Jordan Broussard, Garbo’s make up expert, offers important tips for keeping your “canvas,” also known as your face, in wonderful condition.

Most of you spend HOURS a week applying your favorite makeup, but most (if not all) of you do not spend enough time focusing on your skin or as I like to call it, your canvas.

The most important advice I can give as a beauty professional is to take care of and properly prep your skin before any application; some make up contains harmful chemicals that can dry out or even cause your skin to break out (a sign to quit using). Through proper care and preparation of your skin you will be able to better prevent these harmful chemicals from penetrating your skin; hopefully,  you may quit using them all together.

Here are some important tips to help get you and your skin back on track and staying in good condition:

1. Get plenty of rest. Seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep
   should be your goal each and every night. Too many hours can lead to weight
   gain, and too few can leave you dragging throughout the day. If you can, try
   sleeping on your back which will increase your blood circulation.
2. One of the best known ways to prevent wrinkles is to
   drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. Hydration provides moisture to
   the skin but don’t make the mistake of drinking too much. Overhydration can
   disrupt barrier lipids which are responsible for binding skin cells together,
   and can actually degrade the skin instead of improving it.
3. Stop Smoking!! if you haven’t already done so. It’s the
   worst crime you can commit against your skin not to mention your overall
   health. Smoking stimulates free radical activity and contributes to a loss of
   collagen. This is an essential protein your skin needs to retain its firmness,
   tone and elasticity.
4. Put on a happy face! Wrinkles can be the culmination
   of years of frowning and grimacing. Even if you don’t smile much, try not to
   let your negative expressions show as you will pay dearly for them later.
5. Avoid overexposure to ultraviolet rays. Wear sunscreen all
   year round as even brief periods of exposure can lead to sun-damaged skin. Wear
   protective clothing such as hats and sun visors during periods of intense heat.
6. Avoid taking long, hot showers and baths are they can strip the
   skin of its natural oils. While short, lukewarm ones may not be as relaxing,
   they are not nearly as harsh on the skin.
7. Limit the potato chips and sodas. Cut down on the bad foods
   and feast on the good ones that will not only help your skin, but your overall
   health as well. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial;
   these include avocados, olive oil, fish, walnuts, broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
   They contain essential nutrients, powerful antioxidants and function to
   maintain a healthy immune system.
8. Get some exercise. Nothing benefits the body more than putting
   it to work to reduce stress. Include aerobic exercise for the heart, lungs and
   blood circulation. Resistance training can add muscle tone and strength. You’ll
   not only feel better, but psychologically it will work wonders in boosting your
   self-image and confidence.
9. Avoid skin care products that contain chemicals of any
   kind as they may cause skin irritation and rash. In some cases, they can
   present even more serious health dangers.
10. Use clinically proven organic skin care ingredients that work
    in harmony with the skin — ones that can penetrate deep to the inner levels of
    the skin where they can do some good. Aveda products are specifically created for this purpose.
11. Apply moisturizers day and night. They plump up the skin for a
    fuller look. Products containing avocado, jojoba or babassu oil are especially
    effective as they best complement the natural oils found in our skin. They’re
    all surefire choices to prevent wrinkles.