Ideal Skin Care Routine

Skincare can be confusing these days because there are so many products around. Basically, your skin needs two staples: cleanser and moisturizer. Other products - toner, exfoliator, and eye cream or gel - are extras. If you are using more than three or four products daily and your skin keeps breaking out or reacting, you may be trying too hard.

Simplify your routine (it should not take more than 10 minutes to do twice a day), and use basic formulas. You really will be amazed by the speed at which your skin improves.

Cleanse

Use water-soluble emulsions (creams) or gels with tepid (not hot) water or wipe- off lotions. If your skin is oily. use pH-balanced soap-free bars. Splash your face with water -  it will instantly give your skin a better tone.

Tone

If you want to tone, buy alcohol-free toner or use rosewater to freshen your skin. If your skin is dry and you have been using toner. Stop and it will instantly improve.

Moisturize

Ideally,  use  water-based  creams  and emulsions; if your skin frequently breaks lighter, oil-free moisturizer.

Exfoliate

Do this once a week only. Too much buffing will over stimulate and irritate your  skin.  Fine-grained  exfoliators remove dead skin cells and instantly soften your skin.

Mask

Simple mud and clay based mask are messy but are the most effective. Rich cold creams make a good mask for dry as well as sun - exposed  skin : smother your skin with the cream, let the skin absorb as much of the cream as possible and wipe-off the excess with a soft tissue.