The Basics of Skin Care

Understanding the basics of skincare can be beneficial to achieving a healthy complexion. Some prefer a simple approach into their daily skin care regimen, while others may prefer a more advanced approach. Cleansers, Toners, Masque, Refiners, Moisturizers and Treatment Products all have an important role. Let’s begin by explaining the benefits of each product and how effective it can be to incorporate a complete skincare system.

Step 1 Cleanse: The purpose of Cleansers is to remove surface debris and excess oil, being careful to not over strip the skin of it’s natural oils. This prepares the skin for the next step.

Step 2 Toner: The purpose of using a Toner is to remove any residue left behind from the cleanser and depending on the skin type and toner selected, toners can leave a soothing, hydrating and refreshing effect on the skin.

Step 3 Exfoliate: Exfoliating the skin helps to sweep away dead skin cells, refines surface texture, diminish the appearance of large pores and helps to decongest the skin. The skin sheds hundreds of dead skin cells daily. Be careful to not use an exfoliant that is abrasive, they can actually scratch the epidermis, though it is not visible to the naked eye.

Step 4 Masque: Depending on the skin type, masque have several beneficial properties. For dry skin types, masque can be hydrating, moisturizing and promote cellular repair, for sensitive skin types, masque can be soothing and calming, for someone who has oily skin, a masque can be clarifying, purifying and detoxifying. For all skin types, a masque can bring radiance and clarity to sluggish devitalized or congested skin.

Step 5 Treatment Products: This is the time to apply your treatment products. These products have many purposes in treating the skin. Depending on the condition of your skin, they can assist in hyper-pigmentation (dark spots left behind from blemishes), aid in clearing up acne, strengthen connective tissues, improve elasticity, soothe and repair irritated skin, and many others.

Step 6 Moisturize: Moisturizers are also beneficial in replenishing what the skin has lost and assist in replenishing and nourishing the condition of the skin. Dry and dehydrated skin types certainly benefit from a dose of a good moisturizer to aid in hydrating and keeping the skin supple. It is also important for those with oily skin to moisturize, preferably oil-free and free of any comedogenic (pore clogging) ingredients to serve as a protective barrier for the skin. During this time of applying your moisturizer, utilize this time to also apply your eye gels/creams.

Step 7 Sunscreen: This is the last and most important step! I cannot stress how important this step is. The damaging effects the sun can have on the skin can be lifelong. However, the benefits of a consistent skincare system can help improve the health and appearance of the skin. A sunscreen that is waterproof, non-comedogenic and one that has a broad spectrum sunblock would be ideal. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen frequently every 1 ½ hours, more often if sunny or heavily perspiring. The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), cause most of the problems. Both cause suntan, sunburn, and sun damage. There is no "safe" UV light, so there is no such thing as a safe tan. Newer broad-spectrum sunscreens contain products to block UVA. These must be reapplied every 11/2 hours to keep working. Because some ultraviolet light gets through sunscreens, they should not be used as a way of prolonging sun exposure - only to avoid sunburn.

Again, you will not be disappointed by incorporating a consistent skincare system into your routine. Follow a skin regimen twice daily. You not only look refreshed and revitalized, but you also feel better about yourself. When we look good, we feel good!

	You will not be disappointed by incorporating a consistent skincare system into your routine. Follow a skin regimen twice daily. You not only look refreshed and revitalized, but you also feel better about yourself. When we look good, we feel good!