Peaches and cream has long been the standard for a beautiful complexion, but there's more truth behind this metaphor than you may think; both peaches and cream are highly beneficial dry skin remedies. Although they won't provide you with daily protection from environmental chemicals that may be causing dry skin, using them in home-made preparations will still help provide that healthy glow.

What do peaches have to offer? They are high in Vitamins A and C and a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids. These nutrients tighten the skin, unclog pores, reduce wrinkles and lighten age spots. All in all, they give you that moist, dewy peachy look.

How do you use them at home? You can keep it simple - cut a juicy slice and rub it on your face, washing it off after 20 minutes - or you can create your own masques.

• For delicate skin, peel and mash a ripe peach half, mix it with two tablespoons of plain yogurt (that's where the cream comes in) and apply. Rinse after about 20 minutes. This is especially good dry skin care.

• If you're looking to tighten sagging skin and close pores, blend the pulp of a ripe peach with an egg white until fully mixed. Apply, leave on for ½ hour and rinse.

• You can also add honey and oatmeal to a mashed peach - about three teaspoons of honey and enough oatmeal to turn it into a paste. Rinse off after about 15 minutes.

Of course, you need organic peaches or you'll be loading your face with chemicals.

Since you come into contact with chemicals every day - household cleaners, environmental pollutants, and so on - and chemicals are often the cause of dry skin, you should protect it after your peach refresher with a shielding lotion that is formulated for dry skin care. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps moisture in and chemicals out. With the combination of peaches and shielding lotion, you can say goodbye to dry skin.