The skin is the largest organ on the human body. It needs nourishing regularly and a little tender loving care. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity as collagen begins to deteriorate, that causes the skin to become thinner and eventually sag. Collagen works alongside Elastin, combined, they provide the support structure of the skin.
We can-not naturally prevent the aging process without reliance on cosmetic surgery or collagen fillers. But we can take care of our skin.
It goes without saying that a balanced diet and hydration will help in looking and feeling healthy and well.
Your skin reacts to hydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water. It is also important to, cleanse, tone, moisturize and exfoliate your skin regularly.
Where to start?
Develop a beauty routine.
How?
You should get into the habit of developing a beauty routine at least daily; but morning and evening is preferable. This will only take a few minutes a day, the more you practice the less time spent in front of the mirror! The results are worth a few minutes a day.
Remember Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize and Exfoliate.
Step 1. Cleanse your skin to start with. Why? To remove the dirt and pollutants from the atmosphere that has built up over the course of the day. If you wear make-up it is important that you remove your make-up before reapplying. The type of cleanser you use is a matter of personal choice, whether, you opt for a facial wash, a cleansing lotion or a cream. Make sure you know your skin type first to get the maximum out of your cleanser. You do not have to 'scrub' your face clean, treat your skin with respect. After cleansing the next step is toning.
Step 2. Tone, using a cotton pad, start with the 'T zone'; this covers the forehead, down both sides of your nose, then the area between your bottom lip and your chin. This tends to be the 'oily area,' Toner will remove even more dirt from your skin, it also closes your pores. Allow the toner to dry before the next step, applying moisturizer gently all over your face and neck.
Step 3. Moisturizing. Be careful around the eye area, as the skin around the eye area is friable and very thin. It is worth investing in an eye cream, preferably one you can apply at night that will protect and hydrate the eye area. Rub moisturizer between your fingers and then begin sweeping upwards and outwards starting at the neck area, till you have covered the neck and face. Do not apply a lot of pressure, you also do not need to use excessive amounts of cream!
Step 4. Exfoliating - An exfoliator removes dead and dry skin from your body/face. Exfoliators are found in bathing products such as shower gels. This has its advantages as it saves time. Be careful however that you do not use a body exfoliator on your face; the face requires a milder product. You do not need to exfoliate daily!. Weekly is acceptable.
It is probably worth visiting the beauty counter for advice on product type that will suit your skin.
My personal product recommendations: CLARINS Cleanser with Alpine Herbs for dry to normal skin, or the One Step Facial Cleanser for all skin types. A cheaper and very effective gentle skin cleanser is Cetaphil. Toner, try Neutrogena Facial Toning lotion. One of my favourite Moisturizers is Olay Regenerist. Firming eye cream - Perricone MD (available at Sephora). At night for your skin-Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair. Under make-up CLARINS Beauty Flash Balm. Body lotion, try Avon's skin-so-soft products including shower gels with oil. The Body Shop's body butter is fabulous. Look for shower gels that include an exfoliator - available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Of course I have more products in my closet!
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