Steps of Basic Skin Care

Basic Skin Care:

Skin is the largest organ of the body and it needs pampering and protection to stay healthy and glowing. Skin care depends upon the type of skin. But basic skin care remains the same for all types of skin. There is difference of skin care products used in each step of basic skin care. Steps of basic skin care include cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing.

Basic Skin Care Step 1: Cleansing

Cleansing of skin is the foremost and most essential step towards skin care. You should clean your skin, using a gentle and effective cleanser which can remove all the dust and dead cells from the skin’s surface. If skin is not properly cleansed, debris will clog the skin pores and make it dull. Avoid using bar soaps which are alkaline rather use cleansers which contain oil, water and surfactants. Oil in the cleanser replaces the oil stripped in cleansing, surfactant removes dirt and makeup and water washes it. You can use creams, lotions, milks or gels to cleanse the face. Raw milk is a very effective natural cleansing agent.

For people with normal skin, it is enough to wash twice a day but oily skins need to be washed more than twice a day. But take care not to over wash too as it will remove layer of natural oil from the skin and making it dry. Another negative effect on the oily skin is sebaceous glands get stimulated to produce more oil to replace the lost oil by frequent washing. Before washing your face, clean your hands as it will prevent bacteria to transfer to your skin. Apply cleanser in upward, circular motions and let it stay on the skin for few minutes to properly dissolve the dirt and makeup. Do not use very hot water to cleanse. Before cleansing, remove makeup with makeup remover.

Basic Skin Care Step 2: Exfoliating

You must exfoliate your skin weekly. Exfoliation removes the layer of dead cells. You can see instant difference in the appearance of your skin after exfoliation. Skin becomes smooth and supple due to exfoliation. You can use scrubs or exfoliating agents to exfoliate the skin. There are mechanical scrubs which you have to apply and rub over your skin to remove the debris accumulated over the skin. People with sensitive skin should not use these kinds of scrubs. They can use chemical exfoliating agents which are not to be rubbed over the skin. You just apply them and they dissolve the dead cells stuck over the skin and wash them off.

There are ways of exfoliating like microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids. In case you are using scrubs, make sure that it is a scrub with fine grains as larger grains tend to scratch and tear the skin.

Basic skin care Step 3: Toning

Toning is another essential step for skin care which you must follow after cleansing. Toner or fresheners tone up the skin. They tighten the skin pores, makes the skin firm and remove the left over traces of cleanser which otherwise may clog the pores. Toner shrinks the skin pores and skin looks fine, smooth and supple. But take care that you should not use alcohol base toners for dry skin as alcohol tends to dry the skin. Use astringents for oily skin as they absorb the excess oil on the skin. Rose water is a natural toner and suits all skin types.

Basic Skin care Step 4: Moisturizing

Moisturizing is the last step towards basic skin care. Whatever be your skin type, you must moisturize it daily after all cleansing and toning. Moisturizer replenishes the lost moisture and traps the moisture of the skin. This step hydrates the skin and prevents it from formation of wrinkle prematurely. The only care you have to take is to use the moisturizer according to your skin type. If you have oily skin, use oil free hydrating moisturizer and for dry skin, use a thick creamy moisturizer which gives long lasting protection to dry skin.

Some other useful tips for basic skin care: