Basic Skin Care

QUICK TIPS FOR CLEANSING YOUR SKIN

One of the most important factors of skin care is skin cleansing. Because dirt, pollution, residual makeup, etc. can cause havoc to the skin leading to skin ailments and even hastening of the aging process.

Here’s what you need to do, obvious may be, but not practiced as it should be:

·        Always wash your hands clean first. This will prevent the transfer of bacteria to your face.

·        Start with your hairline first, as hairstyling products attract dirt, and then sweep cleanser over face and lips and down the neck to beyond where you apply foundation.

·        After you’ve applied your cleanser, gently massage it in with the balls of your fingers and leave it on for a minute or so to allow make-up to melt away. Then use a soft cotton ball to wipe away dirt, pollution, and cosmetic build-up without tugging at the skin.

·        Then wash face clean with water and a good quality face wash so that all traces of dirt is gone and skin becomes perfectly clean.

 

Learn more about facial skin cleansers. Prepare your own skin cleansers.

SKIN TONING

Toning is necessary for all skin types and should be made a part of daily skin care routine. Toning is refreshing, improves blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin.

·        Soak cotton wool pads in skin tonic and wipe face in outward and upward strokes.

·        Each movement should end at the temples. Apply gentle pressure at the temples.

·        While applying toner on the forehead, start from the centre and go outward on either side, again ending at the temples.

·        Apply toner on chin in circular motions.

·        Tone the neck too, stroking downwards from the chin.

·        Tone around the eyes, but very lightly.

 

Making skin tonic at home is simple and easy. All you require is rosewater and witch-hazel. Rosewater is one of the best-known skin tonics and is easily available. Witch-hazel is available at a chemist or homeopathy shop. Toners vary according to skin types:

For normal skin

Mix ¾ cup rosewater with ¼ cup witch-hazel and store in a jar.

For very greasy skin

Mix equal quantities of rosewater and witch-hazel and store in a jar.

For dry skin

Mix ¾ cup rosewater, ¼ cup witch-hazel and ½ teaspoon glycerin or honey and store in a jar.

More about skin toners.

USE A FOAMING BATH TO TONE YOUR SKIN

·        Bathing foams with plant extracts like mint and rosemary are ideal for maintaining your skin’s firmness.

·        They tone the skin by providing nutrients and improving blood circulation.

·        For instance, balsam (which contains pine extracts) improves breathing by improving oxygen intake.

·        And finally remember that toning foam baths are also great energy boosters.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SKIN THIS WINTER?

Winter’s here and it’s time to watch out for dry skin, coarse hair, shriveled cuticles and rough hands…Caring for skin becomes a

daunting task during winters. Skin turns ultra sensitive and tends to give in to the pressures of pollution and seasonal imbalances rather easily.

A few simple tricks will however, ensure that skin stays supple and pretty pink, here is how:

·        Use cleansing milk to dislodge dirt and grime especially during winters and if you suffer from dry skin.

·        Use a generous helping of moisturizer for a smooth, clean complexion. However do not apply moisturizer while stepping out of the house, that way you will only attract more dust, the best time to dab on the magic option is in the evening, after a warm bath.

·        Your face will thank you for the invigorating cold cream and skin tonic massage you give it just before hitting the sack.

·        Limit the use of make-up during winter months, as skin tends to burst into pimples.

To give body skin a glow, add a spoonful of olive oil to a bucket of hot water for your bath. This gives a glow to the skin. If the skin is very dry massage with warm olive oil fifteen minutes prior to bath.

The first step towards beautiful skin is working out what your skin type is. This is necessary so that you can work out how to care for your skin, and what products you should use. Below are the features of the 5 main skin types which you can compare to your own skin type. Once you have decided what type your skin is you can find out what the best way is to look after your skin.

Which of these do you think is the closest match to your skin?

Normal Skin Type

Normal skin does not feel dry or oily.
Pores are visible but not large or clogged.
After a wash it feels smooth and comfortable.
At midday it still looks fresh and clean.
Only occasionally break out in spots.

Caring for Normal Skin Type:

To care for normal skin you should start with a gentle foaming facial wash. Massaging it into your face will give you a rosy complexion. Cool your skin with a refreshing toner. to finish dot moisturiser onto your skin and massage it with your fingers in light upward strokes.

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin has a thin and papery texture.
It feels dry to touch.
The pores are very fine.
After a wash it feels tight, as though it is too small for the face.
By midday flaky patches appear.
Hardly ever break out in spots.

Caring for Dry Skin Type:

For dry skin use a creamy cleanser to melt away dirt. Leave it on your skin before sweeping it away with cotton wool. Splash cold water onto your face to clean and refresh your skin. Use a thick cream moisturiser to seal in as much moisture as possible.

Check out some home remedies for dry skin type.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin feels very greasy.
The texture is often very thick and coarse.
There are large, visible pores.
After a wash it feels fine.
By midday it looks shiny.
Often break out in spots.

Caring for Oily Skin Type:

To care for oily skin you should start with a gentle, foaming facial wash. This will remove dirt and oil without stripping away moisture. Soak cotton wool in a gentle astringent lotion and sweep it over your skin to refresh and cool it. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser, but chose a light, watery fluid; this will be enough for your skin. Allow the moisturiser to sink in and then absorb the excess with a tissue to prevent shine.

Check out some home remedies for oily skin type.

Combination Skin Type

Combination skin is normal with a few dry patches and a few oily patches.
Dryness is usually on the cheeks.
Oiliness is usually on the T-zone.
After a wash some areas feel dry and some smooth.
By the midday the T-zone is shiny.
Often break out in spots in the T-zone.
Most women have combination skin.

Caring for Combination Skin Type:

If you have combination skin use a foaming facial wash in the mornings to cleanse your skin. This will keep the oily areas clean to prevent blackheads. In the evening use a cream cleanser to soothe your dry areas. This will keep a balance between excess dryness and excess oiliness. Use a strong astringent for your oily areas and a mild skin freshener for the dry areas. This is not an expensive option, as you will only need a little of each. Use moisturiser on your whole face, but make sure you concentrate on your drier areas.

Learn more on combination skin care.

Sensitive Skin Type

Sensitive skin can be easily irritated.
Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging.
After a wash a wash it feels dry and itchy in places.
By midday there are flaky patches and some redness.
Occasionally break out in spots.

Check out some home remedies for sensitive skin type.

Caring for Sensitive Skin Type:

If you have sensitive skin do not use facial washes or soap; instead use a light, hypoallergenic cleansing lotion. Use a moisturiser to strengthen your skin and provide a barrier against irritants. Make sure you use an unperfumed moisturiser so as not to irritate your skin.

Do check out our section of homemade face masks for every type of skin.