A Daily Skin Care Routine For Skin That Glows
Beautiful Skin Everyday
The simple fact remains that if you want good skin you have to work at it.
Ask anybody over a certain age who has beautiful, glowing skin what their secret is and they will tell you that they have worked hard to achieve their good looks.
A healthy diet, regular moderate exercise and protection from the sun will go a long way to helping you maintain vibrant, beautiful skin as you age however this goes hand in hand with a daily skin care routine designed to keep the skin looking good.
There are so many different skin care products on the market today that it can be confusing as to what to use and when.All products claim to have their own specific benefits and then you have to wade through the ranges of products designed for the different skin types.
Here we give you the low down on how to understand the skin care basics and create a daily skin care regimen that will work for you.
Skin Care Essentials
Whatever type of skin you have, whatever your age or whatever your skin concern there are 4 top products that should make up the basis of your regular daily skin care routine.
Once you have the basics taken care of you can tailor your products towards your specific skin type or skin concern whether that be blemishes, sensitivity or wrinkles!
1. Cleanser
This is the staple of any skin care regime and is used to clean your face. Cleansers can be shop-bought or created simply and easily at home with natural ingredients.
You should use cleanser at the beginning of your day as part of your morning skin care routine in order to prepare and protect your skin from the daily onslaught of pollution, UV rays and/or computer screen glare.
Cleanser is also used at night as part of the evening skin routine to remove the dirt and grime we all pick up from modern day life.
Cleansers come in a wide range of formulas specific to the different skin types.
Thicker, milky cleansers work well on dry or sensitive skin as they add much needed hydration to the skin, while lighter gel formulas work well for those who have oily skin.
Cleansers that contain a gentle exfoliating ingredients work well on all skin types as they help to slough away dead skin cells and ‘brighten’ the complexion.
2. Toner
The next staple in your skin care toolbox is toner. Toner clears away excess cleanser preparing your skin for the next step – moisturizer. Cleansers can also help to clarify and tighten skin.
Alcohol-free toners are the best and this is one product you may want to make yourself at home, as toners that are too harsh can strip the skin of its natural oils.
This can have a negative effect and cause more skin problems for both oily and dry/sensitive skin types.
Natural toners are however extremely beneficial for those who have oily skin as they clean the skins pores deep down and help to tighten the appearance of enlarged or open pores.
3. Daytime Moisturizer
Moisturizer used for the daytime is usually lighter than the moisturizer you should use at night.
It is useful to choose a daytime moisturizer that also includes an SPF of 15 or higher to help protect your skin from the damaging and aging effects of the sun’s rays.
A good daytime moisturizer will help your skin to stay smooth and supple all day and should provide a good base for make-up, if worn.
● Oily skin – choose a moisturizer that is light and mattifying, if you are prone to spots, blemishes or acne choose one that has sebum regulating properties.
● Dry/sensitive skin – your moisturizer will need to be richer than one chosen for oily or normal skin. If your daytime moisturizer is too light skin may flake and your makeup will not blend in smoothly.
● Mature skin – choose a moisturizer infused has anti-aging properties such as high SPF and antioxidants.
4. Nighttime Moisturizer
You may be thinking that you can use the same moisturizer for both day and night but there is a good reason why it is recommended using different moisturizers at different times of the day.
For one, during the day your moisturizer should contain SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
However at night you do not need sun protection and therefore do not need to add an additional hit of these chemicals to your body via your skin.
Nighttime moisturizers tend to be formulated towards skin cell renewal while you sleep.
Your skin renews and rejuvenates itself as you sleep so you want to choose a richer moisturizer that can take advantage of this process.
Your daily skin care routine therefore needs to include twice per day, everyday:
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Moisturizing (for day or for night)
Other Skin Care Staples
Along with the 4 basics the following products can be added to your daily skin care routine on a daily basis or less frequently depending on your needs.
5. Eye Creams/Gels
As skin ages collagen fibers become weaker and skin starts to lose its elasticity. This can be particularly noticeable around the eyes.
Skin around the eyes is very delicate and susceptible to noticeable lines and wrinkles so great care needs to be taken when applying products to this area.
It is important not to drag the skin when applying creams or gels to the eyes.
Some eye creams have anti-aging properties while others, particularly the gels, aim to tighten the skin in this area and reduce puffiness.
Eye creams that have protective, anti-aging properties are recommended after the age of 30 to help prevent premature aging of the delicate skin in this area.
6. Facemask
Facemasks give you the chance to pamper your skin and take some time out for yourself all at the same time.
Depending on your skin type there is a face mask to suit everyone and this is one product that you can have fun with making yourself with ingredients found in most kitchens!
Facemasks are usually left to soak into the skin for 10 – 15 minutes while you relax to make full use of their skin-friendly properties.
7. Exfoliator
One to three times per week, depending on your skin type (less often for sensitive skin types) your skin requires exfoliation.
Exfoliators can make a great difference to the texture of your complexion and revitalize the skin.
Most exfoliators contain minute grains or beads that scrub away the top layer of dead skin cells, encouraging the growth of healthy new skin cells, keeping skin supple and improving your skin’s brightness.
Exfoliators are beneficial for all skin types but need to be suited to your skin type.
Sensitive skins need the most gentle of formulas and a homemade preparation may be the wisest choice if you have this type of skin. For example raw oatmeal makes for a very gentle, natural exfoliator.
8. Lip Care
As we age the lips lose some of their plumpness and fine lines can appear around the mouth as skin elasticity diminishes.
If your lip area is a concern for you it may be wise to invest in a product that has been specially formulated for this area.
9. Neck Care
The neck is another area that betrays our true age as there are very few oil-producing glands in the skin here.
To keep your neck looking supple and smooth as you age, and to avoid the appearance of crepe-like skin, a rich neck cream is recommended.
Some creams for the neck area have added firming properties that help to keep the skin looking toned and tight. Other neck creams target the age spots that can also show up on this part of the body.
Daily Skin Care The Natural Way
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of products you need to use to maintain younger looking, healthy skin.
However caring for your skin doesn’t have to be costly as it’s possible to make all of the above mentioned products yourself, at home, using all-natural ingredients.