The skin care regime for all

We all want perfect skin. Some are lucky but for the rest of us, we have to work hard at getting that perfect look. Most women will know, even if they don’t do it, that there are three basic steps to skin care – cleanse, tone and moisturise. Many will follow these steps and a lot more, some will not bother but from all the advice out there, it seems that the only true way to healthy, youthful looking skin is the cleanse, tone moisturise regime.

Why is it so important?

A good skin-cleansing regime is about more than just clean skin. It also helps prevent breakouts, helps keep premature ageing at bay and promotes the glow of good health. Cleansing helps to remove the dead skin cells, toning closes up the pores and moisturising rehydrates the skin.

Starting the regime early is another tip and that goes for both men and women (boys and girls). Acne, wrinkles and skin ailments can be kept at bay through this regime, keeping the outer skin supple and healthy and the deeper tissue and muscles toned. By following the three simple steps, you can keep your skin glowing with natural beauty all day every day.

Step 1: Cleanse

One of the most important aspects of finding the proper cleanser is to find one that meets the exact needs of your particular skin type. For example, if you are prone to breakouts, it is important that you use a cleanser that is formulated for sensitive skin, and is non-allergenic. You may also look for a cleanser that is medicated to help fight acne.

For dry or ageing skin, you will want a cleanser that contains extra moisture and boosted hydration. For oily, or shiny, skin you will want to choose a cleanser that controls oil production and reduces the size of facial skin pores.

Step 2: Tone

The main benefit from toner use is the tightening of the skin and the shrinking of facial pores. While all toners provide these benefits the ingredients and the processes offered by the toners can differ greatly. Some toners must be used more than once a day to see optimal results; other toners need extended time during application to work. Remember to choose one that works with the amount of time you have.

As for ingredients some toners are formulated for sensitive skin, some focus on acne control, and some are concentrated for anti-ageing.

Step 3: Moisturise

The skin regime is never complete, or completely beneficial, without the proper moisturiser. A good moisturiser can mean the difference between good skin right now and great skin for years to come. A good moisturiser should address three key things: hydration, sun protection, and skin smoothing. For hydration you need to look for a moisturiser that contains ingredients that help your skin hold onto water for hours at a time. To help prevent sun damage the moisturiser should contain an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. And for smoothness, the moisturiser should contain ingredients that help plump up the top layers of the skin.

For added benefit a moisturiser can also contain wrinkle-fighting additives, chemicals that help even out skin tone, and ingredients that increase the firmness of facial skin.

Once you find the perfect moisturiser you should apply it twice a day (morning and night) to clean, dry skin. No matter how rushed you are never skip this step in your cleansing routine.

The three step result

In order to get the fresh, clean, glowing skin that symbolises good health and youth you need to employ all three steps every day. And, while the steps may sound time-consuming the entire routine should take less than 10 minutes and the fuss is definitely worth it. Within a month you will be showing off rejuvenated skin that will make your friends green with envy!

Top tip

For all three steps, use an upward and outward motion as this will help to tone up the skin while going through the steps. Gravity will always try and push it down, so anything to counteract that gravity can only help!

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