Turning twenty-one is a milestone for most. The transition from teenaged girl to woman brings about tumultuous changes. From bouts of acne to settled clear skin, the early to late twenties are the time to enjoy the 'good skin phase'. The best barometer of age is facial skin. A little care at this time can go a long way, even though it gets hard to cope with career stresses and fast lifestyles today.


Turning inside out
The condition of the mind and body has immediate effects on the skin. Cory Walia, make-up guru with Lakme says, "Consume the right amounts of water, vitamins, minerals and good fats, to make your skin glow with good health." Begin your day with a glass of warm water with a few drops of lemon to flush out toxins and waste from the body. Munch on a few almonds soaked overnight for essential fats and make it a point to eat a healthy breakfast with fruits and fibre. According to Cory, "Crash diets are a complete no-no. Women trying to attain that perfect figure, go in for fad diets that make one drastically gain and lose weight, seriously affect the skin making it look dull and sallow." Regular workouts and breathing exercises also boost circulation giving the face a healthy flush.

Three steps to skin bliss
The skin is going through a settling-down phase resulting from all the hormonal changes. This is why acne-prone skin may still be a little bit oily. Determine your skin type by visiting a dermatologist, which will then guide you in choosing products that will work best for you.
The most effective is the three-step skin care regime: cleansing, toning and moisturising. Begin with cleaning your face with a gentle cleansing lotion or a foaming face wash that removes dirt while moisturising. Follow by sweeping a cotton pad soaked in a toner or alcohol-free astringent all over the face and neck to maintain the pH balance. End with a light oil-free matte moisturiser. Clinique has one of the finest three-step oil-free range of products. Another good option is the Lakme foaming face wash and astringent which leaves the skin feeling fresh. Exfoliate with a gentle scrub - avoid apricot and walnut scrubs on your face, as they are too harsh. Try the Tea Tree Oil Facial Scrub by The Body Shop.
Indian sun can be rather strong for your skin; always wear an oil-free sun-block with a minimum of 30 SPF. Try sun protection by Lakme Sun Expert Cream (with the tan protection index) or Body Shimmer Sunscreen by Estee Lauder. Follow the same steps at night - remember to always remove make-up before going to bed and wrap up with a light moisturiser.