DAILY:
No matter what your skin type, having a regular cleansing regimen every day is critical for good skin health. Most skin experts advise that excessive cleaning should also be avoided at all costs. Washing your skin twice a day with a good facial cleanser that is designed for your skin type helps keep acne and other skin infections under control.
Cleansing gets rid of left over makeup and cosmetics that will end up clogging your pores. It also removes any sweat and environmental impurities from the surface of the skin. Many cleansers also hydrate the skin and make it supple and elastic. It is very important to use the correct cleanser for your skin type. Do not use regular soap to wash your face. Regular soap is high alkaline which will dry out your skin. Some also contain perfume which removes the normal protective sebum layer from your skin. This tends to make your skin lose its normal moisture and in some cases may even stimulate an oily skin to produce more oil.
Toning your skin is the second step in your daily skin care regimen. Toner gets rid of any excess cleanser that is still on your skin, it refreshes the skin and evens out the pH levels. It also enhances cell renewal and refines the texture of your skin. Use a toner that gives your skin the vitamins and minerals it needs and you will see your skin revitalized in no time at all. The toner should be applied right after the cleansing (twice a day) and be left on.
Protecting your skin from sun rays is another daily skin care routine that you should adopt. Sun blocks are available for all skin types. Select one that suits yours and use it diligently whenever you need to go out.
Moisturizing your skin and keeping it well hydrated is an important step to follow. It helps the skin to maintain its normal moisture balance, puts lost moisture back into your skin and it also helps create the perfect base for your foundation. Many people with oily skin believe that moisturizing is unnecessary for them. But this may not really be true. Allowing your skin to get excessively dry may actually worsen your oily skin problems and cause acne or red patches. Drink plenty of water each day to clear out the toxins from your skin and to keep it supple and elastic all day long.
Another daily skin care tip is to pay attention to the products that you use on your skin each day and note how your skin feels or reacts afterwards. This helps you identify the cosmetics, creams and moisturizers that suit your skin best and have the least harmful impact. The same attention needs to be paid to the hair care products you use since these may also have an effect on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
WEEKLY:
To support your daily skincare routine, it is also important for you to take some extra care over the weekend to get your skin ready for the week ahead. Although some experts recommend exfoliation as a daily routine, I recommend that you do it once or twice a week. This is quite sufficient for good skin health.
Exfoliation is the process of removing old, dead skin cells that remain on the outermost surface of your skin. This is an important part of facial skin care and body treatment. Exfoliation, when done correctly, leaves your skin looking and feeling fresh and smooth. Since the outer layer of dead cells is removed by this process, creams, serums and moisturizers penetrate the skin better and have better effect when applied after exfoliation.
Exfoliation becomes even more important as you become older. As part of normal body processes, the skin renews cells at the lower layer or dermis. These rise to the surface (epidermis), keratinizing as they advance. These keratin-filled cells form a protective outermost layer of skin. In time, they slough off and allow new cells to take their place and the cycle goes on.
However, as we age (near age of 40 and above), the process of cell regeneration and replacement slows down dramatically. As a result of uneven sloughing off and replacement with new cells, the skin loses its glow and becomes rough. Exfoliation is very essential in such conditions to remove the dead cells that remain on the epidermis so that new cells can take their place.
Exfoliation is a very effective solution to many skin problems, especially those arising from or aggravated by closed pores. Checking periodically if this process is necessary and doing it as soon as the right signs appear helps keep your skin in great condition.
Another weekly skin care process you should adopt is the use of facial masks. You may be using masks when you need to prepare your skin for a special event or when it seems very dull and lifeless. But making this a part of your weekly regimen ensures that it gets done week after week.
Facial masks give your skin suppleness, hydration and elasticity. Masks (especially clay based ones) absorb excess oil from your skin and deep cleanse the pores. For those who suffer from severe acne, masks with salicylic acid are very effective as it also revitalizes the skin.
Most facial masks diminish the fine lines that appear on the face with age. Alpha hydroxyl acids in the mask speed up cell renewal to have this effect. This also results in smoother skin texture. Regular use of facial masks also makes your skin firmer and evens out the skin tone. This prepares your skin well for perfect makeup application.
Regular use of the right kinds of facial masks help combat several common skin problems including rosacea, oiliness, acne and dry skin. However, if you suffer from severe skin problems, you should choose your facial mask with care so the ingredients do not spark off irritation or rashes.
Use your facial mask right after a thorough cleansing and exfoliation. The pores are unclogged by the cleansing and exfoliation. The beneficial ingredients in the facial mask can penetrate the skin far better at this time so that they have maximum impact.
MONTHLY:
Never get into the habit of using up all your beauty essentials without being mindful of their expiration. Check for their due dates and ditch the ones that are already expired. Special precaution should also be given on skin care products that you scoop out using your fingers as these are prone to contamination and may cause skin breakouts
Aside from the usual skin checks and steps that you take to ensure a radiant glow, you must also take time to examine your skin to identify suspicious spots or skin growths that may need dermatologist care or medical attention. A monthly skin check can help in the detection of skin cancer. And as cliche, as it may sound, ‘an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure’.
Going to a dermatologist for a facial or a professional treatment will not just give your skin the care it needs. It is also the ‘me-time’ you want to get the much-needed relaxation and pampering. Another smart way to splurge is taking advantage of the season-appropriate beauty essentials that should address your current skin care requirements.
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