Almost every woman I know is on a quest for a radiant and smooth complexion. And all the guys can probably benefit from an increased consciousness of their skin and how to attend to its needs. Before you can practice any daily regimen, you must determine what your skin type is. There are three basic types: oily, dry,and a combination of both. Also, take into consideration that your skin changes, sometimes on a daily basis, depending on weather, season, and the foods that your body consumes.
Now I know that there are a great amount of you wondering how you determine what skin type you have. Here are a few tips to help you:
* If you cleanse your face in the morning and its shiny all over by noon, if you have large and visible pores all over your face, if you have persistent adult acne or frequent breakouts then you probably have oily skin.
* If you look in the mirror and see fine tiny lines, if your skin constantly flakes during cold weather, and if your skin gets excessively dry after washing your face then you probably have dry skin.
* People with combination skin will have a shiny T-zone area (which is the forehead, nose, and head) with slight dryness on the cheeks. They may have large pores around the nose but normal size pores on the rest of the face.
After you have determined what your skin type is you should follow the following regimen twice a day, preferably morning and night. Step 1: Cleansing, Step 2: Toning, and Step 3: Moisturizing.
Cleansing: when you wash you face you should cleanse your skin in an upward and circular motion. Women with oily complexions should use softly-milled complexion bars or cleansing gels. If you have dry skin you should use a creamy cleanser. People with combination skin should limit use of facial scrubs and harsh cleansers.
Toners: after you have cleansed your face you should use a toner. A toner will help to remove makeup soot and soapy residue from the skin. Whenever toning your face, remember to use a natural cotton ball or pad.
Moisturizers: moisterizers have humectants that help the skin stay supple and retain moisture. Dermatologists believe that all skin types benefit from moisturizing, even oily skin types. There are oil-free brands for people with oily complexions. When choosing a moisturizer for your face one should start with the basics: a moisturizer that is unscented, and free of lanolin and mineral oil. If your skin is dry make sure that the moisturizer is creamy.
Now that you have read this article, I hope that you women out there can obtain the radiant and smooth skin you have been dreaming of. For the men – it’s never too late to get started. If you haven’t already, do a little shopping to get the right products and remember to stick to the skin regimen twice daily.