range of natural products available, but it is also simple to use a few ingredients to make your own.

Cleaning is one of the most important ways to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Washing away build ups of grease, dirt and dust prevents particles from becoming embedded in skin pores, which can lead to dull skin or spots. The secretion from glands is also prevented if the skin isn't clean, and therefore the body has a lessened defence against outside toxic substances and infections.

Considering that most women will spend more time and money on skin care, it is surprising that men who spend less time cleansing often have smoother skin. This may be because shaving daily removes the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breath easier. When cleansing, removing the top layer of skin cells is important, and can be done with a mild abrasive.

Cleaners marketed to clean out pores and reduce imperfections often strip the skin of all natural moisturising oils and leave the skin feeling dry and tight. It is important when cleansing your face to build up a lather on your palms before massaging this with your fingertips around your face and neck. Rinsing the cleanser off should take the same amount of time as it did to massage it in, so as to make sure that none of the traces of cleanser remain and burn your skin. Blotting with a towel instead of rubbing dry is best as it does not pull at your skin. Try finely grinding salt and mixing with olive oil to massage into tired, dry skin (however be careful not to massage too close to the hairline as it is tricky to get out of hair).

Soap is best avoided when cleaning skin, especially around the face where skin tends to be more sensitive. The pH of skin can become unbalanced, as soap has a high pH (most are alkaline) and  the surface of skin is midly acidic.

Natural skin cleansers can be made with a range of vegatable oils as main ingredients, which will combine with sebum, allowing dirt to be washed away. Coconut oil is particularly beneficial, as unlike most processed vegetable oils, it still contains antioxidants and vitamin E which helps protect skin. Seaweed is also known to be an effective cleanser which replenishes minerals and stimulates circulation.

Problem skin needs special care to reduce acne and oil build up. It is vital that the cleanser does not strip the skin of all natural oils, as this tends to make the skin overcompensate for the loss of protective oils and create even more oil. Jojoba oil and juniper comibine to make a good cleanser for acne prone skin.