Why is Washing the Face that Important?

Washing or cleansing your face seems a very basic chore, but we all consider skipping this step from time to time or maybe we just forget. If that happens, and you don’t wash your face, you’ll end up with premature skin aging.

Your skin is exposed to many different types of stressors throughout the day. As your largest organ, it is important to make sure you are taking care of it, and most especially your facial skin.

Since your face is not covered by clothing, it is naturally open to receiving the most abuse from the outside world from a variety of sources such as UV exposure, arid or humid climates, harsh air conditioning or heating, cigarette smoke, and other pollutants.

To help protect the skin from environmental damage, it creates a moisture barrier of a waxy or oily substance called sebum. While sebum is beneficial to your skin, if it stays on the face too long without being cleaned off, it can mix with makeup, dirt, debris, sweat, and other skin waste. This may cause a blockage of skin follicles leading to acne, blotchy skin, irritation, and overall unhealthy looking skin.

Washing the face maintains clear skin. Excessive dirt builds up on the surface can cause blockages of the follicle, trapping sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells. The lack of sebum on the surface of the skin allows bacteria to penetrate the follicle causing inflammation. The final result is acne. Proper skin cleansing clears pores of debris to prevent dirt buildup, allowing the sebum oil to reach the skin surface unimpeded, and thus, decreasing the chances of a breakout.

Washing the face removes build up and boosts hydration. A common benefit of facial cleansing is the removal of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris. Throughout the day the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old or dead skin cells. Daily facial washing removes these impurities to give the skin a fresh look. Without washing, your skin would be covered with a thick layer of dirt and grime that will make it difficult for other products to penetrate the skin properly. Regular facial cleansing, along with the use of a good moisturizer, is also an important factor in helping the skin maintain a proper level of hydration. Dehydrated skin looks and feels rough, wrinkled and aged. Cleansing helps manage pH levels of the skin and enables sufficient water and product retention.

Other Benefits of Face Washing Regularly

• Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your skin looking radiant and healthy.
• Cleansing helps anti-aging products and treatments to work properly.
• Cleansing helps maintain proper pore size.
• Cleansing encourages proper skin hydration and prevents the production of excess oils.

Common Face Washing Mistakes

Unfortunately, no matter how good the intentions are, many people still make washing mistakes which only give the opposite from positive skin health:

Using the Wrong Cleanser. Choosing the correct wash cleanser for your skin type is a make or break moment in your skincare routine, according to many top estheticians and dermatologists, and the most common mistake committed by many. Using the wrong one can hinder the efficacy of any products you apply afterward, not to mention causing irritation. As a general rule of thumb, those with normal to dry complexions should opt for a more hydrating, creamy cleansing lotion, while oily or combination types can use foaming or gel cleansers. The safest way to avoid over-stripping your skin is to pick a sulfate-free formula and look at the size of the suds, particularly when using gels or foams. If the cleanser lathers the same way as your shampoo, then it’s way too strong. You want it to be slightly frothy and not super bubbly.

In line with this is not buying the correct products to suit the seasons. No doubt you have a favorite beauty product. Maybe you love it because it’s so fresh, it smells great and is soft on the skin. But the seasons and weather around you don’t stay the same and your products will be altered by the climate. That’s why you need to adjust your face washing routine depending on the season. The humidity and heat of summer make you sweat more than the dry cold of winter.

Find out which cleansers are best for each season and use these to always stay one step ahead of the weather. Don’t get attached to just one product. The ideal face washing product will remove impurities, makeup, and dead skin cells without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Find a cleanser that will do the job without it being too light, as those might require a double wash to get your face really clean. You should also avoid extremely abrasive products because they cause your skin to become irritated and dry.

Applying Cleanser Incorrectly. It’s not just a matter of slapping some water on your face and adding a dollop of wash. If you’re using a cleansing lotion, make sure to apply it on completely dry skin and rub it in for a few seconds, as you would with a moisturizer. This gives the oils in the cleanser a chance to break down the oils in your makeup and on your skin. After this, wet your fingertips slightly to help emulsify the product. On the flip side, stronger gels or foams should go on wet skin so that they don’t dry out your complexion. If you’re using a wash made to combat breakouts, just let it sit on the skin for one minute before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This gives the active ingredients time to do their job and kill any acne-causing bacteria.

Pay attention to the lukewarm water as rinsing off with hot water negates any cleansing you did prior to rinsing. Water that’s too hot will dry your skin, while cold water won’t let your pores open. Tepid or lukewarm water is the best water temperature; not too hot and not too cold.

Forgetting to Wash Your Face in the Morning. You may be diligent about washing your face before you sleep at night, but what about in the morning when you wake up? Do you just amble over to the coffee machine each morning and forget to wash your face because you’re thinking, “Well, I’m taking a shower later anyway.” Even if your skin doesn’t feel dirty, don’t forgo a morning stop at the sink. You’re getting rid of the natural oils that have built-up overnight, as well as any residue from products you applied before going to bed. This gives you a clean slate so that whatever you use in the morning, and most importantly the sunscreen, can penetrate and work effectively. Wash your face when you get up in the morning even if you’re going to shower later in the morning unless you’re the type to shower immediately after getting up.

Not Wiping Off the Makeup. The good news on this aspect is that most cleansers on the market effectively remove makeup, so there’s no need to make makeup removal a separate step in your routine. However, the bad news is that there is a little elbow grease required. After you rinse off your cleanser – but before you dry off your face – it’s important to use either a washcloth or facial sponge to thoroughly wipe off the makeup from your skin. Makeup doesn’t just dissolve when you wash your face since it has to be physically wiped away.

Using a Washcloth that Isn’t Too Soft. It’s okay to use a washcloth, but be careful as to the type of washcloth you’re using. Do opt for a baby washcloth, which will be softer and less likely to irritate your skin. But do not ever scrub your face with it. Even a little irritation from washcloths can lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation in the long run. This translates to dark spots, especially for those with darker complexions. And as always, always use a fresh washcloth every time you wash. A damp washcloth is a breeding ground for bacteria. And since we’ve just mentioned bacteria, it’s just as bad to wash your face if your hands are dirty. This one is quite gross when you think about it, so please, before washing and cleansing your face, you should wash your hands to make sure they are clean before you put them on your face. From door handles to your cell phone, your hands could have bacteria on them from the various surfaces you’ve touched throughout the day, which is why you should always give them a good rinse before washing your face.

Rubbing Your Face When Drying. Once you’re done washing and cleansing, resist the urge to rub your face dry. This can cause inflammation and this may lead to unsightly irritation and redness. Instead, gently pat dry, pressing the washcloth or towel against your skin until most of the moisture is absorbed.

Skipping a Step in Washing. Does your skin feel tight or stripped after you wash your face? You’ve likely missed or forgotten a critical post-cleansing step. Once you’re clean and dry, make sure to apply a serum or moisturizer within 60 seconds from rinsing your face. The water you’ve just washed with hydrates the skin, but it instantly starts to evaporate. By applying a hydrating product immediately after, you not only get the benefits of the product, you’re also locking in the moisture you got from washing.

Relying Too Much on Wipes. Cleansing wipes are very convenient if you’re on a road trip or when at work, but sadly, they’re not a substitute for legitimately washing your face. They smear dirt, makeup, and oil across the skin, rather than actually removing it. It would be like applying a cleanser and then not rinsing it off. Make facial wipes the absolute exception, not the rule. If you just can’t give them up, they’re best suited to help remove stubborn eye and other makeup, but always follow up by washing your face.

Exfoliating Too Much. Daily exfoliating is not only unnecessary, it can do more harm than good. It takes two weeks for cells to make their way from the base of the skin to the surface, and another week or two to accumulate and make skin start to look dull. A weekly exfoliating session is more than enough to keep your skin glowing. Since most face scrubs and chemical exfoliant are based on a cleansing agent, there’s no need to make this a separate step. Simply just swap out your regular cleanser for an exfoliating option.

An additional common mistake many, especially teenagers, do is using a soap-based product to wash the face. Perhaps economics has a say in this since it may be a way to save money by just buying one product and use soap to both bathe and wash the face. However, never substitute a soap-based product for a non-soap cleanser. Soap-based products strip the skin of natural oils and leave skin irritated, dry, and more likely to be inflamed. Non-soap cleansers hydrate the skin and replenish the skin barrier, so the skin is much healthier. You don’t have to nix any bar cleanser such as Dove, for instance, since this is a non-soap cleanser. However, do read the label before using a product that looks like soap. Do more research about the soap products that you’re currently using or planning to use to know what their effects are on the skin.

Conclusion

Now that you know what are the common washing mistakes are, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above. By doing so, you can ensure that your face gets the proper care that it needs and you’ll be able to achieve, clear, bright and healthy skin. It may mean that you need to exert more effort but it will all be worth it in the end.

Overwhelmed by the beauty aisle at the drugstore? Scared by the toxic chemicals at the store bought beauty products? Fear not! The complete DIY skin care guide talks about the DIY beauty care steps you’ll need to take on a regular basis. Furthermore, it gives you hand-picked DIY beauty recipes and even the ingredients and equipment that you need to invest. So read on and be informed.

Benefits of Having a Regular Skin Care Routine

Your skin health will improve. Routine maintenance is a priority to extend the shelf life of any product. Same applies to your skin. If you faithfully follow a skin care routine, it will help you to treat wrinkles, prevent pimples and improve the clarity of your skin.

Your skin will work harder for you. If you’re careful and make it a point to remove makeup every night your skin will be better able to repair itself because cell turnover is faster at night.

Your skin will gain back its youthful glow. Stress, unhealthy diet and environmental factors continually wage a beauty war with your skin and cause dullness. If you make exfoliation a regular part of your skincare, you’ll get your glow back. Cell turnover slows down as we age. If you exfoliate the top layer of your skin, your skin will look healthy and young once more.

Consistency produces visible results. Dramatic beauty results will not happen overnight. You have to work on your skin care routine consistently for noticeable results to occur. The key to seeing those changes is to stick to your skin care routine.

Your beauty results will be easier to maintain. With continuous and proper skin care routine, your skin will become more beautiful,radiant, flawless, supple and healthy. And stay that way.

Complete DIY Skin Care Guide

For your convenience, we break up the steps into Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly.

Daily

Keep yourself hydrated. Begin your day with a glass of lemon water.Staying hydrated is the most impactful thing you can do for your skin. Water is essential for maintaining optimum skin moisture and delivers nutrients to your skin. It replenishes your skin and increases its elasticity.

Wash and apply a gentle moisturizer to your face. Use a gentle cleanser both in the morning and night. It removes buildup and unclogs pores and helps your skin to breathe. Throughout the day your skin is covered with bacteria, pollutants, dirt and dead skin cells. Daily cleansing removes these impurities and gives your face a fresh look.

Practice meditation. When your stress levels are high, you are more prone to wrinkles, acne, dry skin and even hair loss. Meditation calms your mind and frees it from stress. Gentle breathing helps oxygenate your body and contributes to removing toxins from it.

Apply sunscreen. Sunscreen helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer and helps prevent facial brown spots and discoloration. It helps lessen the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness. It slows down the development of premature, wrinkled aging skin.

Get 8 hours of sleep. Skin makes new collagen when you sleep. More collagen results in plumper skin and fewer wrinkles. Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin surrounding your face. Better avoid skimping on sleep because your complexion can look ashen,lifeless and drab.

Exercise. Exercise increases blood flow,nourishes your skin cells and keep them vital. Blood flow carries away waste products including free radicals from working cells and keeps your skin healthy. Consistent exercise aids in acne relief. Sweating propels toxins, oils, and dirt out of your pores.

Listen to music. Research studies say that when you listen to your favorite music, your brain releases dopamine a feel good neurotransmitter which makes you a happier person.Listening to music decreases the levels of stress hormone cortisol in your body. It counteracts the effects of chronic stress. These changes ultimately boost your skin health.

Take your vitamins. Vitamin A, B complex and vitamins C,E and K are essential for skin health. These vitamins are powerhouses in fighting the damage caused by free radicals, and they help to prevent premature aging.

Sanitize headphones, glasses and cell phones. Bacteria can accumulate in your phones and sebum can collect in your eyeglasses. So clean them on a daily basis to prevent acne breakout.

Weekly

Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring for healthy skin. Avocados, walnuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, tomatoes-generally a rainbow of fruits and veggies will enhance the radiance of your skin

Exfoliate. The dead skin cells can build up on your skin’s surface causing it to look dull. Exfoliation results in a smooth and glowing skin.

Treat yourself to a weekly DIY facial. A rose face mask gives your skin a healthy glow. Add ten fresh rose petals, three tbsp thick yogurt and ½ cup orange peel to a blender. Blend it to form a paste. Apply onto your face. Leave it for fifteen minutes and rinse with water. For more variations read this article.

Give your hands and leg a thorough pedicure and manicure. A manicure will keep your nails healthy and strong. It makes your hands and nails look good. Pedicure results in well-hydrated feet and prevents dry, cracked heels.

