When we talk of healthy skin, we mean one that is clear, smooth and free of blemishes. Getting such skin is not difficult, provided you understand the needs of your skin and take care of the skin it deserves.
Skin Care According to Skin Type
Skin care varies according to the type of skin. To find out your skin type, when you wake up in the morning, before washing or cleansing your face, wipe it off with a tissue. If the tissue is clean, you have normal to dry skin. If the tissues become stained or dirty with grease, your skin is oilier than normal. Use different tissues for different areas, wipe the forehead, nose and chin with one tissue and use the other tissue to wipe the cheeks. This will help you to know whether you have combination skin or not.
1- The daily care of the skin involves cleansing, exfoliation (use of scrubs), toning, moisturizing, nourishing, eye care, lip care and the use of masks.
2- Cleansing helps in removing dirt, pollutants, rancid sweat, oil, dead skin cells and makeup. If you use face wash, wash the skin only twice a day and if you have dry skin then use a cleansing cream or gel. Also, light cleansing milks and lotions are better for oily and combination skin. For acne-prone skin, use a medicated cleanser.
3- Exfoliation is a way to deeply cleanse the pores and also helps to remove dead skin cells. This is done with a facial scrub. Use a scrub once a week for dry skin, while for oily skin without pimples, use a scrub two or three times a week.
4- Toning of the skin follows cleansing. Toning helps to improve blood circulation on the surface of the skin, unclog pores and refresh the skin. Rose water is one of the best natural skin toners. After cleansing, use a cotton ball or pad, soaked in skin tonic or rose water, to wipe and pat the skin.
5- Sun protection is one of the main aspects of skin care. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturizers. Moisture is most important for the skin. Moisturizers are available in the market nowadays in both liquid and cream form. Oily skin may need a moisturizer only in winters.
6- Night time cleansing is most important, in order to remove the impurities that have been deposited on the skin during the day. The repair and restoration of the skin proceeds during the night, when we sleep.
7- Cleanse and remove make-up from the eyes. Apply an almond cream or almond oil sparingly under the eyes and wipe off gently with moist cotton wool. Under-eye gels are also available. Apply the almond cream or almond oil on the lips and leave on overnight.
8- Nourishment is important for normal to dry skin. It helps to keep the skin smooth and soft, so that it can retain moisture. After cleansing the skin at night, apply a nourishing cream and massage on the skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe off with damp cotton.
9- If there is acne, cleanse at night with a medicated cleanser or anti-acne face wash. Then apply an anti-acne lotion only on the pimples and an anti-blemish ointment only on the acne marks, rubbing it into the skin. Leave them on overnight.
10- Masks play an important role in skin care as they perform many functions. Regular use of the mask helps in keeping the skin in good condition, adds glow, tightens the skin, improves the cell renewal process and delays the signs of ageing. Apply it on the face avoiding the lips and the area around the eyes. Wash it off when it dries or follow the instructions specified.
11- Have a professional salon facial. A facial massage should be included for normal to dry skin, while oily skin can have salon “clean ups,” when blackheads, if any, may be removed.
12- Diet and exercise are most important for healthy skin. So, take a good look at your diet. Begin by reducing your intake of fats and sugar. Include fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, salads, yogurt and sprouts in your daily diet. Daily exercise improves blood circulation and puts the glow back on your skin.
Related Articles
The Age to Start Using Anti-ageing Products
5 Essential Oils for Lightening and Brightening Skin
About Author
