Skin Care Daily Routine

Cleanse

Washing your skin daily helps to cleanse and exfoliate (removal of dead dry skin cells); the latter is an important part of the 28 day skin cell renewal cycle. Simply splashing the face with water will not achieve either of these tasks. Ensure that you use a cleanser designed for your particular skin type.

For optimum results, massage your chosen cleanser into the skin for 30-60 seconds, using comfortably hot water to produce a lather. Those with oily or problem skin may continue for a full minute in order to remove excess oils and dislodge or soften blackheads and blemishes. Those with dry skin will be able to wash thoroughly in about 30 seconds, as there will be little or no excess oil on the surface of the skin. Combination skin types will benefit from applying cleanser to the oilier areas first before moving on to the rest of the face.

Use circular motions to massage the lather into the skin, while placing more emphasis on the upward motion will help to get under the layer of dead skin cells on the surface. Be gentle in your application and do not use too much pressure or rub unnecessarily, as this may cause irritation and even damage the skin.

Wash the face twice a day - morning and night. Provided you're using an appropriate cleanser for your skin type, this will not dry, dehydrate, or damage the skin.

Rinse

This may seem like an obvious step, but be aware that improper rinsing can leave a layer of cleanser on the skin. This will have a drying effect on the skin and may even clog pores.

Rinse for around 30 seconds if in the shower or 30 times if washing over a basin, both should be sufficient. Use comfortably hot or warm water but make sure the water is not too hot, or it will have a dehydrating effect and may even break tiny capillaries that lie close to the surface of the skin. Once damaged, these appear as fine spidery red lines, or dots that do not go away.

Another reason for thoroughly rinsing your face is to hydrate the skin. Although your skin only absorbs a minuscule amount of water, it has a plumping effect that helps to minimize lines and wrinkles. The use of a toner will then help to seal in necessary moisture.

Tone

Daily use of a toner will help to restore the skin's natural pH balance post-cleansing, soothe and calm, close pores and tighten skin.

In the process of washing, the pH balance, or acid mantle, is usually altered. Our skin is naturally acidic which helps to protect it against bacteria, dirt and toxins found in daily pollution. Toning will help to restore the pH balance of the skin, ensuring that the skin is protected.

A toner will help to soothe the skin and minimise redness. This will be an important factor for those with sensitive skin types and for immediately after shaving.

Finally applying a toner will help to close pores and tighten skin.

Moisturise

For maximum penetration and optimal results apply a moisturiser, suited to your skin type, to damp skin or directly after applying toner. Within minutes both products will penetrate, leaving your skin hydrated and protected.