Give your locks a warm oil hair massage. Hot oil massage helps in the growth of thick and long hair. It boosts your scalp health and keeps stress under wraps.

Change your pillow case and bed sheets. Pillow case is a haven for dust, oil, and bacteria. These may cause pimples and other skin problems. So have your pillow cases, and bed sheets cleaned weekly.

Monthly

• Trim your eyebrows
• Give yourself a hot oil treatment
• Examine your skin for changing moles
• Wash your makeup brushes

Quarterly

• Check the expiry of skin care products and change them if needed
• Trim your hair
• Get a professional facial

Yearly

• Schedule a full body skin cancer scan
• Treat yourself at a day spa

Ultimate Guide to Natural Skin Care Recipes

Face

• DIY All Natural Clarifying &Toning Foaming Face Wash from Body Unburdened

The ingredients that go into its making are liquid castile soap, jojoba oil, raw honey, tea tree oil, a few drops of lavender essential oil and rosemary oil. This foaming face wash helps clarify and tone your skin. The ingredients are extra-gentle and contribute to maintainingyour skin’s natural balance.

• WildCraft Face Cream

WildCraft face cream has a velvety texture and smooth consistency which leaves your skin fresh and supple. It is gentle on your face, absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. It is entirelycustomizable, and you can freely experiment with your favorite infused oils, hydrosols andessentialoils using this recipe as a base.

The ingredients involve organic olive oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil. You can add lavender;orange rose, sandalwood and chamomile essential oils according to your liking.

• DIY Firming Eye Cream

Firming eye cream tightens and firms your skin. Reduces under eye circles and puffiness, it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, reverses signs of aging and repairs damaged skin.

• DIY Fine&Dandy Facial Serum

Dandelions are super nutritious for your skin. They are an excellent source of vitamin A,vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and riboflavin. Dandelions are suitable for all skin types and conditions. When applied topically to pimples it helps to inhibit a microbial infection. They are packed with antioxidants and helps to brighten, tighten and firm your skin.

The white sap of dandelion flower stalk was used to lighten age spots, uneven skin, and scars by Native Americans. The recipe consists of 5-6 fresh dandelion flowers and leaves, aloe vera gel and vitamin E.

• Detoxifying Face Mask

Detoxifying face mask contains activated charcoal, green tea, hibiscus, bentonite clay and rose hips. Whenever you apply this mask spray your face with a toner when the mask starts to dry. This action hydrates your face and prevents it from getting irritated.

• Better Than BotoxFacial Scrub

One tablespoon baking soda, raw Manuka honey, pure lavender essential oil and pure frankincense essential oil are the powerful ingredients that form the base of this scrub. Heather who formulated this scrub gives a tip for glowing skin in her blog Kula Mama. She writes including high-quality collagen protein in your diet works wonders for your skin.

• DIY Hippy LippyLip Balm

The Hippy Lippy lip balms come in three delicious flavors. Mint chocolate cocoa lip balm, peppermint lavender lip balm and cinnamon spice lip plumping lip balms. These lip balms are naturally muted, soadding ½ tablespoon castor oil will give a nice gloss to your lips.

• Garden Hand Butter

Apply this homemade hand butter to your dry hands as often as needed.The shea butter present in this cream provides powerful nourishing and moisturizing benefits to your skin. Along with it sweet almond oil, beeswax, myrrh essential oil and cedar wood essential oil enhance the beauty of your hands.

• HomemadeCuticle Cream

This cuticle cream avoids cracked bleeding skin around your nail beds. If you apply this cream to your cuticles, it ensures robust and healthy nails. You can use this cream to your feet to soften and moisturize it and also to rough elbows.

• Natural Essential Oil Deodorant

Melt coconut oil and shea butter. Mix in baking soda and arrowroot powder. Add your desired essential oils. Lavender and tea tree oil make an excellent combination. Pour into any old deodorant container. Voila! You have your very own DIY deodorant.

• Coconut Oil Lotion Bars

The cream bar is primarily helpful for those with dry, cracked skin. Use one cup of coconut oil and beeswax to make approximately 2-3 bars. You can add your favorite essential oils as your signature flavor. Coconut oil is an excellent source of many proteins which keep you healthy and rejuvenated both internally and externally.

• Homemade Grapefruit Scrub

Sugar body scrub is an invigorating way to get rid of your dead skin. The salicylic acid from the grapefruit juice softens your elbows, knees, and rough patches. The potassium present in grapefruit helps to remove age spots and smooth wrinkles.The vitamin C protects your skin from environmental hazards. Coconut oil, sugar, grapefruit juice and grapefruit zest are the ingredients you need to make this refreshing body scrub.

• Lavender Oatmeal Tub Tea

These herbal bath teas contain herbs, salts and other skin soothing treats to provide you the most luxurious bath. It’s a perfect way to relax and warm up in the cold winter months.

Essential Ingredients to Invest In

If you want to make your products, but don’t know where to start here is a thorough guide to DIY skin care. Some of the essential ingredients you’ll be needing are

• Sweet almond oil
• Coconut oil
• Beeswax pastilles
• Emulsifying Wax
• Vitamin E oil
• Rose hip oil
• Citric acid
• NeoDefend- it is very gentle for your skin. It is non-GMO and certified organic.
• Distilled water

Equipment:

• Double boilers
• Hand held blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• pH strips
• Thermometers

Essential Oils:

• Lavender essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil

Preservatives:

Preservatives are a must if you add water to your products.  Water enhances the growth of bacteria and fungus. There are a few natural substances that extend the shelf life of your products, but technically they are not preservatives. They include:

• Grapefruit seed extract
• Essential oils
• Vitamin E
• Citric acid.

Few Pointers to Consider

• Wash your hands before starting a recipe
• Use minimum amount of heat to keep your oils potent
• Go in for glass contains and avoid using plastic containers.
• Try to add your essential oils at the end of your recipe because heat renders them inactive.
• Salves and serums are much easier to prepare than lotions.

Conclusion

Making your skin care is one way to take charge of your body. Your body was made to thrive in pure natural food and a clean,non-toxic environment. We live in a time where cancer rates are higher than they have ever been. It’s critically important for you to know what you’re putting on your skin, your largest breathing organ. DIY skin care is the best way to stop putting money into the skin care industry’s pockets because they don’t have your best interest in mind. So wake up! You are in charge of your body inside out.

Skin needs to stay hydrated, like how our body needs water. It’s easy to not go a day without moisturizing skin thinking that it doesn’t matter especially that the effect of not moisturizing will not show immediately. But if you are not a fan of moisturizing your skin, you should listen to us when we say you should –the effect of dry skin caused by dehydrated skin will be visible after years. And by then it might be too late to save your skin’s condition.

What Happens to Skin if You Don’t Moisturize?

Your complexion will appear dry and dull. Particularly in winter where forced-air systems such as heaters create boned-dry air. Water evaporates quickly out of the skin in such parched circumstances dehydrating your skin and stripping it of lipids, which are part of its protective outer layer of the skin. Your skin becomes vulnerable and irritants can enter more easily, causing redness and flaking. Dry skin is unattractive but the real issue is discomfort. In some cases, it can result in cracks and fissures that invite infection and inflammation, leaving it sore, tender to the touch, and often itchy. There’s also that red, rough, scaly appearance you surely don’t want to deal with. Daily application of moisturizer, on the other hand, boosts hydration in your skin, prevents flaking and dullness, and creates a protective layer of moisture that lasts all day.

You could develop wrinkles and lines. Wrinkles are part of aging but dry and dehydrated skin makes fine lines more visible. How is this possible you might ask? According to experts, low levels of ongoing inflammation caused by dry, unmoisturized skin can ultimately lead to a breakdown of collagen and accelerated aging. If you have wrinkles, it could look worse and even lead more wrinkles to develop, giving you that premature aging look. But people with properly moisturized skin accumulate wrinkles at just a fraction of the rate of those with dry skin. For men, moisturizing is particularly important. Research studies have found that males are more likely to show signs of aging. Moisturizing your face will help you to look and feel younger, and will have softer, more elastic skin.

Breakouts could get worse. People associate oily skin with acne, skipping moisturizer thinking that it can aggravate acne even more. While that circumstance is a fact, dryness can also make acne even worse. Sounds counterintuitive but true especially if you are cleansing the skin too frequently and vigorously with strong products that can irritate and dry the skin, making acne worse. So instead of giving it up, just switch to water-based, oil free moisturizer that works best for oily skin. You can also opt for herbal moisturizers. They are very light and assist in evaporating excess of moisture.

Skipping moisturizer and applying makeup could end up in clogged pores. Our skin releases sebum and often stick out to the pores of the skin. When the secreted sebum gets in contact with the chemicals present in beauty products, it could result in clogged pores causing blemishes, pimples. Applying foundation and concealers can only make it worse as it could further block the pores more and could result to dirt in the skin causing another acne issue known as blackheads. Unclogging is a lengthy procedure and scrubbing and exfoliating skin doesn’t help either.  We are not staying away from makeup is the best solution but make sure you know how to prep up your skin before applying any makeup. Every good makeup guru knows that it’s best to cleanse and apply moisturizer before any makeup ritual. It really does well when you’re trying to do the whole smooth, flawless makeup, or as close as you can get to it.  But the benefits go beyond an on-point makeup. With the proper amount and application, it will hydrate your skin and fend off clog pores along with the skin defects that goes with applying excessive make-ups.

To sum it up, applying moisturizer creates a barrier between the skin and environmental conditions, helping to form a fine, protective layer that enables the skin to retain the moisture it requires. This moisture boosts hydration in your skin that prevents flaking and dullness and creates a protective layer that lasts all day.

Natural Vs. Chemical Moisturizers

Chemical moisturizers are generally considered safe, although skin reactions such as allergic contact dermatitis from processed preparations may occur. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin develops an allergic reaction after being exposed to a foreign substance. Studies suggest that the most common allergens found in moisturizer are fragrances. You may be one of 20 percent of people who get an allergic reaction to the chemicals that comprised.  Of the products that did not contain fragrance, 16 percent contained fragrance-related potential allergens, such are preservatives, sunscreens, and lanolin. These ingredients have the potential to cause irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. But then again, every skin type is different. Either your skin will respond fair or might become itchy, reddish or swells, especially in the eyes, face, or groin areas as a response to the chemical reaction.

According to skin care experts, if commercial moisturizers are 95 percent natural, it is a safe bet. But you should look at the ingredients and make sure that they are of high quality. Even if you were to receive an organic label, your skin care product must contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients.

It’s best to consult your dermatologists on what type of skin moisturizer works best for you. But for a safer alternative, go for natural moisturizers; free of toxins and other artificial preservatives. These alternatives work well as the pricey moisturizers available on the stores — we can’t blame you if you go natural all the way. What’s more, you don’t have to go in stores, they might just be present in your kitchen.

Note: Some foods and ingredients that trigger allergic reactions when you ingest them can also cause harm when applied to the skin. If you know you already have food allergies, it’s best to move on to another natural moisturizer.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is used in many natural beauty products for good reason; it’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal. It makes an excellent alternative to store-bought body lotions.  It increases hydration and reduces water loss in the seriously dry skin.

What’s in It? Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat, with almost 90 percent of the fatty acids in it being saturated. The natural fatty acids mean that it will not only moisturize your skin, but it will also help to heal skin problems like scars, wrinkles, or cellulite. Using coconut oil as a natural moisturizer will help minimize and fade them. It also blocks 20 percent of ultraviolet radiation, making it a natural skin protectant against the sun.

Different Ways to Apply It. While you can use it for a little rub down, body massage or simply to soothe dry skin areas. Apply coconut oil on your dry skin after you take a bath or shower. When the skin is warm and supple from your bath, coconut oil is more readily absorbed. You can also use coconut oil for your other hygiene and grooming habit.

• It’s perfect as a night oil. Apply warm coconut oil all over your body before going to sleep. Wash it off in the morning. Nightly use to make your skin soft and smooth over time.
• Use it in shaving your legs. Unlike shaving creams, you will only need one teaspoon of coconut oil in one leg.   Slather on a   coconut oil onto skin. The oil will moisturize your skin, helping the razor to glide over your legs and avoid razor burn. Rinse the blade between strokes. Pat your smooth legs dry with a towel so that you retain the oil in your skin. If you wish, you can apply a little more oil for a silky experience. Men can also benefit from shaving with coconut oil. As the oil lubricates the razor, it reduces the chance of nicks and cuts, as well as razor burn that is common in shaving beards.  The shaved skin with coconut oil has also proven to be silky, soft and irritation-free until your next wash.
• Use it to condition dry scalp. It penetrates deep into the scalp than any other oil. Apply a quarter size dollop to your scalp, good for intensive dandruff treatment. Its antibacterial properties may also ward off folliculitis — an infection of the hair follicles. Coconut oil can also fight fungal infections, such as ringworm of the scalp. Extend the application into your hair for a shine. The application also supports hair growth while adding volume.
• Make a luscious body scrub. Creating the mix is simple: pour it over a cup of brown sugar or salt and stir well on a very low heat. Add five drops of your other favorite oil essentials or put some vanilla fragrant and presto — an instant body scrub! It’s not only skin friendly and wonderfully moisturizes skin, this little DIY beauty secret will save you money and saves your skin from harsh chemicals might be present in a store-bought body scrub.
• It’s also great as a cheekbone highlighter. Simply sweep a small amount of organic coconut oil on top of makeup and leave it alone. The coconut oil base has light reflecting pigment that leaves your skin more glowing. Also, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base ingredient in their formulas.
• Or use it to remove makeup. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup, and leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. It even works on those hard-to-clean waterproof mascara. Put a little of the oil on a cotton ball and gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your under-eyes as well.  Once you’re done, you can wash your face as usual.

Other Great Natural Oils You Can Use

Those with very sensitive or dry skin may find that coconut oil does not provide enough moisture. If such is your case, sweet almond oil may be a better choice. You may also use rosehip seed oil; it’s one of the best natural moisturizers for those with sensitive facial skin. Shea and cocoa butter, both of which is extracted from the respective trees is also full of natural fatty acids and works great as other natural skin rehydrating agents. Another great thing about these rich and creamy textured forms is that they are hypoallergenic and safe to use even for those with highly sensitive skin.

Honey

Honey is a well-recognized natural moisturizer. In fact, legend has it that Cleopatra used infused honey in her famed milk baths. And now science is catching up to what many women have known for years. Honey, especially raw or unpasteurized, is versatile and all-natural ingredient to use on skin.

What’s in it? Loaded with antimicrobial and humectant properties, it’s also full of antioxidants which are good for wrinkles and aging skin. The antibacterial properties help with acne treatments and prevention. It clarifies skin by opening and unclogging pores. As a moisturizer, it soothes irritation, blemishes and leaves skin a lovely afterglow. Plus, honey is packed with natural enzymes and amino acids that improve skin’s health.

Raw Vs. Commercial Honey. For best results, use natural raw honey as commercial kinds of honey are heavily processed and excessively heated, eliminating natural vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are beneficial to skin.

Different Ways to Apply It. Before taking a bath or shower, rub honey all over your body and leave it on for five to 10 minutes. Repeat daily to enjoy well-moisturized skin. Other than that, you can use other methods to put this nature’s sweetest treat to a naturally good and hygienic use.

• Layer it on a face mask. Honey can help unclog pores while simultaneously delivering moisture to parched skin. Just apply a thin layer of raw honey to over your mask or on a bare slightly damp skin using a circular motion. Leave the honey for at least 30 minutes and then gently rinse it off with warm water. You’ll find that it easily washes away, leaving you with soft, radiant skin.
• Zap breakouts with honey. Swirl a small amount of honey onto a cotton swab and dab onto your blemish. If you want a little extra boost, mix the honey with tea tree oil and lavender oil for additional natural cleansing. Apply a light amount so you can sleep with a dab of honey on your face if desired and get awaken to a less-stressed skin.
• It makes a good cleanser. It is great removing makeup residues, especially when mixed with your favorite natural plant oil and spices. Try a mixture of honey and oil, like jojoba or coconut oil to form a balmy texture. The mixture will likely be slippery enough to slide across your face. Add a dash of cinnamon, turmeric or nutmeg for an aromatic treat. Massage the concoction over your face. It will loosen up heavy makeup and moisturize your skin at the same time.
• Honey mixed with baking soda makes a skin-friendly exfoliator. Baking soda offers light exfoliation while the honey soothes and smooths the skin.  Apply it from head your arms down to legs and toes so your whole body can benefit from this simple yet effective concoction.
• It’s great as a body lotion.  Mix a spoonful of honey with a teaspoon of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.  Honey with its antioxidant and humectant properties combined with lemon being a natural exfoliant help lighten and improve skin tone, leaving you with flawless and smooth skin with the help of oil extract. Apply the lotion to dry areas and let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe off with a warm washcloth.
• Mix it in your bath water.  The simple mixture of honey and water creates a body-smoothing bliss and helps get rid dead skin cells in the body without irritation. You can add baking soda, milk and oil essentials for an ultimate smooth skin after wash.

Avocado

Not only are avocado nutrients extremely good at hydrating and softening your skin. It also often recommended as an effective treatment for acne and blackheads, psoriasis, eczema and other forms of skin inflammation. It also is a boon for diminishing age spots and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s in it? Avocados are a great source of antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These free radical quenching compounds provide significant protection for your skin from the environmental damage that leads to fine lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.  The avocado skin, use in extracting oil, contains high oleic acid content. This monounsaturated fatty acid maintains moisture locks it in the epidermal or outer layer of your skin, helping to make it soft and hydrated. An omega-9 fat, oleic acid is also involved in regenerating damaged skin cells and reducing facial redness and irritation.

Different Ways to Apply It. Just eating avocado regularly can-do wonders for your skin complexion. But if you’re not a fan of “eat your way to a healthy skin” methods, you can directly apply avocado on your face and body as a mask. Make sure that your avocado fruit is fully ripe and cold-pressed. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and it will immediately soften your skin and moisturize. You can also pamper your skin with these other simple remedies.

• Avocado oil extracts are good for smooth, strong and elastic skin. It also hydrates your body with its fatty acid nutrients. You can extract the oil from heating an avocado puree or cold pressing the avocado skin. Using the avocado oil as a moisturizer will give you immediate effect on the texture and appearance of your skin. There will be noticeably softer skin and lesser lines on the forehead. While applying oil on the face may sound greasy it will do the opposite. Using avocado oil won’t leave a lot of grease behind after wash. The nutrients present in avocado will leave your skin well hydrated and will make you feel that it doesn’t produce excess oil as it used to, making it more ideal for oily skins.
• Clean your face with homemade avocado lotion. Just peel the avocados and strain it. Filter the juice and add squeeze lemon to it. You can keep that lotion in a fridge for about five days in a well-closed container. Use the lotion after cleaning and drying your face.
• Make your own face mask. As mentioned, you can mash the avocado and lather an amount on your body for that rush of moisture. But you can step-up your home mask mixture by adding your other favorite natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, banana and essential oils for a more effective hydrating experience. Adding hot water to the mixture will help evenly penetrate the mask into the skin.  Put it into your face, using your fingers or a special brush. Avoid the area of your eyes and mouth. Keep 10 minutes and wash away. Or apply it on your whole body to get the benefits of a smooth and glowing skin.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is widely used in many skin care products because it helps moisturize skin without leaving it greasy, ideal for any skin care complexions. Though be sure to find one without additives—otherwise, it won’t be any better for your health than conventional lotion. The best solution is to grow aloe Vera plants in the comfort of your own home. It grows very quickly and within no time, you’ll have a home moisturizer at your disposal.

What’s in it? Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe Vera plant and it was found out that aloe Vera contains two hormones; Auxin and Gibberellins that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, from a flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Added to the antioxidants are beta carotene, vitamin C, and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

Cleaning and Purification Process of the Aloe Gel. Cut the thickest outer leaf near the base of the plant. Then, wash up the leaf carefully and cut it into several pieces. Put the cut-up pieces quickly in a bowl full of water and let them soak in, for at least the rest of the day and whole the night. Once it purifies you can peel the aloe Vera leaf to expose the gel inside,

Different Ways to Use It. Use aloe gel to treat minor burns, cuts, and wounds, as well as to moisturize skin. Aloe is also great for the face prior to the application to prevents skin drying. For men, aloe Vera gel can be used as an aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving. Here other ways to use the gel.

• It’s easy to use as a skin healing mask. You will only need nothing more than the gel of one to two aloe Vera leaf halves. Mix this with some essential oil if you like for a nice scent; mint, thieves, and lavender have nice natural fragrance. Apply for 30 minutes and let it sit. Aloe Vera gel has mild in scent on its own and has a particularly wonderful cooling feel.
• Just whip solid coconut oil with aloe Vera gel and use it as a moisturizing lotion. Compared to plain coconut oil, this lotion will feel lighter on your skin. Use it all over your body as you would use any other moisturizing lotion. To increase its effectiveness, apply it after bathing when your skin is somewhat moist to help lock the moisture. It also works well as a good makeup remover.
• The gel combined with lemon juice will provide you an effective yet inexpensive beauty remedy.  Both aloe and lemon help reduces dark spots and blemishes on your face, and even help minimize stretch marks. The mixture also helps heal acne and acne scars. When used in your hair, they provide nourishment, prevent excess oiliness, eliminate dandruff, encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss. These benefits add up fair and a glowing complexion. Regular application of this homemade recipe is highly beneficial for reducing too much suntan as well. In addition to the natural properties in lemon that aid in beauty care, the lemon juice will prevent the aloe gel from turning brown so you can make extra of the remedies and use for the coming days.

Milk

Both research and wide experiences speak volume about the extraordinary benefits of milk for the skin. It is widely incorporated in a range of beauty products but you can use the milk that’s in your fridge right now to hydrate dry skin, exfoliate mature skin, soothe irritated skin and lighten dark skin!

What’s in it? Milk has a unique ability to remove the oil-soluble impurities with the help of fat-soluble enzyme lipase, protein based impurities with the help of protease and dead skin cells with lactic acid. The lactic acid present in milk also helps exfoliate dry skin. The soothing nature of milk cream also helps preserve the skin’s delicate pH levels for a younger looking skin. Meanwhile, the presence of fat and proteins replenish the lost natural moisturizing factors of dry skin type.

Using Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk. For skin, raw or unpasteurized milk is preferred because heating of milk required in the pasteurization method destroys the skin friendly enzyme content of milk and alters the fat and protein structure. Pasteurization is better left for oral consumption because it aids in digestion. Use fresh and unpasteurized milk for maximum benefit to your skin.  Also, the higher the fat content of the milk, the more nourishing it is for your skin. Goat’s milk and cow’s milk have higher amounts of fat which provide more conditioning, but you can also use rice, soy or coconut milk.

Different Ways to Use It. For asimple remedy, take some raw \ milk along with its cream. Dip a washcloth in it and saturate well. Apply the milk on your face using the wash cloth. Let it stay for five to 15 minutes till it dries. Again, dip the washcloth in milk and saturate it. Start scrubbing your face gently with the wash cloth. Scrub for 3-5 minutes. Then, wash off.

Your skin will be smooth and supple. It will look fresh and glowing. This routine will improve your skin’s elasticity, complexion and water retaining capacity, keeping your skin feeling looking fresh all-day long. To use milk for other remedies, add some natural ingredients to boost moisturizing benefits, here are some ideas to get you started.

• Add rose petals for the pink and fair complexion. Take fresh rose petals and mash them or leave them as it is if desired. Pour in some amount of milk. Apply it on face and body and leave it on the skin for 20 minutes. Soaking beyond the time will get you more pinky touch in your complexion. Make use of this nourishing mask daily. This milk on the face will leave your facial skin more silky and shinier than ever.
• Mix it with almond to remove scars. A homemade milk and almond paste facial mask not only removes scars but also cleans the pores and softens the skin. Soak five almonds in milk overnight and grind them into a paste after removing the brown skin. Apply the paste on your face and neck overnight. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy every day for two weeks and it doesn’t only get you rid of scars but also fade any kind of skin discoloration. If you have a darker skin, then you can lighten the dark skin a bit with the help of this milk and almond face mask.
• Make a face scrub mask by mixing milk with gram flour and turmeric. Gram flour acts as a mild scrub to the facial skin while turmeric is antiseptic and has healing power. Mix a tablespoon of besan, a pinch of turmeric powder and two tablespoons of milk to make a paste. Massage on your face in circular motion with this milk and besan face scrub for at least five minutes. Then wash afterward. You can follow this skin care regime once a day. It is very beneficial to oily skin. You should be cautious about using turmeric as it can also stain skin if you use too much. Add only a limited amount of turmeric powder. This milk face mask will bring brightness and glow to your skin.
• Milk and honey face mask is beneficial for both dry and oily skin.  Mix two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of milk, and apply evenly on the face. Both milk and honey will help in reducing the effects of age and keeps the skin look fresh, glowing and beautiful.
• Milk is also a wholesome moisturizer with water. You can add it to your water tub and treat yourself to a milk bath. To use, pour one to two cups of your milk bath under hot running water.  Lie back and relax! It is both moisturizing and exfoliating. It will leave skin feeling silky soft, with a healthy glow.  If you are lactose intolerant don’t have to worry about bathing in milk. The milk isn’t being drunk, so there won’t be any digestion problems.

Other Alternatives for Milk. Using your favorite remedy, you can use milk by-products like yogurt and buttermilk They all share the same skin benefits with just little variation. Buttermilk or yogurt is preferred for oily skin types while the full cream or whole fat milk is preferred for dry skin types. You can even use milk powder in case if you cannot get fresh one; it would still render benefit as your liquid milk.

Cucumber

Cucumber, when applied topically, can soothe irritated skin. Popularly use for those puffy eyes and dark circle, cucumber flesh an excellent source of hydration, making excellent moisturizer that nourishes and purifies skin

What’s in it? It supplies both ascorbic and caffeic acid. These compounds prevent swelling and are highly useful for the areas around the eyes. The skin is also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, E, magnesium, and potassium boon to a glowing complexion. The hard skin contains silica, which is known as the beauty nutrient. This essential mineral strengthens the body’s connective tissue including the skin.  This is partly the reason why cucumbers are used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Different Ways to Use It. Simply place slices of cucumber over your eyes for an easy de-puffer or around your neck to soften and reduce neck wrinkles. Alternatively, you can puree a cucumber and apply it on your face and body for a cooling moisturizing experience. With the addition of a few easy-to-find ingredients, you create your own personal moisturizer. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll be putting an all-natural product onto your skin that is completely free of harmful chemicals.

• Add a few drops of honey to a cucumber puree for a soothing, hydrating mask. The honey in this mask promotes elasticity of the skin through its exfoliating properties. Honey also promotes new tissue growth which leads to better-looking skin. You can also substitute the honey with aloe Vera, which has equally beneficial properties.
• Make an easy DIY toning lotion. This recipe contains lettuce and cucumber juice. You just need to boil the lettuce and puree it together with the cucumber. After it has pureed add hot water for smoother paste.   You can use the boiled lettuce water to get all the beneficial ingredients on it.  Lettuce is rich in vitamins and protects the skin from the negative effects of the skin sun exposure while hot water is cooling and softening. You can keep this homemade cucumber toning lotion in the fridge and it will last you a month.
• Cucumber added with water is a good, all-natural face moisturizer. Just slice a large cucumber in about two cups of water and let it infuse in the fridge for about a day. It can last there for about a week. You can spritz some of the cucumber water onto your face as a toning mist. Without wiping the drops away, rub about a teaspoon of coconut oil into the skin as well. It’s one of the most powerful hydrating combos out there, good for daily use and all skin types including sensitive skin.
• Mix cucumber water with almond oil or alternatively you can use jojoba oil, argan oil. Its other ingredients are water and milk. Apply on your skin as an emulsifying lotion. The cucumber relieves sun burnt skin and has light astringent qualities. The natural oils are moisturizing, nourishing and conditioning while the milk will give a soft to the touch feeling to your skin.

Oatmeal

These grainy little flakes as a moisturizer could be new news to you, but oatmeal has long been a staple among skin pros. It is effective for relieving dryness and inflammation, including insect stings, rashes, and eczema. Oatmeal whisks away dead cells, irritation, and redness, leaving a soft, moist glow. Eczema patients use oatmeal to soothe the itching, dryness, and irritation caused by the condition. People with acne-prone skin also might benefit from using oatmeal in a skin cream, as it helps draw out impurities and clog pores. That’s why finely powdered oatmeal is sifted into soothing body soaks, moisturizers, and soaps.

What’s in it? Colloidal oatmeal, a natural product produced from finely ground oat grains that are boiled to produce an extract, is full of vitamins, minerals, and lipids that add moisture to benefit the condition of one’s skin. Oats contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water and leave a fine protective film on the skin, preventing dull, flaky dryness. This added protective layer is maintained even more with the protein present in oats. Oats are also filled with natural cleansers called saponins that gently remove dirt and oil from the pores.

Different Ways to Use it. Pulverizing the oats into powder makes it easier to reap all the mentioned benefits. You can use a food processor or blender and process the flakes high until you achieve a fine, powder-like consistency. From there you can add your favorite moisturizing ingredients.

• For a soothing oatmeal mask, mix it with hot water and honey. Simply pour the ground oats into a small bowl and stir in hot water and honey. Let stand for 5 minutes. Wash face with warm water. While skin is still damp, massage paste onto face, circling around eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 minutes. Remove with tepid water and a washcloth. You can even apply your favorite moisturizer to seal the deal and set the glow.
• It’s also a relaxing bath soak. Pour a cup of plain oatmeal into your tub as it fills up with warm water. Then add a few drops of lavender oil or a pinch of dried lavender. Soak in this aromatherapy solution for 15 to 30 minutes. The oatmeal will cleanse your skin and lock in moisture, while the lavender produces a calming, soothing scent. Oatmeal baths also soften and moisturize your skin, which helps lock in moisture and protect skin from external irritants
• Try a DIY treatment with blended colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, brown sugar and lukewarm water to relieve itchy, uncomfortable skin.  You’ll get the same cleaning and buffer properties without all the unnecessary harshness caused by chemically produced exfoliators. Plus, the coconut oil will give your skin a healthy-looking glow.
• Oatmeal works wonders at removing excess dirt and debris from body and scalp. Mix one cup of finely grounded oatmeal powder with a cup of baking soda and about four cups of warm water. Apply the mixture to your skin and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Using it as a body mask will thoroughly remove dirt as well as accumulated toxins. Use it on scalp and hair can help to reduce the appearance of dirty hair. Just brush through a light dusting of finely ground oats throughout the strands to soak up excess oils. Its healing and restorative properties also aid in dry, itchy skin and allergies.
• Mix together half cup cooked oatmeal, one whole egg, and one tablespoon of almond oil. While it may sound as delicious jam-packed breakfast, the mixture between these ingredients will hydrate and calm dry or sensitive skin while gently exfoliating it. Spread it on your face and leave for 15 minutes. Oily skin can also take benefits from this oatmeal- egg face mask recipe, especially with the addition of honey which is a perfect combination in shrinking down large pores and nourishing it without leaving your skin greasy.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax secreted by honey bees from glands on the side of their bodies. The natural wax is one of the most sought after because of its conditioning properties for skin, including an action that helps to calm and soothe. Not only is it natural and non-toxic, it provides benefits to the skin and to various types of formulas as protection against irritants while still allowing the skin to breathe.  No wonder why cosmetic industries are such a fan.

What’s in it? When natural beeswax is applied to the skin, it forms a protective barrier that helps protect skin from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness. Unlike ingredients made from petroleum, however, beeswax doesn’t suffocate the skin, and won’t clog pores.  It is also found helpful in exfoliation and rejuvenation of the skin.  Moreover, it helps keep skin hydrated over time due to its humectant content. Beeswax has a natural honey fragrance and is a favorite in soaps and perfumes because of its pleasant, light aroma. Because organic beeswax is anti-allergenic, it is also easily tolerated by even those with reactive skin.

Different Ways to Use It. It’s essential to use organic beeswax, perfect for all DIY and skin care creations. There are ready to purchase USDA certified organic beeswax in the market — created naturally by healthy honey bees in a NON-GMO, pesticide free environment. But you can also render beeswax from any available organic honey with its honeycomb.  The process is a one-step filtering method so there is no need to melt the wax down and filter it more than once.

• Use it as a hydrating lotion. Combine olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax pastilles into a pint sized canning jar.  On a medium to low heat pan filled water, heat the canning jar and stir the mixture occasionally until melted. Let it cool to room temperature either by leaving out or quicken the process by putting into the refrigerator. You can optionally add in the Vitamin E and essential oil and you have your organic lotion.  You might find the cream heavier than what you’re used to but that’s because it doesn’t contain all the chemicals that the store-bought chemical ingredients employ to make it absorb fast into your skin.  The creamy solution is also due to beeswax natural thickening agent that helps thicken mixture that makes them easier to use and more spreadable on the skin.
• Lock in your skin’s natural moisture with beeswax and organic oil. Melt four ounces of sweet organic almond oil and an ounce of beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from the heat, add a couple ounce of distilled water, and stir well. Add 10 drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Stir continuously until the mixture has cooled. Pour into individual tins.  The remedy helps protect and repair rough, dry, or chapped skin.
• Combined both beeswax and honey into your coconut mask. The ingredients naturally work together to hydrate, soothe, and soften skin, while delivering key nutrients that help keep your skin looking its best even after you rinse the mask off.
• Make your own anti-aging cream. A variety of commercial anti-aging face creams are available at cosmetics counters, but they’re often full of unpronounceable chemicals and additives, expensive and ineffective. As an alternative, you can make your honey and beeswax anti- aging cream, both of which are effective ingredients as natural moisturizers and humectants that will retain and replenish moisture, even during the dry months of winter. An addition of rosewater will soothe, tone and rejuvenate the skin. You can also add shea butter to soften and moisturize as it restores elasticity to dry skin.

Conclusion

Toxic synthetic chemicals are the biggest issue in the beauty industry today, so it pays to hone a keen eye when it comes to examining product labels. Make sure the ‘natural’ labeled ingredients real. The best way to know exactly what goes into your moisturizer product is to make your own. Not only will you save money and packaging, but you’ll also get the satisfaction that no preservatives or toxic chemicals were used in the process. Also, unlike chemically produced moisturizers, going natural won’t risk a harm if you give it a try.

 

What Is Cleansing?

Skin cleansing is using a facial care product – whether commercially sold or DIY – to wash and cleanse the skin usually after the normal washing of the face using a normal bar soap. Cleansing removes makeup, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other types of pollutants from the skin of the face. Skin cleansing also helps to unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as blackheads and pimples. A cleansing product can be part of a skin care regimen that includes soap, toner, and moisturizer.

Why is Cleansing Important?

Using a skin cleanser is a much better alternative to just washing with bar soap because:

• Bar soaps usually contain a high pH of around 9 to 10, compared to the skin’s surface that is on average around 4.7. This can change the pH balance in the skin that will favor the growth of some types of bacteria including acne.
• Bar soaps contain thickeners so they can be shaped as they are, and these thickeners can clog pores that can lead to acne.
• Bar soaps remove natural oils from the skin that results in water loss.

Other benefits and importance of skin cleansing include:

Removing skin build up. A common benefit of facial cleansing is the removal of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris from the skin that builds up over time. Throughout the day the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old or dead skin cells. Daily facial washing removes these impurities to give the skin a fresh look. Without washing, your skin would be covered with a thick layer of dirt and grime that makes it difficult for other products to penetrate the skin properly.

Boosting hydration. Regular facial cleansing together with a good moisturizer is also a crucial factor in helping the skin maintain a proper level of hydration. Dehydrated skin looks and feels rough, wrinkled, and aged. Cleansing helps manage pH levels of the skin that gives the skin enough water and product retention. 

Maintaining clear skin. Tiny glands under the skin produce oil called sebum to protect the skin from the dangers of the environment around. These glands use hair follicles within the skin as a pathway, allowing the oil to reach the skins surface or outer layer to form a barrier that prevents the penetration of bacteria or other harmful agents. However, excessive dirt builds up on the surface can cause blockages of the follicle, trapping sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells. The lack of sebum on the surface of the skin allows bacteria to penetrate the follicle causing inflammation and inviting the growth of acne. Proper skin cleansing clears pores of debris to prevent dirt buildup, allowing the sebum oil to reach the skin surface unimpeded and decreasing the chances of a breakout.

How Often Should You Cleanse Your Face?

Or let’s put it another way aside from how often: What would happen if you stopped washing or cleansing your face? If you completely stopped washing or cleansing your face your pores will become clogged resulting in the development of serious acne. The skin could also experience a combination of severe redness, dryness, and irritation from insufficient hydration. Finally, your skin would appear dirty, oily, greasy, and will show great signs of aging. You would develop an incessant itchiness wherein you would be forced to constantly scratch your face. This could lead to breaks in the skin which serve as entry points for infection.

Wash according to your skin type. While there is no medical proof about the accepted concept of cleansing once in the morning and once in evening or just once at night, all dermatologists agree that too much washing can lead to irritation and a lack of moisture. The rule is to use common sense: Always wash your face after a workout to prevent breakouts, and wash excessively oily skin once in the morning and once at night. For very dry or sensitive skin, cleanse only once daily in the evening.

Different Cleansers You Can Buy

Buy cleanser according to skin type. No matter what kind of skin type you have, make sure the ingredients list on the cleanser does not contain fragrance because this can be irritating. Also, avoid cleansers with parabens (potentially toxic preservatives) or harsh soap that can dry up the skin. Aside from cleansers, if a skin cream, lotion, or foaming formula contains any of the above, you’re better off looking for something to buy. Of course, people with dry skin may prefer formulas with added moisturizers, like glycerin or shea butter, and if you have oily skin, you might want a foaming wash that leaves skin feeling super clean.

If you’re wearing heavy makeup all day, you need to take it off with an oil-based makeup remover. Makeup can’t be removed with just gentle skin cleansers, and makeup that stays all day leads to blocked pores and sits in the future. Whatever cleanser you’re using to remove that makeup, don’t simply buy one because of brand name or covered with marketing promises. Always look for that label, “gentle” or “pH-balanced” and “fragrance-free.” Also look for cleansers that are non-abrasive or that contain microbeads.

