Facial skin is kind of hard to hide, it is the first thing everyone notices. Even the most beautiful woman will look dull with an unhealthy facial skin. If you want to have a healthy and beautiful skin you need to care for it on a daily basis. No matter what your skin type is you can have a beautiful skin when you use the right products in the right order and you eat lots of healthy food regularly. A naturally healthy looking face is the reflection of inner health, diet, good sleeping habits and good emotional management.

Skin care products are one important element of the healthy skin care routine and this post is a step by step guide on when and how to apply the basic facial skin care products.

Step 1. – CLEANSERS

Cleansing The Skin

The pores of your skin can be blocked by sweat, make-up and dirt. This can lead to acne, blackhead and white-head formation. Cleansing well is essential to avoid clogged pores and other skin problems. In the morning it is important to clean your face because toxins are exerted through the skin while you sleep and it is advisable to wash them off before applying make-up. At night it is important to thoroughly remove all make -up products you applied so the skin can freely “breathe” during the night.

It is advisable not to wash your face with chloride water! If you use tap water for washing your skin it is better to boil it and let it cool down before use. You can add some natural tea or fragrance to it for more joy. Lukewarm water is the best when you are on the run but if you have more time you can alternate warm and lukewarm splashes of water/tea to clean, revitalize and equilibrate your skins acid- alkaline balance. The water shouldn’t be too hot or too cold as it can result in broken capillaries.

In the morning you can use a soft, natural cleanser or just clear water as toxins and sweat will come off easily. At night, before going to sleep be sure to get rid of impurities and make-up leftovers. You can use make-up remover wipes, cleansing wipes or some type of oily, creamy cleanser to remove all product build-ups before you go on with your facial routine. Coconut oil or olive oil are great natural cleansers of the face. When you have sensitive skin it is best to use the mild foam cleansers to minimize the irritation.

Step 2. – FACE SCRUBS

Exfoliating The Skin

Exfoliating basically means the removal of dead cells from the upper layer of the skin. Dead skin cells make the skin look dull and take away the natural fresh glow of the skin, they clog the pores and lead to acne appearance and blackhead formation. A new layer of skin is generated every 2 to 4 weeks and this fresh skin layer is beautiful and glowing. You don’t have to exfoliate in the morning and at night, actually it is enough scrubbing every other day.

Take a pea sized amount of your face scrub or exfoliating cleanser and rub it gently onto your face and neck. Use a product that has tiny scrubs. Big grains will tear the sensitive young skin and do more harm than good. Scrub the exfoliating cleanser over your face with circular movements than rinse the skin thoroughly. Take special care for scrubbing the nose and chin area where blackheads and impurities are more likely to form. Wipe your face with a warm wet cloth to remove all dead skin residues.

Coffee is a great natural facial skin scrub. Ground coffee clears all the dirt and dead cells from the skin and it is packed with antioxidants that boosts cell regeneration.

Step 3.  TONERS, HYDRATORS

Toning and Hydrating The Skin

Toning your skin will make it look fresh and healthy. Toning is most important when you have acne. Exfoliating cannot remove acne because it forms below the skin. Toning improves blood circulation and revitalizes your skin. It tightens up skin and closes up the skin pores. Toning products are used to remove the last traces of oil and to stimulate the blood supply of the face.

There are many types of toners : alcohol based and herbs based skin toners. Toners for dry and sensitive skin must be definitely alcohol-free as alcohol dries the skin. If your skin is irritated or has any type of skin condition try to skip toning until your skin gets better. Toning can be skipped for those who have no acne issues and their skin has a natural, good texture.

It can be applied in two ways : for irritated skin moisten cotton wool with skin toning lotion and pat gently on the cheeks, chin and neck. Let it dry. If you have a tired skin it is better to moisten your hand and to apply it with gentle slapping movements to stimulate blood circulation. Let it absorb to work its magic. Toners shrink and tighten pores but you have to wait for it to be absorbed.

Step 4.  MOISTURIZERS

Moisturizing The Skin

A good moisturizer is good to use to keep the skin soft and supple. Hydrating not only moisturizes the skin but it also seals the moisture and the nutrients in. Certain weather and lifestyle conditions might cause the skin to loose moist and oil.

There are two types of moisturizers : water-based and oil-based. For oily skin use a water based moisturizer when needed. If you have an oily skin you might not need using creams every day. Oil-based moisturizers trap water better in the layers of the skin so they are advisable for dry skin types.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular skin care is essential but using unhealthy products or products not matching for your skin type can deplete the healthy protective barrier of your skin and make it more sensitive to allergens and irritants.

Not everyone needs all these products. Everyone’s skin is different in tone and texture and there are those people who don’t need to use so many products because their skin is healthy and the natural processes are working fine. The target for all of us could be to get the skin back to a natural balance so it can look good without chemicals applied on it.

Credits and further readings: P1. Senivpetro