Preserving the look of your skin as you age does not have to be a long drawn out routine. It is not something to be thought of with dread. We prefer to see this time as a skin care ritual, something much more than a routine. Self-care is something many busy omen do not find time for. Hours are spent on work, family, education and the mundane tasks of grocery shopping, house cleaning, and more.
By using this time for self-care and viewing your daily skin care routine as a ritual you will learn to appreciate and enjoy the process, especially with beautiful skin as the result. Skin care products are a matter of choice and the options are numerous. They range from high end special order, to department store, drug store, mail order and homemade mixtures of castile soap, African black soap and natural oils and butters for moisturizing.
Performing your skin care in the proper order helps you get the most benefit from your products, avoid diluting or wasting them and allow them to work before moving on to the next product and step. While this order is not something written in stone and of course your skin care ritual is ultimately by your design; this is the skin care ritual most skin care companies and skin care professionals suggest.
1. Cleanse
Cleansing removes surface dirt, grime and sweat. It is the most important step as it prepares the skin for the other products. We recommend using the smallest amount of cleanser necessary. Wash using light, upward strokes and avoid pulling or tugging on the eye area or getting cleanser into your eyes. Rinse well with plenty of warm water until no traces of cleanser are left. Pat dry.
2. Tone
Toning helps to remove anything the cleanser did not remove and also helps to clear skin of any cleanser residue left behind. Toners also help the skin to return to its natural Ph balance after using harsh soaps and skin cleansers. They also prepare the skin for the next step.
3. Treat
Treatments are problem solvers that usually pack a skin care punch in a small package. Serums, oils, eye creams and blemish creams are all types of treatments.
Used sparingly and consistently and tapped gently into delicate skin, treatments go to work right away and usually contain some active ingredients that keep working all day. Treatments that warn to avoid sun, can be used with a moisturizer containing sunscreen or saved for your night time routine.
4. Moisturize
Moisturizing a very important part of your skin care ritual. Moisturizers help plump the skin and keep it elastic so it can stay firm and toned as much as possible over time. It is essential for dry, combination, oily and even troubled skin. They come in oil, cream, and gel forms so there is one that is perfect for your skin type.
5. Protect
Not only does sunscreen help to shield the skin from UV rays that cause sun damage, discoloration and dark spots it may also help to prevent skin cancer. You may choose to forgo serum, eye creams and other treatments, but do not skip the sunscreen. Apply every morning before stepping outside. Your skin will thank you!
Now that you have the steps to a general skin care ritual we suggest you take steps to make your skin care time special. Use luxurious towels, light an aromatherapy candle, try a gemstone roller or silicone face scrubby. Use products that feel good on your skin and use that time for prayer, affirmation and positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your natural beauty and that you deserve to pamper and preserve that beauty as best you can!
