1) Cleansing your Skin.

It is very important, no matter what your skin type, to cleanse your face every day. To keep pores clear and to keep your skin looking healthy, its a must to use a good product for deep cleansing at least once a week. Your choice of cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Soaps containing perfumes and deodorants should not be used on your face because they have harsh ingredients and can leave a detergent film behind. Yuck! These cleansers can also irritate your skin and clog your pores (we all know what happens next!). When cleansing your face, select a product that is as natural and mild as possible.

Occasionally using a good scrub will remove dead cells and smooth the skin surface. Stay away from scrubs that contain ground bits of nuts or seeds. These particles may tear and damage your skin. A good scrub will invigorate without irritating or damaging. Basically speaking, the scrub should clean your skin without damaging it.

2) Moisturize your Skin

The most important thing you can do for your skin is moisturize it! A lot of people say that they have oily skin and have no need for a moisturizer. Quite the contrary! Everyone needs moisturizer… a really good moisturizer. Again, natural is better. Use products with the least amount of chemical additives. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and dont forget to put the moisturizer on your neck area as well. If you are going to be outdoors always use a good sunscreen. You can find good moisturizers that also have a sunscreen in them as well.

For more intensive moisturizing and to target damaged skin and wrinkles use products containing rich, healing ingredients, such as vitamin E, aloe vera oil or squalene. These oils are great for under and around the eyes.This is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin produces less of the oil that occurs naturally on the skin (sebum).

3) Toning your skin

Our skin is exposed to environmental pollutants and the suns UV and UVB rays everyday. Toning can help keep your skin clear and firm. As we age, it is harder is maintain the elasticity of your skin. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work well for toning the face. These acids can reduce the pore size, and unclog the pores… helping to reduce acne and avoid ingrown hairs.

4) Protecting your skin

Healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of overall body health. Protecting your skin can keep it looking healthier and younger longer. Key elements to the protection and health of your skin include:

a) Avoid over exposure to the sun. Sun damage may cause hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into cancer. Sun exposure also causes facial wrinkles. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially your face. Remember, you are exposed to the sun even while driving your car to / from work, school activities, soccer practice, the grocery store, etc. There are companies that make moisturizers that actually contain sunscreen as well. However, make sure the products dont have any chemicals, artificial dyes or fragrances.

b) Exercise. Exercise promotes blood circulation which increases oxygen distribution to the capillaries and skin tissue. This oxygenation revitalizes the skin. As gross as this may sound, sweating helps remove dirt and toxins from the pores. Always clean your skin immediately after exercising so you can wash the sweat and toxins from the surface of your skin.

c) Eat Healthy. Eating healthy food, including lots of fruits and vegetables will keep your skin looking healthy. Foods rich in vitamins C and E also help to maintain skins elasticity. Drinking plenty of water will hydrate and firm your skin as well. No time to eat healthy? Take a good vitamin supplement that contains anti-oxidants and plant/vegetable extracts to help your skin be healthy from the inside to the outside!

d) Avoid Excess. Too much alcohol, smoking, stress or fatigue can take its toll on the health of your skin. These factors can dull and discolor your skin making you look old and tired. Get a lot of sleep and avoid excess to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant./pbr
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Taking great care of your facial skin is easy once you establish the right routine, and sticking to a regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing schedule can help you achieve a flawless, smooth complexion that glows with health. Every person’s skin is unique, so developing your facial care regimen will be likely to require some trial and error. Knowing thoroughly what different kinds of products do, and what your skin type needs, can help you create the ultimate skin care plan custom designed for your individual complexion.

The first thing to consider when choosing skin care products and coming up with your treatment plan is your skin type. If you often notice flaking, find your skin is easily irritated, or feel that you are prone to premature wrinkles, you probably have a dry skin type. If you are vulnerable to acne and blemishes, or find that you constantly need to powder your nose to keep shine at bay, you have an oily skin type. If, like many people, you have pimples and grease in some areas and irritation and flaking in others, you have combination skin, which usually requires the most individualized care.

Keep your skin type in mind when buying the four products that will make up your skin care routine. You will need a cleanser to use twice daily, an exfoliant to use a few times per week, a moisturizer to use as needed, and one intensive treatment for weekly use. The cleanser should wipe away dirt, makeup, and excess oil, and will keep your pores free of clogs. The exfoliant will slough away dead skin cells that can cloud your visage, and exfoliating will help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. The moisturizer will tackle dryness, redness, and irritation so that you can maintain a silky smooth texture and a fresh, dewy look. The intensive treatment should be a commercially available or homemade mask that will tackle your biggest skin problem.

For your cleanser, look for a product free from alcohol or other potentially drying agents, and choose the gentlest product possible. It should be strong enough to cut through excess grease, but not so strong that it strips your face of the natural oils that keep it resilient. Your exfoliant should be especially designed for facial skin, the most delicate skin on the body, so don’t try to make your body scrub do double duty on your face. The moisturizer you pick must be non-comedogenic to keep your complexion clear, and should be water based for maximum effectiveness. Use your moisturizer only when you notice redness or dryness. For people with dry skin this may mean applying a thin layer after every cleansing, but for others it might mean occasional spot treatments. Use a mask treatment once a week for a luxurious, deeply penetrating solution to your skin problems. You can find a mask recipe or premixed product for any issue under the sun, so whether your dominant skin trouble is acne, dryness, or visible wrinkles, or if your skin is in great shape but could use an infusion of nutrients, you will be able to find a treatment ideal for your skin.