Caring for your skin requires maintaining the delicate balance of nutrients and natural oils required to make you look and feel your best. This is especially important when caring for your face, because facial skin is more sensitive to irritants, allergens, and chemicals. A basic skin care regimen for any skin type includes three steps: cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Cleansing
All skin types will benefit from a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of rest, exercise, and a balanced diet. In addition, wearing sunscreen whenever you are outdoors and using oil-free skin care products will help your skin stay bright and beautiful.
Depending on your skin type, you will want to cleanse your face once or twice a day. Over-washing can cause or exacerbate dry skin, so reduce your cleansing time if your skin feels dry or tight. Avoid using alcohol-based products and stay away from very hot or cold water. Instead, use warm water and a mild facial cleanser to remove dirt, germs, and pollutants from the skin. Gently pat your face dry with a towel when you re done and avoid pulling or rubbing the skin.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating restores the bright, youthful appearance to your face by removing dead skin cells. The fresh skin underneath is better able to absorb moisturizers and nutrients for a healthier look. Exfoliating should not be done too often, as this will cause over-drying and can irritate the skin. Most people exfoliate about once or twice a week, but you can do what works best for your skin. Choose or make a facial scrub that contains smaller granules that are appropriate for the sensitive skin on the face. Rub in the exfoliant using warm water and circular motions. For best results, exfoliate first thing in the morning.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing the skin after cleansing helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restores your skin's balance of natural oils. Moisturizer should be used twice a day, ideally right after you ve washed your face and your skin is still damp. It should be applied using upward strokes from the neck to the forehead, avoiding pulling, especially around the eyes. Oil-free moisturizers are the best choice, especially for acne-prone skin.
It's important to consider your skin type when choosing skin care products to ensure that you provide your skin with the nutrients it needs without causing breakouts or drying. Normal skin usually works best with a mild cleanser and a light moisturizer. People with oily skin should avoid greasy products. Dry skin will benefit from a heavier, 24-hour moisturizer. Those with combination skin should use a mild cleanser and treat the different areas of the face separately.