Skin is the largest organ in the body and therefore requires attention in order to ensure its continuous health as we age. The skin on the face needs extra care since it is the part of the body that is always exposed to damaging effects such as the weather, sunlight and pollution. For women, daily makeup is another factor that adds to skin damage in the long run. While many men and women know the basics of facial care, not all commit to a proper daily regimen. A good regimen follows several simple steps: steaming, cleansing, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, and masking.
Step One: Steaming
The first step in facial care is steaming, which helps soften facial skin and open up pores for deeper cleansing. Individuals can use a facial steamer or simply soak a washcloth into a bowl of warm water, then squeeze the warm cloth lightly and place it against the face and neck. They should dab and press gently for one to two minutes.
Step Two: Cleansing
Once the pores are fully open, the skin needs to be cleaned. Facial cleansers come in many varieties, such as creams, milk, gel and foam. People should buy one that suits their specific skin type, and avoid cleansers that contain alcohol, which is drying to the skin. The recommended amount should be placed onto the palm and lathered with warm water. In an upward circular motion, the individual should massage the cleanser gently on the face and neck for 30 to 40 seconds, then rinse it off completely and pat the skin dry with a towel.
Step Three: Toning
This third step in facial care is necessary to clean up any dirt or grime that was not cleaned off during the second step. Toner is also used to remove any residue from the facial cleanser that may not have been rinsed off properly. The individual should pour out the indicated amount onto a facial cotton wool or pad, then wipe the face and neck carefully. As with the cleanser, it's best to use an alcohol-free toner to prevent the skin from drying.
Step Four: Moisturizing
A good skin care regimen includes moisturizing your face and neck to keep skin sufficiently hydrated. People should always use a moisturizer that is suitable for their skin type. The right moisturizer not only leaves the skin soft and supple, but also assists in smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. The user should dot the face and neck with the moisturizer and massage it into the skin slowly and in an upward motion until all the moisturizer is fully absorbed.
The four steps above should be done twice daily, in the morning and evening. Aside from this, these additional recommendations should also be followed:
Exfoliating
Exfoliating helps achieve a radiant-looking skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging the pores to allow a more effective penetration of the facial products a person uses daily. After toning, a user should apply an exfoliant and massage it gently into the face and neck in upward circular motions. This will increase blood circulation to the face, resulting in a healthy glow. It must be rinsed off properly before a moisturizer is applied.
Masking
A mask is used in a facial care regimen because of its ability to firm up the skin on the face and neck, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial masks come in different forms, such as creams, powders, and peel-off versions. After cleansing and toning, a person should wet his or her face with warm water, then smooth the facial mask carefully onto the skin. He or she should not make any facial movements, like smiling or frowning, while waiting for the mask to set. The skin on the face will start to feel tighter as the mask dries. The mask should be left on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinsed off with warm water or simply peeled it off.
In addition to the four steps above, exfoliating and masking should be done at least once every week. Continuously following all these steps helps keep the skin soft, smooth, and firm.