For dry skin, cream-based cleansers are heavily suggested, again with gentle ingredients and no fragrance. Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and shea butter are okay. For normal skin or you’re not sure what skin type you have, a cleanser with gentle pH balance or one with cleansing “water” will do nicely. You want a cleanser that simply removes sebum, grease, dirt, and oil from the skin without being harsh or over-stripping.

For oily skin, foaming cleansers that are gentle and pH balanced will do well, even if you’re naturally oily. If you’re going to choose oil-based cleansers because you don’t want to lose your natural oil, see how your skin reacts to the cleanser you buy before going further. For skin that is prone to acne and spots, again, gentle and pH balanced cleansers will do. Unless your face is heavily pockmarked like the lunar surface, an acne-specific cleanser or other acne medications may leave your skin dry or irritated. You can talk to a dermatologist who can recommend a brand with chemically exfoliating cleansers. You can also look for cleansers with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid with an effectiveness that can rival leave-on treatments for acne.

8 Natural Face Cleansers You Should Try 

Coconut Oil Face Cleanser

This one will not strip your skin of its natural oils; coconut oil can cut any shine that appears at the end of the day. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, when you apply coconut oil to your skin it will cut moisture lost through your pores, leaving the skin healthy and smooth. First try by gently massaging a squirt of coconut oil onto your face, about the size of a quarter, for about 30 seconds. Then apply a warm towel onto your face to open your pores. Wait about 15-30 seconds, and then remove the oil by patting with a washcloth.

Apple Cider Vinegar Face Cleanser

Apple cider vinegar will help restore your skin’s pH level balance to help soothe breakouts, prevent clogged pores, and keep skin from becoming too dry or too oily. Its pH of about 5.5 is very close to the ideal pH of human skin. Try it first as a natural skin toner. Mix 1-part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water, and shake well. Apply to a clean face with a cotton ball or pad. Once your skin dries, put on your usual daily moisturizer.

Honey and Lemon Face Cleanser

Honey and lemon combined are a natural moisturizer and antiseptic, a perfect soothing and cleaning combination. The citric acid from the lemon kills acne-causing bacteria, while the enzymes in the citrus help clear away dead skin. Honey is naturally antibacterial and full of antioxidants, which have been proven to prevent acne and slow down your skin’s aging process. Honey is also great if you’re looking for a smooth complexion boost. First try it by combining 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Warm it between your fingers and then smooth a thin layer onto your face and neck. Leave the mixture on until it is dry and then rinse with warm water.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a perfect natural face cleanser because it is rich in protein and lactic acid. Those compounds work together to help detoxify skin. Applying lactic acid regularly encourages your skin to get rid of the dead cells through exfoliation, and protein helps tighten pores, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and hydrating the skin. Gently massage a thin layer of plain yogurt into your clean face using your fingertips. This motion and action will help loosen any dirt or makeup. Leave yogurt on for a couple of minutes and then wash off with warm water and a towel.

Olive Oil Face Cleanser

This star ingredient can also give your face some skin food. Olive oil is a great natural moisturizer for dry skin, and its antioxidants and good fats may also help reduce free radicals, which can relieve irritated or sun burnt skin. First try it by creating a natural, effective night cream with 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup water and simply mixing everything together thoroughly. It will work to lighten dark spots, kill bacteria, and make your skin smooth and clear.

Other Fruity or Nutty Cleansers

Is your face prone to breakouts like acne or blackheads? Mix a face cleanser made from oils with a high percentage of linoleic acid that helps reduce blemishes by protecting your skin’s surface. You can also try hemp, safflower, or rosehip oils. Safflower and grapeseed oil can help regulate your natural oil production. If you’re suffering from dry skin, you can try macadamia, almond, wheat germ, or avocado oils that are rich in fatty acids and polyphenols. They are very nourishing and help fight aging. Just apply enough oil to cover your face with your fingertips using a circular motion, and hold a warm washcloth over your oil-covered face for a few minutes to open the pores. Then gently wash away using warm water.

Chickpea Powder and Turmeric

Gram flour or chickpea powder has been extensively used as a facial cleanser in the past. It contains natural skin lightening properties. It helps lighten tan and dark patches. It controls excess oil, leaves the skin fresh, softens it, and also fights pimples. Simply take 2 tablespoons of chickpea powder, and then add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and milk. Use a clean spoon and mix all the ingredients well to form a thin or thick paste depending upon your preference. The consistency of the mixture should not be very thick or runny as it might slip off your skin after application. Once you create a smooth face mask-like consistency, apply it all over your face with a flat face pack brush or clean hands. Leave it for 10 to 20 seconds and then work it into your skin like you would do with ordinary soap or a cleanser. This recipe is good for oily to a combination of skin types.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant. It works by drawing out all the skin impurities and helps in cleansing the pores. It also works as a mild astringent that deeply cleanses the skin without damaging it. It is perfect even for the most sensitive skin. Oatmeal contains a good polymer chain which is made up of oats. It heals the skin quickly. It works as an anti-inflammatory agent and stimulates collagen production in the skin. Simply make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of milk – you can also use buttermilk or regular milk – 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, and a few drops of honey. Add a little water and mix the ingredients into a fine paste. Apply the paste all over your face and neck. Gently create circular motions to make the mixture work as a cleanser and scrub.

What is Laser Treatment?

Laser skin treatment or laser skin resurfacing as it is also called removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during the healing process gives the skin a tighter, younger looking surface. The procedure can be done alone or with other cosmetic surgeries on the face.

Laser skin treatment or resurfacing is done by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning that you won’t have to stay overnight.

So in actuality, laser skin treatments or resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes an intense light beam to treat your skin. It’s used to help treat wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, face blemishes, stretch marks, scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. 

All lasers fall into two categories: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are invasive, like plastic surgery, and remove the top layer of your skin. Your skin surface will appear red after as it repairs itself. Non-ablative lasers are less invasive, using heat to stimulate cells to thicken the underlying collagen resulting in improved skin tone and elasticity. Since non-ablative lasers do not remove a layer of your skin, there is minimal swelling, redness, and recovery time. 

Fractional lasers are used in a variety of laser skin resurfacing treatments. The notable difference between fractional laser treatments and other laser skin treatments and resurfacing is that fractional lasers target very small and specific areas. By doing so, they do not damage surrounding areas. As a result, fractional laser treatments tend to require less recovery.

A common misconception is that laser resurfacing is only safe for light skin types or those with fairer or Caucasian-like complexions. While it is true that certain lasers pose a higher risk for cell damage or discoloration in darker skin, there are safe and effective resurfacing options. For lighter-toned African-American, Hispanic or Asian skin tones, Erbium lasers can sometimes be a good option, posing less risk of discoloration. Patients with darker brown or black skin may need to consider other skin resurfacing options, such as radio-frequency treatments or microneedling.

Again, the best way to ensure a safe and effective treatment for your skin type is to consult with a provider who has extensive training and knowledge in laser treatment and resurfacing procedures and experience working with darker skinned patients.

What Do Laser Treatments Do to the Skin?

The doctor may treat wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or forehead individually, or treat your entire face. For small areas, the doctor will numb the areas to be treated with a local anesthetic and may also sedate you. You may require general anesthesia if your whole face is being treated. Treating just parts of the face takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment will take up to two hours.

Surgeons and doctors commonly compare the sensation felt during skin laser treatments to a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, what laser resurfacing feels like depends on the laser, the depth and area of treatment, and an individual’s tolerance for pain. In all honesty, deeper ablative – wherein some outer layers of skin are removed – laser treatments may require local anesthetic injections or intravenous sedation to keep a patient comfortable.

Some non-ablative laser treatments – the laser passes through the skin without removing layers – cause little or no pain at all and require only a topical numbing cream to offset discomfort. Following the procedure, some degree of tenderness in the treatment area can be expected. Your provider will recommend safe ways to control discomfort after laser resurfacing when necessary.

What Types of Laser Treatments are Available?

Aside from the skin laser treatments mentioned above, the reason there are so many different laser options is that no one laser can treat all patients and all skin concerns. Here are the more common laser treatments available:

• CO2 Lasers are generally ablative lasers used to treat scars, warts, wrinkles and other deeper skin flaws.
• Erbium Lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. They promote collagen remodeling, making them popular options for treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and age spots.
• Pulsed-Dye Lasers are typically non-ablative lasers that heat the skin and absorb pigments to reduce redness, hyper pigmentation, broken capillaries, and rosacea. 
• Fractional Lasers (already mentioned briefly above) breaks up the laser energy into thousands of tiny beams to treat only a fraction of the skin in the area and this reduces downtime. Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative and are used to treat many age-related blemishes.
• IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments are not lasers but are often used to treat similar concerns as lasers, such as sun damage, acne, rosacea, and hyper pigmentation.

Rather than get caught up in brand names and laser wavelengths, focus on what your individual goals are and what you really want or need. What skin problems do you want to address, and what results do you want or need? The good news is that you don’t have to determine this on your own because a board certified and licensed cosmetic surgeon or qualified skin care professional trained in laser treatment or resurfacing will be able to recommend the best treatment for you based on your skin type.

And since we are on the topic of a professional skin care professional, remember that in the hands of a highly trained and knowledgeable professional, skin laser treatment and resurfacing is a safe way to dramatically improve your skin’s appearance. In the hands of a poorly trained individual, lasers can be ineffective or even dangerous. Thus, choose a laser resurfacing provider based on an individual’s experience, training, and qualification. Don’t make your pick based solely on who offers the best deal or has a brand name laser platform. At this point, we do caution you against those advertisements from Chinese and other Asian so-called “medical tourism” areas that offer cheap skin laser treatments. Cheap often means sub-standard and mostly “made in China” treatments that will only harm your skin, or even give you worse.

Choose a skin laser treatment and resurfacing provider based on experience, training, and qualification. Don’t simply look for the best deal or the newest laser platform. Your best bet is to research and choose a cosmetic surgeon board certified and licensed by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Every ABCS certified surgeon has undergone a rigorous training fellowship that includes non-surgical treatments such as laser skin resurfacing. Getting a licensed professional from the ABCS is your assurance of safety.

Do take note that while in some cases a single laser treatment will take care of a patient’s concerns, most non-ablative lasers call for a series of treatments to produce the most satisfying results. This is a trade-off that comes with a no-downtime treatment, but once the treatment series is complete, results are long-lasting.

How to Prepare for a Laser Treatment

You always start by consulting a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to find out if you can be a candidate for the skin laser treatment. Tell your doctor if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth. Laser skin resurfacing can trigger breakouts in people who are at risk.

If you decide to go ahead with laser skin treatment or resurfacing, your doctor will ask you not to take any medications or supplements, including aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E, that can affect clotting for 10 days before surgery. If you smoke, you should stop for two weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking can prolong healing. In actuality, smoking isn’t even good for your skin so your smoking habit will render your skin treatment null and void. Now is a good time to stop smoking.

Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic medication beforehand to prevent bacterial infections and also an antiviral medication if you are prone to cold sores or fever blisters. Always be upfront and honest with your provider about your medical history and any medications or supplements you are taking. For instance, aside from cold sores and fever blisters, acne medications that contain isotretinoin such as Accutane can lead to poor healing or scarring from laser resurfacing, while common over-the-counter products like aspirin can increase the risk of post-procedure bleeding. Other medicines can also lead to poor healing or scarring after laser treatments. Diabetes and other chronic conditions can also impact safety and results with laser resurfacing.

Laser Treatment Aftercare

You may feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure. Five to seven days after the skin laser treatment or resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel. Depending on the problem that was treated, healing typically takes 10 to 21 days. Once the skin heals, you can wear makeup that is oil-free to minimize redness. This redness usually fades in two to three months.

You will also probably notice that your skin is lighter for a while after surgery. It is particularly important that you use a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen that screens ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays to protect your skin during the time of healing. When selecting a sunscreen, look for one specially formulated for use on the face with a 7% or higher zinc oxide content and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 in the morning a.m. and 2 in the afternoon when the sun is at its zenith and the hottest, and wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.

It is also important to keep your new skin well moisturized. If you use Retin A or glycolic acid products, you should be able to start using them again after about six weeks or when the doctor says you can.

Because the aftercare is just as important as the laser treatment itself, it is advisable to have the skin laser resurfacing during the autumn months. Since laser-treated skin is hypersensitive to sun exposure for up to a year following some procedures, many cosmetic surgeons recommend undergoing laser resurfacing during the autumn months so that the healing process falls during the autumn and winter months. Of course, we all know that daytime hours during these seasons are shorter and you are spending most of your time indoors.

But again, regardless of what time of year you have your laser procedure, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily and reapply as needed. This not only helps to keep your results looking their best, it also provides protection against skin cancer and helps prevent additional premature aging.

However, depending on the treatment, you may need some downtime –

Although skin laser treatments are generally considered non-surgical, not all are downtime-free. Laser treatment and resurfacing recovery time varies depending on the type of laser used as well as an individual’s health and healing rate.

