Basic steps of facial skin care routine: Cleansing & Toning

The purpose of washing/cleansing is to remove dirt, makeup, grime, contaminants and so forth from the surface of the skin. Proper cleansing not only removes impurities but also clears the way for the penetration of active ingredients you may want to apply afterwards. Cleansing may be beneficial or damaging, depending on how you do it.

Most people should cleanse their face twice a day, usually in the morning and before going to bed at night. It is best to use warm (lukewarm) water and a mild cleanser (free of harsh detergents, soaps, alcohol or other irritants). Here is the key steps and recommendations to follow:

• Gently run cleanser all over your face with your fingertips for about 20-25 seconds
• Splash running warm water in your face several times to rinse off the cleanser until there is no more residue on your skin. Do not direct the stream of water onto your face.
• Take a clean towel and gently pat your face. Make sure it remains moist.
• Apply a moisturizer or an active skin care product of choice onto clean, moist skin. Massage product into your face by gently tapping with your fingers until it is absorbed. No pulling or tugging.

Cleansers vary by the amount and types of detergents, moisturizers, emollients and other ingredients. Selecting the right cleanser depends on your skin type. But whatever your skin type may be, avoid cleansers with harsh detergents (such as sodium lauryl sulfate and its analogs), soap and alcohol (except perhaps for extremely oily skin).

Toning

Toning is often touted as an essential step in a skin care routine. Most toners contain alcohol and/or witch hazel. Both are drying and irritating, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. So always, use a soothing toner free of alcohol or witch hazel, such as alcohol-free toner with Chamomile or Aloe Vera extract.

You do not want to strip every last molecule of oil from your skin. Only grime, makeup and excess oil on the surface needs to be removed. The underlying thin coat of fresh sebum is best left undisturbed. Toners, especially alcohol-based ones, tend to strip everything off, leaving the skin dry and/or irritated.

Some experts say that toners help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, thus reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. You can tone after cleansing by wiping your face with a chip of frozen green tea. The cold from the ice helps close your pores; the caffeine and tannins in the tea help tighten skin and reduce puffiness; and green tea polyphenols may provide antioxidant benefits. But don't overuse the cold - frequent excessive cooling may increase the risk of developing stubborn skin redness.

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What are the different types of skin?

There are five basic face skin types however a person’s facial skin can vary at different times during our lives due to illness or for other reasons. The information below regarding skin types will give you some idea of your skin type and how to take care for it.

Dry Skin Type
Dry skin is caused by under or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive. Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside (with fresh water) and outside with (mists), as well as moisturized with rich hydrating creams or lotions.

Oily Skin Type
Oily skin is caused by glands that produce too much sebum, resulting in skin that has a greasy slippery texture, appears shiny and is frequently has large, clogged pores. Oily skin types are prone to develop acne, a condition resulting from sebum trapped inside the skin and causing pus-filled lesions known as comedones. Despite these drawbacks, oily skin generally remains younger looking and more supple over time than other skin types. Oily skin benefits from periodic herbal steam treatments and clay masks.

Sensitive Skin Type
Sensitive skin can be dry, normal, or oily and is characterized by delicacy which is why we feel it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. It frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition. This skin type is prone to react adversely to cosmetics containing alcohol, synthetically manufactured oil type ingredients, fragrance oils, and artificial colors. Sensitive skin benefits greatly from natural, gentle, skin care products and treatments, including light steaming and some essential oils.

Normal Skin Type
In normal skin, the oil glands produces sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state, not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. What a great blessing but it still requires no less attention than other skin types. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Combination Skin Type
Most people have at least two different types of facial skin at any given time. The combination of skin is frequently characterized by an oily “T-zone” area, which covers the forehead, nose and chin. While the skin around the cheeks, eyes and mouth is normal or dry. These different types of skin call for different treatments, so people with combination skin should assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.

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