There is something to be said for a golden, California-style tan, but spending hours tanning under the blazing solar disk is more of a skin-cancer risk than it is a fine tanning option. You could go all out and spent a hundred dollars getting a spray-on tan from a salon, but you risk losing control over the shade. For a few measly bucks, hide those pasty legs to the computer and buy some Neutrogena’s Instant Bronze sunless tanning and bronzer in one at the local drugstore. It’s a soft foam that provides instant color, then develops a tan as well.

Even if you cannot afford professional treatment, there’s still a lot you can do for yourself from home beauty treatments.

A weekly light scrubbing down with pumice stone or a scrub gives a regular exfoliation, which is a must to give the skin a satin smooth look.

Also include healthy doses of vitamin C (at least 1000 mg two to three times a day) in your diet. There’s nothing like a good massage to relax those tense nerves.

Fast once a week to detoxify the system. When toxins overload the body, the skin appears blemished and sallow. Following a detoxification programme will give your skin a chance to regain its natural shine.

You’ve always had good skin. But of late, these niggling, problems have been cropping up. What happened? The answer is that your skin doesn’t remain the same throughout your life cycle. Pimples, rashes, burns, pigmentation- all of these can change it.

What you basically need to do is to get a skin care program sooner than you think you need it. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are still healthy skin care imperatives. Without these basic moves, skin becomes dull, devitalized and cannot defend itself against environmental damage.