Non-ablative lasers often require no downtime at all, while ablative lasers can require a 2 to 3-week healing process, depending on depth, before the new skin has healed completely and final results are evident.

This does not mean you have to stay at home for a month, but simply that it means that your skin will be raw, red and will scab over as it heals. You may not feel comfortable in certain social situations, and you will need to modify your activities to avoid situations where the infection is possible and thus, you will need to avoid strenuously and skin affecting activities such as swimming, gym workouts, and other heavy contact sports.

What Are Facial Lotions?

First up, a little lesson in the skin before delving into facial lotions.

There are three layers of the skin: the epidermis on the outside, the dermis in the middle, and the hypodermis underneath. Blood vessels deliver moisture to the dermis, which then travels up through the epidermis and evaporates. This is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), so if there is too much TEWL going on, your skin will dry out.

Moisturizing or moisturizer is actually both a misconception and a misnomer. Water is the only thing that can hydrate skin. The job of these so-called moisturizing lotions is to trap that water in, deliver water to the epidermis, or do a little of both.

Because of this, never choose facial lotions or ointments with ingredients that are so thick and impenetrable that water cannot pass through them. That’s where emollients come in. They have a chemical structure with long chains of carbon atoms and work to block water from evaporating, but their technique is a little different. The epidermis is constructed like a brick wall, with dead skin cells playing the bricks and fatty lipids and proteins playing the mortar. When temperatures drop, those proteins break down. Emollients penetrate the epidermis and fill in the holes those proteins leave, keeping TEWL under control. Filling in those holes also makes your skin feel soft and smooth.

Humectants in facial lotions are the exact opposite. Hydroxyl groups in their chemical structure attract water, so as it soaks into the epidermis, the young, moist cells hanging out in the dermis travel towards the surface of the skin. Humectants also stimulate the production of ceramides, which are waxy molecules in our skin that also reduce TEWL.

How to Properly Use Face Lotions

Some moisturizers on their labels say you should only apply them to your body, face, hands, and even your feet. But skin is skin, right? Well, no because the skin on your hands is very different from the skin on your face. In short, the skin on your face isn’t the same as the skin on your body.

The skin on different parts of your body varies very much. Your face tends to have thinner skin, more oil glands, and more hair follicles than the skin on other parts of your body, like the thicker skin on your feet, for example. Even different areas on your face, like around your eyes, are thinner than others. This all just means your facial skin can be more sensitive, and therefore your face is more prone to breakouts like acne and other facial troubles.

Most companies would have you believe that body lotion should never be used on your face. But the key here is the ingredients that matter rather than the so-called “type” of lotion. In short, no matter what lotion you’re using, it’s fine so long as it doesn’t irritate your face. So again, pay attention to the ingredients. Many body lotions have strong fragrances and contain a wide variety of irritating ingredients like isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, cocoa butter, pigments, and dyes. These ingredients can cause problems for all types of skin, most especially the sensitive kind. A “bland” or gentle moisturizer typically doesn’t have added perfumes and minimizes irritants. If you deal with breakouts on a regular basis, body lotions might be too much and you should try something gentler instead such as a specialized facial lotion. The viscosity of your moisturizer also matters. There are creams, lotions, gels, and oils, all of which feel very different when you apply them.

When to Use Face Lotions

If you always go out on an almost daily basis for work or school, then you should be applying a face lotion at least once a day, though it would be better if you applied twice a day, once in the morning before going out and once before going to bed. The morning application acts as a sort of sunscreen especially if your work or schooling will take you outdoors in the course of the day.

Experts are right in preferring face lotions and moisturizers with an SPF rating between 30 and 50, and broad spectrum protection. The sun protection factor (SPF) in face lotions is what protects you from UVB rays. The number denotes how much longer it takes skin to sunburn than when unprotected: 30 times longer for SPF 30, 50 times longer for SPF 50, and so on. Don’t be fooled by the numbers, though. At their strongest, the difference in how much UVB radiation they block is around 1 percentage point, with SPF 30 blocking about 97 percent of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocking 98 percent. In fact, the FDA has proposed capping SPF at 50, arguing that any number higher is misleading to consumers who might believe there is such a thing as sunscreen that can block 100 percent of UVB rays, and this is a virtual impossibility. SPF 30 or 50 is realistic enough.

Broad spectrum sunscreen in face lotion blocks both UVB rays that cause sunburns and UVA rays that penetrate the skin deeper and are closely linked to skin cancer. The real key to sunscreen in face lotions, however, is coverage. The regular recommendation by dermatologists is a nickel-size dollop for a full face treatment along with regular reapplication.

How to Choose a Face Lotion for Dry Skin

Explore any underlying problems because the dry skin may be related to these underlying skin problems. You might want to see a dermatologist for a prescription cream if your skin dryness is accompanied by certain symptoms. Eczema and psoriasis can also lead to dry skin. If you have one of these conditions, you will also break out in scaly rashes and may frequently experience dead skin coming off in flakes.

Too much sun exposure can cause dry skin. If you live in a sunny area, you should talk to a dermatologist on how to best prevent your skin from sun damage. Too much sunlight can cause certain cancers like melanoma so it’s important you learn how to stay protected. If you’re unsure about what kind of face lotion works for your dry skin, do consult a doctor, pharmacist, dermatologist, or someone working at a health food or skin care store. Oftentimes, people are unsure what kind of face lotion they need if their skin is dry in some places and oily in others or if they have certain conditions, like eczema, and are unsure if products could potentially make symptoms worse. If you’re struggling with decision making, ask a professional for help.

To start, you should read the labels of the face lotions you plan to buy. Depending on your skin type, you should be on the lookout for different ingredients. People with dry skin should look for heavier moisturizers. A face lotion containing antioxidants, dimethicone, and grapeseed oil or petrolatum that prevents water loss from the skin, can be helpful.

If you tend to have oily skin around your dry face and neck, you can always use a water-based moisturizer on your face and an oil-based one on the dry areas. It should be labeled “oil-free” and list water as one of the first ingredients. Face lotions and moisturizers containing retinol can cause your skin to dry out, so choose a gentle preparation and use it very sparingly at first, every other night at the most.

How to Choose a Face Lotion for Oily Skin

Face lotions and moisturizers designed for oily skin will often include key words like water-based, noncomedogenic – or won’t clog the pores, non-acnegenic – or won’t cause acne, and oil-free. Oil-free products are more complicated than you think, however, as they may contain other ingredients that can clog your pores, like waxes, or irritate your skin, like alcohol.

Always examine the ingredients because people with oily skin should be on the lookout for the ingredients that can both help and harm their skin. Water-based face lotions should have a word that ends in “-icone” such as silicone, as one of the first few ingredients. Dimethicone is often used as a replacement for petrolatum, which is oil-derived. Dimethicone is both moisturizing and mattifying, which means that it can help control grease and shine.

Look for exfoliating ingredients. Oily skin can often be dull and thick, so choose products with ingredients that will help in overall cell turnover. These include lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid. Avoid products that include paraffin, cocoa butter, and oils.

How to Choose a Face Lotion for Combination Skin

Combination skin is simply having oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in other areas. Typically, there’s a mix of oily and dry areas on different parts of your face, with the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone) being slight to very oily. Whether you have oily areas only around the nose and center of the fore­head and dry areas over the cheeks, jaw area, and along the hairline, what you do to lessen those problems is the same.

A variety of factors can contribute to combination skin, but more often than not, it just comes down to what you inherited from your parents. However, the types of skincare products you’re using can absolutely make it worse or even cause the problem.

The important thing with combination skin is that there’s no one-size-fits solution. It depends on how dry your dry areas are naturally and how oily your oily areas are. It comes down to this: You’ll have to divide and conquer by caring for different parts of your face using different face lotions, one for dry and one for oily skin. This means you will need to apply a more emollient moisturizer over the dry areas, but if you apply that all over your face, the oily areas will become oilier. That’s why keeping things separate is important, and the same for the face lotion that absorbs oil, so keep them off the dry areas.

For the oily areas, you will need to use the lightest and most effective formulas possible. Potent, concentrated amounts of beneficial ingredients in face lotions with a gel, thin lotion, or liquid texture will work great over the entire face. You would then only need to use an emollient booster, serum, or moisturizer over the dry areas, including around the eyes. 

How to Choose a Face Lotion for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is usually caused by excess oil and clogged pores. Because healthy moisture and unhealthy dirt and oil are different things, and because not all face lotions will clog your pores, the important thing is to choose a product that’s meant for your skin type and incorporate it correctly into your existing skincare routine. Not all people who are prone to acne have very oily skin, but the two do tend to go hand in hand. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to choose a face lotion or moisturizer that’s oil-free and not too thick or creamy. Again look for face lotions that say “oil-free” on the label or look for ingredients that end in “-icone,” like silicone, a hint that the product is mostly water-based. Use a very light formula face lotion immediately after washing your face or bathing.

How to Choose a Face Lotion for Mature Skin

Look for the antioxidants because face lotions with antioxidants are the most beneficial for older skin. They help absorb free radicals that can cause damage to your skin. Antioxidants to look for include vitamin C, vitamin B3, and vitamin E. These vitamins are particularly effective in a face lotion because they are able to be absorbed into the skin more readily than others. Basically, a free radical is just oxygen that isn’t stable, and so retaining more moisture helps get rid of these toxins.

Check for face lotions with polypeptides or oligopeptides. These ingredients mimic peptides in your skin. Specifically, they can mimic collagen or elastin, the fibers that help regulate elasticity. They encourage your skin to produce more of these molecules that also helps reduce wrinkles on your skin.

Reminders About Facial Lotions

Determine your skin type. Your skin type will help you decide what kinds of facial lotions are best suited for you. Different types of skin respond better to different products.

A heavier, oil-based face lotion generally works best for dry skin. You may even want to consider petroleum based products if your skin is cracking; however, if your skin tends to have other issues in addition to dryness you might want to consider adding a couple different types of facial moisturizer to your skin care regimen.

If your skin is oily, making it prone to acne breakouts, try applying a light moisturizer to your face after washing. Areas that tend to be oily as well such as the neck and chest will not need the same treatments as the face.

If your skin is easily irritated and you’re prone to redness and rashes, ingredients like aloe and chamomile in face lotions can help. These soothing components smooth over cracked and dry skin. You should also avoid anything containing fragrances and dyes. But if you’re older, an oil-based moisturizer is best as oil-producing glands in the body become less active.

Are you aware that the anti-aging and skin cleansing market has been booming since the start of this decade, to the tune of almost $121 billion each year? This makes sense considering society’s complicated relationship with vanity, particularly with skin care and anti-aging. People seem to gobble up everything that is being touted to make the skin look smoother, and mind you, it isn’t just the baby boomers getting into it but millions of millennials and the much younger consumers.

Unfortunately, in spite of the improvements in the skincare industry, many people are still practicing bad things that will only damage the skin. Worse, the most gullible are getting into bad skin care stuff that has nothing to do with getting smoother skin. We want you to know the worse things you are doing when it comes to your skin. If even just one of the things below hits you, we advise you stop doing it now.

Spending Too Much Time Under the Sun or Not Using Sunscreen on a Hot Day

Any form of prolonged UV (ultra-violet, as in, direct sunlight) exposure is bad for you. Consider that tanning, alongside smoking, is one of the most harmful things you could be doing to your skin and body. Overexposure to the sun can make skin age and wrinkle faster, and not to mention the threat of skin cancer. If you really want good and healthy skin, avoid this as best you can. But if you will be exposing yourself to the sun on the beach, don’t forget to slather on that 50+ sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen because many people tend to forget to slather on protection when at the beach. Make sure that you use a water-resistant and sweat-proof sunscreen if you’re at the beach or exercising outside.

Research First Before Believing Those Ridiculous Skin Cleansing Treatments

If you’ve been gullible to believe those ridiculous vampire skin treatments, snail skin treatments, sheep placenta treatments, and bird poop in-your-face, then we plead for you to think again because all these treatments are just plain harmful to your skin. Also, over-exfoliation and steam facials are some of the worst trends that could be harming your face. These treatments, though well intentioned, can result in broken capillaries and skin sensitivity for a number of patients. Over-exfoliating for example can strip your skin of its necessary oils. In actuality, the simpler your skin regimen, the better, and please do know the ingredients in your products.

Too Long Hot Showers

Just as it’s bad to be overexposed to the sun because of the extreme heat, the heat from those too long showers is making your skin extra dry because it’s washing off your skin’s natural oils. Remember that extreme temperatures can mess with the delicate balance in your skin, and push it to a state of stress.

This extreme heat can cause cellular damage, ‘burning’ skin, and broken capillaries. Excess heat can also strip away your outer layer of skin tissue, causing inflammation and itchiness. Try to shorten your hot showers as much as possible or adjust the heater to just produce lukewarm showers.

