Simple Tips for Daily Skin Care

After you've spent some time enhancing your skin's health and providing it with the resources it needs to rebuild itself, you can work on developing the finest possible maintenance routine. Keep in mind that habits are formed in three to four weeks. Begin with something you know you can stick to for three weeks. If it means just focusing on your skincare routine for a month, then your hair care routine, that's OK. Just don't forget about your basic eating, hydration, and rest routine!

MAINTENANCE OF THE FACIAL SKIN

Cleansing

Every evening, all makeup should be removed before going to bed. There are numerous solutions available for washing your skin, with distinct formulae for each skin type. Unless you wear a lot of makeup, it's best to use a cleanser that eliminates makeup. Another approach is removing eye makeup with makeup remover or oil, as foundations and blushers usually take off easily with most normal cleansers. In any case, wipe your face before going to bed and again in the morning. If you properly cleanse your face in the evening, your morning skin will only need a mild washing to remove oil and sweat and ready your face for makeup.

Wet your face with lukewarm water if you're using a water-based cleanser. Apply an oil-based cleanser directly to dry skin.

Apply cleanser in small circles over your face, working from your nose to your hairline, with your fingertips or a soft cloth. Remember to scrub your neck with delicate swipes upward towards the jaw line. When washing, avoid pulling or stretching the skin.

Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water. If you intend to take a shower or bath, apply your cleanser before entering the shower/tub to allow it to work on your skin for a few minutes.


Toning

Toning maintains the skin's natural pH and creates a protective acid mantle, which strengthens the skin. It aids in the removal of cleanser residue and the reduction of pore size. Toners can range from gently acidic formulations to highly antiseptic formulations, depending on your skin type.

Soak a cosmetic pad in toner and gently wipe your face from your nose outward and across your forehead. Don't forget about your neck. Cotton balls can be used. However, cotton cosmetic pads are more convenient. Avoid the sensitive skin around your eyes unless you use a gentle toning formula with no alcohol or peroxide, and then only to remove oil and dirt from the brows.


Protecting

Every day, you should protect your skin from damaging UV radiation. "Protecting" consists of two steps. The first step is to feed your skin antioxidants and substances that will help it protect itself by retaining natural protecting enzymes. The second step is to protect it with sunscreen.

If you're going to use a vitamin/nutrient antioxidant solution or serum, soak a cotton ball in it and apply it to your face, first massaging your "problem spots" and then gently wiping over the rest of your face. Apply in an upward motion on the neck. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if using a commercial antioxidant serum.


Moisturizing

Women's natural sebum production reduces as they age. The skin needs inside and outside moisture to retain its strength, elasticity, and integrity. Moisturizers also lower the risk of mechanical injury to the skin by reducing friction and the likelihood of the skin being stretched or ripped due to contact.

You may protect and hydrate in the same step, but use an all-in-one skin cream with vitamins C, E, and A, as well as oils to moisturize and a sun block. You can also give your antioxidant protection by applying nutritional vitamin/herb mixtures to your skin and then applying a hydrating sunscreen. In later chapters, we'll go into which ones to pick and how to use them.

Apply moisturizer on the face in gentle outward motions. Apply in upward motions to the neck. Avoid pulling or stretching your skin. If your moisturizer does not already contain UV protection, use grease-free sunscreen on your face, throat, and any exposed body skin during the day.


Exfoliate

The outer layer of dead cells sloughs off as your skin grows and repairs itself. It is recommended that you exfoliate your skin at least once a week to speed up this process and get to the fresher, newer cells below. There are two approaches to this: mechanical and chemical. A decent skin scrub, microdermabrasion lotion, or a loofah pad can be used for mechanical exfoliation. You can use one of the popular acidic exfoliating preparations, such as glycolic acid peels, lactic acid peels, alpha-hydroxy, etc. Some skin cleansers include this step right in the formula. Your skin type will determine the frequency with which you exfoliate and the method you utilize. Irritated skin, such as that affected by acne, eczema, or rosacea, will not appreciate the harsh scrubbing of mechanical exfoliants, and a chemical formula may be too irritating for more than occasional use. Older skin that has been severely sun-damaged may require either or both treatments, possibly more frequently, to remove the damaged layers and stimulate the development of healthy collagen structures in the deeper layers of the skin. Again, we'll show you how to figure out how frequently and which form of exfoliation is ideal for you.

Exfoliants should be applied similarly to cleansers, regardless of the formula. If you use a chemical peel, avoid "scrubbing" your skin and instead allow the chemicals to do their work. Apply VERY little pressure and work in tiny circles if using a scrub. Again, avoid pulling or stretching the skin.

Most exfoliants will need time to "work." Applying exfoliants just before showering is an excellent idea since you can rinse them off in the shower, which aids in the removal of any residue.


Masks

Facial masks perform numerous functions, the most significant of which is thoroughly cleaning pores. Masks are also developed for super-hydration, circulation enhancement, and pure delight. Your skin type and the findings of the P-Method will define which type you use and how frequently. Generally, a thorough cleansing clay-based mask should be used at least once a week. These masks contain a variety of cosmetic clays that "pull" and absorb pollutants, debris, and dried sebum from your pores, allowing sebum to flow naturally and easily, brightening the appearance of the skin, preventing acne infections, and enhancing the texture of your skin. There are clay masks for every skin type and moisture level.

Allow the mask to dry after gently applying it. Most clay masks will absorb all of the dirt and wastes from your pores in 10-15 minutes. Gently remove the mask with your fingertips; do not pull. Again, applying them before getting into the shower is a smart idea.

Tone, protect, and hydrate your skin after exfoliating or using a mask.


Routine Examples

MORNING:

Cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser to eliminate any sweat or sebum.

Tone: Use a toner that is appropriate for your skin type. Toner will make your makeup go on smoother.

Moisturize: If you're wearing makeup, use a non-oily moisturizer. Even on dry-aged skin, the combination of an oily moisturizer and foundation can make a made-up face look cakey and greasy within a few hours. You can use an oilier moisturizer if you don't use makeup.

Use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF daily to protect yourself (unless you work the graveyard shift). Even the darkest skin should be shielded from the sun's damaging rays. Some commercial foundation products also include sun protection. You don't need to apply a separate sunblock if you use a moisturizer or foundation with a built-in sunblock of at least 15 SPF, but you should reapply it throughout the day.


EVENING:

Cleanse thoroughly before going to bed at night. Remove all makeup and cleanse with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.

Tone: To eliminate cleanser residue and restore pH balance, use a toner.

Protect your skin by applying an antioxidant serum and allowing it to absorb (it can be coupled with your moisturizer).

Moisturizer: Gently apply any specific eye cream and skin moisturizers to your skin.