BEAUTY 101: The Skin Care Basics

Work on having and maintaining a vibrant skin

Essential skin care that will result in gorgeous glowing skin comes down to these 5 basic steps:

      Cleanse & Exfoliate

CLEANSE your face twice a day. In the morning use just a little of whatever cleanser agrees best with your skin type as there is not much to wash off your face. At night cleanse your face twice – especially if you wear makeup. The first cleanse will remove the day and the second one actually cleanses your face. (Remember to use less product the second time so as not to over dry your skin)
Night time cleansing is very essential as impurities and make up from the day can clog pores and result in break outs, and since your skin repairs itself at night clean skin is vital for this to happen.

EXFOLIATION is essential for brightening for your skin. It is a process that helps remove the outermost layer of dead skin to reveal younger and healthier skin cells. With age, our skin’s cellular renewal process slows down leaving dull lifeless skin on the surface. Exfoliation is the only way to reveal the fresh bright healthy skin that lies underneath and is the secret to glowing skin.

With both these steps its essential to find a mild product that will not do more harm than good. Find a product that is as natural as possible with as few harsh chemicals as possible. Do your research and find what works best for your skin type. Avoid harsh grainy exfoliants as these can actually hurt your skin. Look for exfoliaters that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids AHAs or products that have soft rounded particles as opposed to the grainy ones.

       Moisturize

 Moisturizing is an essential step in good skin care.  An effective moisturizer should have a combination of ingredients that: replenish the skin's natural ingredients that help maintain its structure, cut down on damage from free-radicals, help the cells function more normally. This is a step you cant afford to miss as the right moisturizer will not only nourish your skin from the outside but also protect it from the harsh world out there.

      Sunscreen

You've worked hard to take care of your skin by cleansing and moisturizing it. Don't undo all those benefits by exposing it to UV radiation. Find a good broad-spectrum sunscreen and make its application a part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth and bathing. Most people know that exposure to UV radiation can cause sun damage to the skin, including sunburn, photo aging, and increased risk of skin cancer but did you know that the sun will also exaggerate any discoloration on the skin including blemishes and dark spots?

UVA light can also damage eyes, and squinting while in the sun will eventually mean wrinkles. The sun’s harsh rays can also cause dark circles under the eyes and attack the skin’s most delicate area around the eyes. So after you have slathered on that broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 at least) ensure you put on sunglasses and you will not only be chic but safe from the harsh sun!

       Feed Your Skin

All the right products and the right routines can only do so much for your skin. The fact is you are what you eat. If all you eat is junk food and drink soda and alcohol – then trust me your skin will reflect exactly that.

First things first: Drink lots of Water.  It is essential for our bodies not only for hydration but also for detoxification. Water helps our lymphatic system detoxify by flushing out impurities and helps with cellular regeneration. And on the plus side, it has no fat, calories, carbs or sugar so it’s the most pure thing you can put into your body.

Second thing and I know you know this: Eat your veggies and fruits. Whether you refer to go the juicing way or are like and prefer to chew instead of drink – be sure to consume the recommended 3 to 5 servings a day of fruit and vegetables and your skin will thank you. The nutrients you get from fruits and veggies are essential for cellular regeneration which is best seen in your skin and hair turn over.

       Pamper Your Skin

Lastly, save your coins and invest in pampering skin procedures like facials and massages. Facials provide deeper levels of exfoliation than is possible at home. They are essential for that movie-star magazine quality skin we all envy. A good facial will cost you – luckily all you need is one every one or two months and coupled with a great daily routine beautiful skin is guaranteed. Don’t count on the facials alone to keep your skin healthy – the above 4 steps are more important. Massages, steam and sauna treatments will keep your skin in tip top health as well. 

Pamper your skin. Go get a massage.

Take care of thine self.