 

Picking Those Pimples

Some call it cathartic, others call it gross, but often, it will result in hefty scars and poor skin health you have easily avoided. Dermatologists have seen their fair share of acne scars and, consequently, they know that picking your pimples is a real no-no. You should start to think of your pimples as big ugly sacks of oil, dirt, and bacteria, and that is what they really are. So by popping them, you’re running the risk of that gunk spurting out and creating a dozen or so more pimples all over your skin, or simply spreading more bacteria that will be detrimental to your skin’s health.

Going to Bed Without Removing Makeup

Though it may seem harmless, it’s not. Not taking your makeup off before you go to sleep is another bad habit that every woman should avoid. Not only will it be clogging your pores while you sleep, but will also cause premature aging. Makeup effectively masks the skin, so if you forget to take it off, you’re preventing it from breathing and recovering from the onslaught of debris you encounter on a daily basis especially when you’re wearing makeup the whole day. This debris onslaught is usually pollution, bacteria, and straight-up dirt that makes its way to your face and sticks to it. Be sure to cleanse and moisturize your face and neck before you hit the pillow. And in this relation…

Not Washing Your Face Before Going to Bed

Even if you don’t wear makeup the whole day, washing your face before going to sleep with water and face wash or a gentle soap or a cleanser removes dirt and oils and keeps your skin clean and healthy. Avoid strong, scouring soaps though.

Going to sleep without washing your face is just as bad as leaving your makeup on when you sleep because it can clog pores and leads to acne. Using a face wash is best, but in a pinch, you can use face wipes with gentle solutions and with no fragrance. Washing your face before you go to sleep will remove all debris and excess oils, while still leaving your skin hydrated.

Thinking That the Skin Is Just on the Outside

This really comes down to looking after your overall health and staying healthy also means having healthy skin. It takes a holistic approach to skincare and this all starts from within. To achieve great skin, you also need to eat well, get enough sleep, avoid stress and don’t over indulge in unhealthy habits like smoking, along with using good skin care cleansing and treatments. Eating well is the ethos that every healthy person should take. You need to believe that beauty begins in the belly and the advice even from dermatologists is not to eat unhealthy carbohydrates and sugar. Instead, eat lots of fermented foods full of nutrients and natural probiotics and where possible avoid processed food and unhealthy chemicals that compromise gut health. Basically, you want to get enough nutrients to keep your skin nourished. Also, the usual advice is to cut out diuretics like alcohol, caffeine, and colas and instead, fill up on foods rich in antioxidants, and this is where your vegetables and fruits come in. This way you’re promoting a healthy digestive system, boosting antioxidant intake and promoting good skin health. As the skin ages it needs more nutrients, proteins, and antioxidants to function at its best, so load up on your colorful veggies and fruits, down at least six glasses of water a day, and make smart choices from the inside out because it will help you in the long run. And speaking of water…

Not Drinking Enough Water

Water plumps up your skin cells and makes your skin look fresh and bright. When you are dehydrated, your skin starts to dry out. Drink at least six glasses of water each day to keep your skin healthy.

Never Leave Dry Skin Untreated

Dry skin is bound to do a lot of damage if left untreated. Never forget to apply a moisturizer right after you step out of the shower or bath. With your skin still damp, apply the moisturizer so your skin will keep that moisture in. You can also apply after you wash your face before you sleep or before going outdoors for extended periods in wintry weather or during summer.

Having Bad Shaving Habits

You may be in a hurry and need to shave quickly, but your skin cannot sustain rough treatment with the blade, especially if it’s done often. Shave carefully and gently using a lubricating gel or foam, and pat dry with a towel after cleaning instead of wiping as this will keep some moisture on your skin. Skipping shaving cream or gel is a near-guarantee for skin irritation and it increases your chances of getting annoying shaving bumps. You can also look for a razor with a moisturizing serum built in as well that moisturizes up to two hours after shaving. Another unhygienic shaving habit is using old, dirty blades on your razor, and this means you can get a not-so-good shave. Old and dirty blades will damage your skin and even cut you if you force the shave.

Rushing Your Skin Care Routine and Getting Overzealous With Face Wash

Credit yourself with having a skincare routine or at least using a face wash, but when you’re late for class or work and breeze through the motions, this is a capital crime to your face. You can easily end up skipping important steps, tugging on your skin, or unevenly applying products, and this also applies at night when you rush things because you’re so sleepy. This means breakouts, dry skin patches, or acne. This will make you spend more time in caring for your skin and whatever has broken out. Just as sinful is to keep washing your face often because you think it’s going to clear up your skin. Washing more or scrubbing harder won’t give you a flawless complexion. On the contrary, cleansing or exfoliating your skin until it peels, stings, or flakes can cause irritation and inflammation, which aggravates acne, prevents you from using the products that do help, and makes your skin look worse. In other words, stick to washing gently twice a day and using scrubs just once or twice a week, and don’t ever rush your skin routine.

Not Washing Your Neck and Chest (or Ignoring Both)

Your face is your obvious focus, but those cute off-the-shoulder tops show off your neck, chest, and shoulders in your selfies as well. So, skin care game should include your neck and chest as well because it’s useless to have a flawless face and your selfie reveals a lot of acne and impurities below. Treat the face, neck, and chest as one cosmetic unit because they are exposed to similar UV radiation, pollution, and weather elements. So whatever you’re using on your face, take it on down to the top of your torso. This way you have one gorgeous dewy glow and no weird tan lines.

We did say 12 things, right? But we did mention about smoking earlier, right? So we would just like to add smoking at the end because this does nothing to make your skin smooth or healthier.

With all the skin treatments out there, it’s easy to overlook the simple things you can do to renew your skin or make it unhealthy. The absolute first step you should take is to quit smoking if you’re into this habit. No matter what treatments you try for your skin, if you’re constantly smoking then this will undo all your skincare regimens. It’s like, “don’t do a skin laser to reverse the effects of aging and then smoke cigarettes.” You’re undoing any benefits you’re getting from the laser treatment, and you’re impairing your body’s ability to heal, and the same goes if you’re regularly treating your face with skincare products. You can always spot a smoker from the wrinkles around their mouth. Other than being strict about using sunscreen, stopping your smoking habit is the best thing you can do to stop the signs of aging and to make your skin healthier. Though we did mention coffee earlier, there is no factual evidence that coffee has a negative effect on the skin since the drink contains antioxidants that are good for the skin. However, consuming more than 3 cups of coffee daily will be bad for your skin because of too much consumption of caffeine.

Turmeric is popularly known as the “Indian Saffron” because of its brilliant yellow color.The history of turmeric date back to 4000 years. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family. It is a native of southern Asia. The rhizomes when not used fresh are boiled for 30-45 minutes, dried in hot ovens and finally ground into dark orange-yellow powder.

Turmeric is an important constituent in Ayurvedic medicine.The main component of the turmeric is a volatile oil called turmerone. It also contains coloring agents called curcuminoids which are natural antioxidants.

Turmeric and Skin Health

Research studies show that turmeric/curcumin is highly beneficial for boosting your skin health. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antineoplastic (prevents the growth and spread of tumors) properties. Turmeric has beneficial effects on skin conditions such as

• Acne
• Facial photoaging
• Alopecia
• Psoriasis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Oral lichen planus
• Pruritus
• Radiodermatitis
• Vitiligo

Research studies say that both oral and topical application of turmeric provides therapeutic benefits for your skin health.

Curcumin has skin regenerative properties and helps in wound healing. According to a review published in the January 2013 issue of the journal Biofactors. Curcumin protects skin by reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. It regulates proteins involved in the healing process of wounds and influences enzymes involved in skin regeneration.

Beauty Benefits of The Golden Spice

Acne

Acne lesions may include whiteheads blackheads, nodules, small bumps, and cysts. You may suffer from acne due to the sensitivity of hormones, fatty acids within oil glands, combined with bacteria on your skin. You may experience acne on the face, chest, shoulders, and back;these are the sites of oil glands. Your acne may be aggravated due to fluctuating hormonal levels, picking or prodding of lesions and wearing hats, helmets, and headgear.

Turmeric on Acne. Turmeric has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It kills bacteria that causes breakouts. The curcumin present in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain. Turmeric is antiseptic, and it removes the deposition of bacterial infection in skin pores.

Beauty Tip. Mix 4 tablespoons of turmeric powder with four tablespoons of raw honey and one tablespoon milk. Blend it to a smooth consistency and store in the fridge. Take a hot shower and dip a clean washcloth in hot water.

Gently press the washcloth onto the affected areas for 5 minutes. This action will bring the puss to the surface. Now apply the turmeric mixture. Massage for at least ten minutes. And leave it overnight. Wash it off in the morning. Use a gentle toner dipped in a cotton ball to remove the yellow stain on your face.

Aging

Your skin is at the mercy of sun, harsh weather,stress and bad habits. How your skin ages will depend on your lifestyle, heredity, diet and other personal habits. When you grow old, your skin may become rough, loose and transparent.There is a loss of fat below the skin in the cheeks, temples, skin, nose, and eyes. Exposure to the sun can also lead to premature wrinkles.

Turmeric on Aging. Turmeric is one of the highest antioxidant containing spices in the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Scale. Studies show that turmeric inhibits an enzyme called elastase that reduces the production of elastin. Elastin is essential for your smooth and pliable skin.

The curcuminoids present in turmeric are healthy antioxidants. They have antioxidant activity comparable to that of vitamins And E.

Turmeric is known to treat conditions of oxidative stress.

• It increases the level of antioxidant enzymes
• Scavenges free radicals that cause oxidative stress
• Inhibits the oxidation of fats present in cell membrane leading to cell death.
• It is successful in stimulating antioxidant defenses in human dermal fibroblasts.

Beauty Tip. Mix one teaspoon each of turmeric, gram flour, jojoba oil, one tablespoon lemon juice and enough milk to form a paste. Rub onto wet skin and leave it for 10 minutes. Gently wipeoff the mask with fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water. You can apply this mask 1-2 times a week.

Dark Circles

Dark circles can be due to bad blood circulation. The skin around your eyes is thin anddelicate. So the accumulated pigments become more visible here than anywhere else. Stress, insufficient sleep, consumption of tobacco or alcohol and aging may be the causes of dark circles.

Turmeric on Dark Circles. If you suffer from “raccoon eyes’ then turmeric may be your best bet. Turmeric is a natural antioxidant,anti-inflammatory spice and significantly reduces dark circles. When taken internally, turmeric detoxifies your blood and liver and gives you a radiant skin. Turmeric reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It rejuvenates tired and sagging skin.

Beauty Tip. Gently mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with some pineapple juice and create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to your dark circles and leave it for 10 minutes. Use a soft, warm, damp cloth to remove the mask gently. Repeat this routine once daily.

Skin Lightening

The Dull skin may make you look tired and old.Less skin moisture, failure to exfoliate, insufficient sleep, stress, pollutants, UV exposure, unhealthy foods and smoking habit are the causes of dull skin.

Turmeric on Skin Lightening. Curcumin present in turmeric helps to resolve hyperpigmentation and reduces melanin production. Melanin triggers include

• Sun exposure,
• Pituitary stress
• Skin damage
• Tumors
• Cushing syndrome and others.

These factors trigger the ACTH hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. ACTH hormone supports MCIR which is one of the proteins that stimulates melanin production. Curcumin helps to reduce the ACTH hormone and thus reduces hyperpigmentation and lightens skin.

Beauty Tip. Peel the skin of an orange, dry them under the sun until crisp and blend it to a fine powder. Mix two tablespoons of orange peel powder to 1 teaspoon of turmeric, one tablespoon of honey and water to make a fine paste.

Apply this paste onto your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water followed by cold water. Repeat this procedure three times a week.

Teeth Whitening

If you feel that your smile is a tad duller when compared to the teeth of models and celebrities, then you need to do something about it.

Yellow discoloration may be due to dark-colored foods and beverages-they fall under the extrinsic stain category. Usage of numerous medications and too much fluoride are the intrinsic factors which lead to yellow teeth.

Turmeric on Yellow Teeth. Turmeric is an excellent natural remedy for sensitive teeth and other dental problems like toothache, tooth decay, and gingivitis because it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It whitens your teeth by removing plaque.

Turmeric has astringent and abrasive properties that whiten your teeth. It consists of magnesium, selenium, calcium and vitamin C that improves your oral health. Curcumin helps to kill germs and other microbes causing gum and tooth problems.

Beauty Tip. Add two tablespoons of organic coconut oil, four tablespoons organic turmeric powder and two tsp baking soda.  Give the mixture a gentle stir, and leave it in a cool place, so it forms a semisolid consistency. Take a little amount of the turmeric toothpaste and brush for about 2 minutes. Store the remaining toothpaste in a glass container.

To completely remove the stains rinse your mouth well with water. Use this turmeric toothpaste twice a week. Continuous usage will brighten your teeth naturally and enhance your oral health.

Cracked Heels

When your sensitive skin on the bottom of your feet becomes dry, it splits open leaving sharp cracks called fissures on your heels. Cracked heels may be the result of cold weather, dehydration, not moisturizing your feet or having diabetes.

