When it comes to skin care repetition is the key to success. The only way to make sure your skin care products work for you is to use them repeatedly. This is not an easy task in the new world of skin care. They are so many products out there that promise to be perfect for your skin.
I would spend so much time in the skin care isle in our local pharmacy looking at all these skin care products that promised me perfection and I found it dizzying being there. I know we’ve all been in this situation at some point and trust me I know how it ends for some of us – for me it always ended with me leaving the store with nail polish, lipstick or accessories I didn’t need!!
I realize the information I’ve shared thus far makes taking care of your skin seem like a time consuming and expensive endeavor but it isn’t and it doesn’t have to be. Firstly, if you decide to add products to your routine after this article begin by adding products one at a time this makes it easy to pin point the changes its causing, be those changes good or bad.
Products for the different skin types will differ however my research has shown that skin requires 6 different steps.
CLEANSING
This is the most important step of any routine and for any skin type. Proper cleansing is important in order to remove all make up and dirt. You should make it a mission to wash your face at least twice a day. When you wake up and before you go to bed. Use a gentle cleanser no matter what your skin type is, use something that gentle for your skin and powerful enough to wash impurities effectively.
TONING
I honestly believe toning is the most important part of any skin care routine but hey, i’m not expert. Most of us skip this step yet it completes the cleansing process. It helps remove any remaining bits of oil, dirt and debris left behind by your cleanser. It not only does that, but sometimes after washing your face you might not rinse off your cleanser properly, your toner will help remove that left over cleanser and clear your pores. A facial toner will help soothe, nourish and hydrate the skin while restoring its delicate pH balance. I trust in this step the most. My face feels so fresh and clean i believe it has improved the way my skin looks.
MOISTURIZING
NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SKIN TYPE IS, it is important to moisturize your face. I know most people with oily skin fall into the trap of thinking, “I already have oil on my face why add more”. Unless you want the words, nubby tweed, snakeskin, cracked leather, to describe the condition of your skin then trust me, moisturizing is important. (Tip: Be soft around the delicate areas such as your eyes and lips, circular motions around your cheeks and sweeping motions everywhere else.) I suggest a light moisturizer for people with sensitive or oily skin and a hydrating one if you have really dry skin.
EXFOLIATING
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and works to improve skin tone. Can be done up to three times a week if you have oily skin, but if you have dry or sensitive skin limit it to just once or twice a week. A nice scrub, or alternatively an exfoliating cloth to use with your cleanser will do.
SUN PROTECTION
The sun emits rays that can be harmful to your skin, so using sun protection helps prevent your skin aging or getting damaged. Some moisturizers come with SPF (sun protection factor) so that’s always something good to bare in mind when picking out one! I use sunscreen everyday even when its cloudy outside, remember the Sun is always there which means it can still affect your face.
FACIAL
Final step to achieving and keeping healthy skin is to treat yourself to a facial often. It can be a home made facial, steam your face and use a home made mask once a week. I treat myself every Sunday, its my way of prepping myself for the coming week.
It seems like a lot but trust me, older you will thank you for building a routine that works and sticking to it. It will help boost your confidence and feel as beautiful or as handsome as you already are.
Its your skin, take care of it. I will post my skin care routine up soon and I have sensitive, combination-oily, acne prone skin. If you want to see what works for me keep your eyes peeled for the next post, worry not if your skin type is different from mine I will post routine suggestions for all skin types….