Basics of Skin Care

Whether you use the most expensive beauty products or just the basic must-haves, skin care will always have these essential steps:

1. Cleanse. For skin to be healthy and free from blemishes, always cleanse before putting on makeup or going to bed. If you wear makeup, use a mild makeup remover before washing your face. Use a facial wash that suits your skin type. Never rub your face with the towel; just gently pat dry.

2. Tone. It is essential to use toner after cleansing to remove all traces of dirt. If your skin is sensitive, use a mild, non-stinging toner. Using soft cotton, apply toner gently all over face and neck, paying attention to avoid the eye area.

3. Moisturize. This is the first step to preventing premature aging. The skin needs to be hydrated all the time, so that it is protected from harsh elements of the environment. For oily skin, there are special gel moisturizers that are non-greasy and non-comedogenic.

Awareness on sun damage and premature aging has resulted to the addition of a new step: Protect. With a thinning ozone layer, it is now essential to put on a sunscreen. Moisturizers with built-in sunscreens abound in the market. A minimum of SPF 15 is recommended, while SPF 30 will work twice as effective in preventing premature aging, as well as skin cancer.