The basic guide for skin care

Most of the skin care experts recommend performing three steps, once or twice daily, tofacial skin cleansing maintain healthy, glowing skin. A sensible skin care regimen does not have to be time intensive but rather a part of the flow in your daily routine.

Cleansing your skin in the shower was fine when you were 10 but now you're 30+ and your skin needs you to be a little more attentive.

If you have not established good skin care habits it may appear to be a burden at first but try to follow it as much as you can. Once you see the improvements in your skins appearance you will be more inclined to follow this skin care regimen as a normal part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth.

Cleanse
Cleansings removes makeup, dirt, and grease from the surface of the skin and is necessary for all skin types. A cleanser can be anything from mild soap, a gentle exfoliate, rich cleansing cream or foaming cleanser. Whichever type you choose, apply it to the skin with the pads of the fingers (not fingernails), using small circular motions, gently spread the cleanser over the surface of the skin. You can also use a facial brush, cloth, or sponge to apply cleansers.

Tone
After cleansing the skin, apply a toner. A toner is a product designed to remove leftover makeup or oil residues and to tone and prepare the skin for a moisturizer. Toners also prepare your skin for your moisturizer. Select a toner that corresponds to your skin type and avoid toners that contain alcohol; these can cause skin to become too dry and irritated.

Moisturize
facial skin moisturizingMoisturizing the skin is the final basic step. Use a product containing moisturizing oils, distillates, anti-oxidants, nutrients and essential oils to prevent moisture loss. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and one that has as many, if not all, natural ingredients as possible. Remember your skin absorbs everything put on it even if it's not natural.

Apply a light moisturizer in the mornings with perhaps a sunscreen to protect your skin for the day. At night, use a light or rich cream depending on your skin type. Your nighttime moisturizer should be capable of repairing and nourishing your skin while you sleep. Be careful not to apply an excessive amount of moisturizer at night; the skin needs to breath during sleep. If your skin looks and feel greasy when you wake up, you probably applied too much.

Exfoliate
Once a week or more often for oily skin types, use an exfoliating cream or scrub to slough off dead skin cells and unclog your pores. This is often the most over looked part of a skin care regimen but I feel it is one of the most important. You must get rid of the dead skin on your face and keep your pores clean– only then will your beautiful new skin reveal itself and heal itself.

Facial Steam
Two to three times a month, after you cleanse and/or exfoliate, treat your skin to a steam bath to deep cleanse the pores and stimulate circulation. People with oily skin can steam more regularly than people with dry or sensitive skin. This should become an important part of your routine if you want beautiful, clear, healthy looking skin.

To create a steam facial using one of our steam blends for your skin type, boil 1.5 cup of water, place a heaping tablespoon of our herb blend in a bowl, pour the boiling water over the herbs and gently stir. Seat yourself at a table with the bowl of water in front of you. Being careful not to touch the bowl, lean over about 10 inches above the bowel, or at a comfortable distance. Place a towel over your head, covering it and the bowel to make a tent, allow the steam to caress your face and neck area. Lift one edge of the towel if you get too warm. Enjoy the steam for about 10 minutes, follow with a facial mask or toner and moisturizer. I steam weekly before I apply a mask to my combination/oily skin.

Mask
A few times a month, treat yourself to a face and neck mask to balance and invigorate the skin and stimulate circulation. Before using a mask, pull back your hair from your face and apply a smooth layer of the mask to your freshly cleaned and damp face and neck, avoiding the mouth and eye areas. Rest for 10-15 minutes while the mask is drying, try not to talk during this time. Rinse well with warm water, and pat dry (do not rub), follow with a good toner and moisturizer for your skin type.

Faical mist and hydratingHydration
Hydration of the skin from the inside out is critical, so be sure to drink lots of fresh water daily. In addition, periodic misting of the skin throughout the day is helpful to replenish moisture and is particularly useful if you work in an office environment where the air is usually stale. Our hydration misters are wonderful to re-hydrate your skin and also as a pick-me-up, especially in the afternoon when you may need a boost of energy. To apply, hold the mister about 6 inches from your face; spray once or twice. You can use a spray mist even if you are wearing make-up, allow your face to dry for a few seconds before touching your skin.

Eye Area
When applying a moisturizing product to the delicate area under the eye, be especially careful not to pull or drag the skin. Using the ring finger of the hand you do not write with (this will ensure that the pressure is not too heavy), apply the product under the eye from the outside corner to the bridge of the nose in a smooth stroke. The eye area will show signs of aging before any other area on your face so remember to moisturize and protect this delicate area.

Source: www.herballuxuries.com