Proper Skin Care Routine

 Proper Skin Care Routine

 Everyone needs a good skin care routine.  It’s not just for “beauty” but for the health of your skin.  So what’s involved in a good skin care routine?

1. Know your skin type:

Skin is not just skin.  There are 4 skin types and each one needs different things in terms of skin care.

• Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or itch after you use some makeup or other products.

2) Cleansing the skin:

normal/combo skin:  Don't just grab whatever soap is in the shower or at the sink to wash your face.  Get a quality product designed for the skin on your face.   You just need to find skincare that works for you. Use a gentle cleanser or soap and wash -- don't scrub your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water, then pat dry. If you find your skin dries out or gets oily, try a different cleanser.

Dry skin: If you have dry skin, use a gentle cleanser that doesn't have alcohol or fragrance. Those ingredients can dry your skin out even more. Gently wash your skin, then rinse with plenty of warm water. Don't use hot water because it removes the natural oils from your face faster. Try exfoliating once a week to get rid of flaky skin cells. It will make your skin look clearer and more even.  

Oily skin: use an oil-free foaming cleanser to wash your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water. You may want to use a toner or astringent after you've washed your face, but be careful because it might irritate your skin. They can remove extra oil, making your face less shiny, and help keep skin clean.

Sensitive skin: wash it with a very gentle cleanser and rinse with warm water. Be sure to pat -- don't rub -- dry. Exfoliating may irritate sensitive skin. Try not to use products that have alcohol, soap, acid, or fragrance. The fewer ingredients in a skincare product, the happier your face may be.

Finish off any cleansing routine with a splash of cold water to close pores.

Tone: Use Toner after you have finished cleansing. Find a toner, like a cleanser, that’s suited for your skin type.

3)Moisturize: No matter what type of skin you have, you need to moisturize.  Moisturizer helps protect and keep moisture in the skin.  Even if you have oily skin, get an oil free moisturizer.  Before apply moisturizer make sure to wet your face just a bit to give the moisturizer some moisture to seal in.  Never rub in moisturizer.  Rubbing in product stretches skin, which can cause wrinkles.  Apply dabs of product around the face and pat in with fingertips.

So when and how often should you wash your face?  You can dry your skin by washing it too much, so once a day is fine for most people. In the morning, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Use a soft towel to pat it -- not rub it -- dry. At night, washing with a cleanser or gentle soap helps get rid of the day's dirt and makeup. If you exercise, play sports, or have PE, you may want to wash your face afterward with a gentle cleanser. Sweat can clog your pores and make acne worse.

Hopefully these simple steps will help you start to figure out your routine for your skin's optimal health.  Setting up a solid routine is one of the best things you will ever do for your skin.