Turmeric on Cracked Heels. Curcumin has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It soothes your cracked heels and boosts circulation in your legs which increase cell turnover. This action helps to heal the fissures. The Turmeric is antiseptic which protects the wounds from infections and helps your heels to heal faster.

Beauty Tip. Neem has antifungal properties which protect your feet from getting infected. Blend 100 grams of neem leaves in a blender. Alternatively, you can use three teaspoons of neem powder or neem oil.

Mix it with four teaspoons of turmeric and one tablespoon of rose water or milk. Apply the paste onto your cracked heels and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and towel dry. Repeat the regimen daily to get rid of cracked heels.

Hair Loss

Your hair may fall due to physical stress, pregnancy, lack of protein, heredity, male pattern baldness, female hormones, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, lupus, overstyling, and aging.

Turmeric on Hair Loss. Eating turmeric as part of your diet or drinking it as a supplement will give a boost to your body’s overall health. It will reinforce your immune system to stimulate hair growth. Turmeric extracts inhibit a5-AR enzyme which is the primary cause of androgenic hair loss.

TGF Beta 1 is a growth factor that plays a role in the death of hair follicles and results in hair loss. Turmeric inhibits its activity, boosts follicle health and helps in hair growth.

Beauty Tip. Mix turmeric powder with milk and honey and apply on your scalp by gentle massage.

Dandruff

When your scalp becomes dry or greasy, it produces white flakes of skin that appear in the hair or shoulders. Although it is harmless, it can be embarrassing for those who have it.

The real cause of dandruff is a yeast-like fungus Malassezia globose that lives on your scalp feeding your skin oils. The fungus utilizes enzymes known as lipases to metabolize the oil. It creates a byproduct called oleic acid. The acid penetrates your skin and causes skin cell shedding.

Turmeric on Dandruff. Turmeric has strong antiseptic properties. Studies show that turmeric can help prevent and treat both skin and systemic fungal infections.

Beauty Tip. Add one teaspoon of organic turmeric powder to 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil or olive oil. Mix well and massage this paste on your scalp. Leave for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water using a mild shampoo. Repeat it once or twice a week until you get rid of dandruff.

Burns

Burns is one of the most common household injuries. They can lead to severe skin damage that causes the skin cells to die. There are three primary types of burns first, second and third-degree burns. Each level is based on the severity of damage to the skin.

Turmeric on Burns. In laboratory studies, curcuminoids are said to provide anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Studies show that turmeric is very efficient on radiation burns. Researchers say topical application of turmeric provides excellent results in the treatment of wounds.

The key to curcumin’s effectiveness on burns and scalds is that it is a natural inhibitor of an enzyme called phosphorylase kinase which delays wound healing. Curcumin inhibits phosphorylase kinase and speeds up the healing process.

Beauty Tip. Mix one teaspoon each of turmeric powder and aloe vera gel to make a fine paste. Apply onto the burnt areas of the skin. Let it sit for a few hours. Continue using this mix for several times a day to disinfect and heal the burns and scalds.

Stretch Marks

Your stretch marks are the result of the stretching of the skin. It may develop during pregnancy, being overweight or due to weight loss and various other factors.

Turmeric on Stretch Mark. University of Michigan researchers have found that curcumin present in turmeric penetrates cell membranes.Once inside the cell it functions as a disciplinarian. It establishes order within the cell and enables the cell to control the flow of information.

 It does not interact with the proteins in the cell but alters the physical properties of the membrane. By doing so, turmeric boosts the cells resistance to malignancy and infection.It helps maintain theproper balance of collagenand elastin to prevent these stretch marks.

Beauty Tip. Add coconut oil or olive oil to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder.Alternatively, you can also use water. Apply the paste onto your stretch marks. Leave it for about 15-30 minutes then wash it off. You have to practice this regimen morning and evening daily to get rid of your stretch marks.

Conclusion

It is always best to use organic turmeric powder. You can easily find it in any Asian market or any online stores. You can take turmeric internally by mixing a pinch of it in your hot cup of milk. You can add turmeric to flavor your curries or soups.

When using turmeric, it causes yellow stains; you can easily remove it by applying a toner. You can prepare the toner by mixing raw milk in rose water. Turmeric may cause allergy to some people. It would be in your best interest to do a skin patch test before you use it.

If you have something to say more about the beauty benefits of turmeric just drop a line in our comments section below.

There are so many skin care products out there. You can get foamy cleaners, liquid toners, oily moisturizing creams. Just what do you need to use and how should you use them?

If only being a girl came with some instructions, but instead, we must spend time finding out how other people use their skin care products. We need to ask for advice from professionals and beauty gurus to make sure we use each item correctly.

And then there are the different types of skin care products for different skin types! It’s a minefield, and sometimes it seems like it would be better to avoid them all. Of course, that isn’t the case! Not using anything can be just as bad for you as using the wrong types.

Well, using your skin care products doesn’t need to be difficult. Here’s your ultimate guide to the type of products you want to use, the order to apply them, and how much to apply.

Make Sure You Have the Right Products

Before you buy a product, you want to make sure it is right for your skin. If you have acne-prone, oily skin, look for products that contain salicylic acid. This actively kills the bacteria that causes acne but does dry out the skin. If you have naturally dry skin, you’ll want to make sure you have an extremely good moisturizer afterward.

Avoid soaps at all cost. For oily skin, foamy cleansers are good. Meanwhile, oils and balms are worth considering for dry skin.

Do you need an exfoliating product? You’ll hear mixed advice. There are some celebrities that believe in exfoliating daily, while others believe in not doing it at all. The most common advice from the beauty experts is to exfoliate weekly. This will give your skin the deep cleanse it needs to get rid of any missed bacteria and grime.

Your exfoliating products shouldn’t leave your skin feeling too tight or irritated. If they do, you need to switch products immediately.

Now that you have the right products, it’s time to figure out the order.

Apply from Thin to Thick

You want to layer your skin care products. Once you’ve cleansed your face, you want to apply everything from thin to thick. Your moisturizing cream will be the last thing before using your makeup. It’s always going to be the thickest.

Acne treatments need to be used first. They will dry out the skin but also need help penetrating the skin. You don’t want to use up the active ingredients in the layers of moisturizing cream, making them ineffective when they finally get into your skin!

You’ll also want to think about the time of day that you’re applying your skin care products. There are some perfect for the morning and others that will need the overnight recovery period to work efficiently and effectively.

Starting Your Morning Routine

Let’s work with the morning routine firstly. As soon as you get up, you want to cleanse your face gently. You won’t need to scrub hard. Unless you’ve slept in the dirt, your skin will be clean from the night before. You may get away with just some water and a light cleanser. Consider creating your natural cleanser with lemon juice and milk. This will get into your pores to kill any bacteria while boosting your collagen production with the proteins in the milk.

You can also use honey and coconut oil for cleansing the skin. The benefit of natural options is that you’ll get rid of the toxins in over the counter options. If you prefer a store-bought option, look for a gentle milk or foam cleanser.

If you are on an exfoliating day, you want to do it before using a cleanser. Sure, it’s rough, but this is when you will get most of the dead skin cells. The skin rejuvenates overnight, leaving a layer of dead skin cells the next morning. We’ll move onto the details of exfoliating at the bottom as it is just a weekly thing to do.

Step two is the toner. Your cleanser has removed some dirt, but the toner will make sure the excess oils are also wiped away. Stay away from lotions and toners that have alcohol. They will dry out the skin and make it more irritating.

If you want to make your toner, you can create one with cucumber juice. This is refreshing and soothing to start your morning.

The next stage is a serum if you want. This is completely optional and an excellent way to naturally brighten your skin tone. You can get rid of the fine lines and dull skin from environmental and sun damage.

Serums don’t need to be oil. Look out for oil-free options to use on your skin.

After this, use the moisturizing cream. If you can, use one that has sunscreen in it. You can even choose one with a toner to reduce the amount of makeup that you use. The moisturizing cream should be relatively light if you already have oily skin. If you have exceptionally dry skin, look for heavy, dense moisturizers. This will help to keep the moisture in your skin and keep it working through the layers throughout the day.

Finish with some eye cream. This will help to keep the wrinkles at bay. You want to use it even if you don’t have wrinkles yet. There’s no time like the present to combat the signs of aging.

Wrapping Up for the Night

After your day, you need to clean your face. This should be done a little before you go to bed. You want the recovery period overnight for your pores to soak the creams in fully and hydrate your skin, ready for the next day.

Start with a cleanser. This should be stronger than the one you used on a morning, as it will need to get rid of the makeup and grit that you’ve collected over the day. If you have oily skin, opt for a strong foamy cleanser. This will help to avoid any residue but will get rid of waterproof make. Those with dry skin will want to consider an oil or balm for the best makeup removing effects. Milkisn’t strong enough.

You’ll be able to feel your cleanser working. Once you’ve finished, your skin should feel soft and smooth. There shouldn’t be the feeling of particles left behind. If you do, you’ll want to get a different cleanser.

After your cleanser, make sure you use your toner. This can be the same one as the morning. It’s to get rid of stray oils. Don’t skip this before you sleep. You’ll have collected various impurities throughout the day that you need to get rid of.

The night is the best time to use your acne treatment. This is optional, of course. If you don’t suffer from breakouts, then you can skip it.

Focusing on acne treatments at night will mean your skin has the chance to soak in all the beneficial ingredients. Your cells regenerate at night, so the ingredients will actively work deeply on them. You only need a little acne treatment on a nightly basis.

Like in the morning, you can now also use a serum. If you have oily skin, you’ll only want to use the serum once a day. It’s best on the night rather than in the morning if you need to choose. This is when your skin goes through the rejuvenating process. If you are going to use a serum twice a day, you can use the same one.

Follow up with a night cream rather than the moisturizing cream. Night creams are thicker and take thetime to absorb into your skin throughout the night. They’re extremely hydrating, taking thetime to work while your cells regenerate. Your skin will feel smooth and soft the next morning.

And of course, you want to apply an eye cream. Use the same one that you did in the morning.

Finally, if you have dry skin, you’ll want a facial oil. You only need to pat this onto your skin and allow the skin to absorb it throughout the night. Oils will get deeper into the pores and work into the collagen and other tissues. You’ll get a deeper hydration.

If you don’t want to buy a facial oil, opt for coconut oil.This is one of the most beneficial natural ingredients because of all the antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Applying Makeup on a Morning

One of the best things for your face is to go makeup free. Of course, the chances of that happening are slim. We want to look our best, and some jobs expect it of us. So, you want to use the right makeup.

Always look for oil-free makeup, especially if you have oily skin. Noncomedogenic options are extremely good for those with acne-prone skin. This type of makeup (and any skin care products) will fight off the causes of acne in your skin. You will suffer far fewer breakouts because of your makeup since they won’t block your pores.

Always use a primer before your foundation. A primer is like a protective layer. It will prevent the foundation from getting into your pores. The foundation sits on top of your skin, where it should, and gives you a fresh look throughout the day. Primers can also offer a way to get rid of some of the shine from your skin care products, making it an option to wear alone.

When using a foundation, look for a thin one. You’re not supposed to be able to feel the makeup on your skin. You shouldn’t feel the weight of it on your cheeks or feel like you can scratch it off your face! This means the foundation is likely blocking your pores, creating the perfect space for acne-causing bacteria to build in.

Try to alternate the days that you wear makeup. Look for days where you can be fresh-faced and neutral. If you suffer from acne, you’ll find going natural will help to clear it all up.

What About Exfoliating?

We’ve mentioned exfoliating once a week, but that’s about it. When you get an exfoliating product, you want to avoid drying, micro-bead technology. These will open your pores and get rid of the dirt, but they will be extremely irritating. There are also questions about what the microbeads do to the environment.

You can make your exfoliating products. Opt for some baking soda or sea salt. Sea salt is one of the best options. It’s hydrating (yes, really) and cleansing. It will kill off the bacteria while leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Baking soda is brightening to the skin. When you mix both with some lemon juice and yogurt, you get a full exfoliating mask or paste that is deeply nourishing.

Remain gentle when exfoliating. Your face doesn’t need you scrubbing harshly. The skin on your face is fragile and easily ripped. Just running the salt or baking soda over your skin will be enough to remove the dead skin cells, bacteria, and grime.

Make sure you fully remove the exfoliating elements from your face before continuing with any other skin care products. You won’t want a stray particle consistently spreading across your face.

It’s Time to Create Your Skin Care Routine

There are many shows that focus on women spending a lot of time in the bathroom on a morning and night. Our skin care routine is extremely important. You want to live up to the stereotype. Make sure you follow the above steps above on a morning and a night.

Using skin care products isn’t just about cleansing your skin. You want to remove the bacteria, improve the health and nourishment of your skin, and protect the oil production. It’s time to boost the collagen and reduce the sight of scars. You’ll be amazed at how much better your skin will look after a few weeks of following this routine.