Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Your Skin

It's our body's largest organ yet there is still so much we don't know about our skin! From preventing wrinkles to the benefits of facial massage, we went to anti-aging expert Dr. Aaron Tabor to get the scoop on 10 things you don't know about your skin-but should!

"Your skin reflects your overall health," Dr. Tabor says, "so the best thing to remember is to eat a healthy diet and avoid junk food, do not smoke, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water. It is also important to read the ingredients on all skincare products and avoid any that contain "Glycols" or "PEGS," as they contain harmful chemicals."

Since May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to start thinking about preventing future damage to your outer layer. Read on for more of Dr. Tabor's tips!

Decode botanicals1. Decode botanicals: Botanicals, or a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavor, and/or scents, can be very useful in skincare products.

"Botanicals that contain beta-carotene can actually improve skin quality," Dr. Tabor says. "Keep in mind that products that contain botanicals should have a color or hue to them, as botanicals have a natural color. If the product you're using claims to have botanicals in it and it is white in color, you should ditch it. The only way skincare products can be white in color is through chemicals."

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Get a facial massage2. Rub away the years: Massage is beneficial for more than just our backs. "A facial massage helps stimulate fibroblasts (or cells) in the skin to release collagen and restore elasticity that's lost as we age." Many facials offer massage techniques as part of the treatment.

You're never too young for anti-aging products. 3. You're never too young: Did you know that your skin is already aging by your early 20s? "Do not wait until you're over 40 years old to use advanced, super-strength products-start right now," Dr. Tabor says. "A 20 year old loses collagen in her face at the same rate as a 40 year old. By using full-strength products right away, you can help delay collagen loss and other signs of aging."

Hands first, face second!4. Hands first, face second: Think your makeup brush gets dirty? Our hands are carrying around billions of bacteria at any given time-that inevitably gets transferred onto our faces.

"Never put on makeup, use skincare products, or even touch your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands," Dr. Tabor says. "Bacteria are the number one culprit in skin breakouts and, despite what people think, most of the germs that reach your face do not come from the air-they come from your own two hands."

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Open your pores before you put on your products. 5. Open pores are preferred: Closed pores means less absorption of product. "For maximum benefit, preface your nighttime skincare regimen by opening your pores. The best way to do this is to take a wash cloth or hand towel, soak it in hot water, and then let it rest on your face for a few moments," Dr. Tabor says. Then, apply your nighttime serums and moisturizers .

For more surprising skin tips, click here!