Skin Care Basic
If you're like most people, a weekly facial does not fit
in your budget. But healthy, glowing skin doesn't have to be the
exclusive possession of those who can afford professional skin
care. Developing a routine that keeps your particular skin clean,
hydrated, and protected can help you look your best. A good daily
skin care routine shouldn't take more than 10 minutes a
day.
Following is a list of some steps
you should incorporate into your daily skin care routine that will
help to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, clear, and
youthful.
Determine Your Skin Type and Pick
Appropriate Products:
- Normal - Skin is velvety, with small
pores, and no visible acne.
- Oily - Skin has enlarged pores with
shiny patches. Frequent breakouts may occur on the face, back,
arms, and possibly the chest.
- Dry - Skin has very small, invisible
pores with possible dry and itchy patches. The cheeks, arms, legs,
chest, and belly may be particularly dry.
- Combination- Skin is dry across the
cheeks and oily on the forehead, chin, and nose. Arms may be dry
and back may be oily.
- Sensitive- Skin is either oily or dry
with irritated and itchy patches. Skin may also be blotchy and
reddened with frequent breakouts.
If you're not sure what type of skin you have, ask your
dermatologist or a skin care professional. Note that skin on
the body may be a different type than facial skin.
Once your skin is classified, you should choose products
formulated for your skin type and use them in your daily routine.
The four steps in your daily skin care routine should be
cleansing, protecting, moisturizing,
and toning.
1.
Proper facial cleansing.
It is ideal to clean your skin 3 times a day. Do
not skip the cleansing process at night. If you wear make-up during
the day, make sure that you use facial cleansers to remove all
traces of make-up and dead cells before you go to bed. If you are
wearing heavy make-up, try using a make-up remover first before
using a facial cleanser. Always start
your facial with a good cleansing. Use a gentle cleanser and wash
your face and neck.
Tips on choosing a facial cleanser
i) Never use a cleanser that would be too strong on your face i.e.
deodorant soap or heavy cleansing gel.
ii) There are many different products on the market so you may
want to try a few brands before you settle down on one that works
best for you. Those with drier skin may want to choose cream or
lotion products; those with oilier skin may want to use gel or
water-based products. Those prone to breakouts may wish to use
medicated soaps or lotions designed to reduce breakouts.
NOTE: Unless your face
is extremely sensitive or oily, a normal gentle (Alpha Cleanser), light
lotion or cream based product will do.
iii) Splashing a bit of water on your face before cleaning or use a
slightly wet cotton to wipe your face with the facial cleanser will
to maximize the effectiveness of cleansing.
iv) Do not use hot or cold water when cleaning your face. Instead,
always wash with warm water.
Our Alpha
Cleanser is an exceptional papaya fruit acid cleanser that eases
away dull surface cell. It Contains salicylic acid, which
stimulates skin and promotes cell renewal. This gentle
cleanser also contains unique enzymes and skin softening properties
leaving skin smooth and supple. Ideal for all skin types,
especially combination or T-Zone skin. Excellent for use as a
stimulating body cleanser.
2. Protecting your skin from the sun
Most women in Asia do not know that exposing their skin
too much to the sunlight is actually hazardous to the skin. It can
create aging effect on the skin whereby it will slowly but surely
cause wrinkles and skin problems such as dry skin or even skin
cancer. In the end, one may need to spend tons of money to remedy
the problem. So why not take precautions right from the start and
save your money, time and most importantly your skin.
Tips to protect your skin
i) Wear a sunscreen on your face and body whenever you are
outdoors. Products with SPF 15 or above will do as SPF 15 sunscreen
alone can absorb about 90% of the sunburn rays (which means 15
times higher than not wearing any sunscreen). Wear sunscreen with
SPF 30 when you are planning to engage in activities such as
swimming, tennis, jogging or other outdoor activities for a long
period of time - they are estimated to absorb more than 95% of
sunburn rays. Products with SPF 30 and above are actually not
really necessary unless you want to block your whole skin from the
sun.
ii) Always carry a small bottle of sunscreen lotion in your
handbag. Apply a little onto your face, hands, neck, and chin. Take
special precaution around your eyes as they are the most sensitive
and fragile areas when exposed to the sun.
iii) In order to save time and trouble, use products such as
moisturizers, foundation or lipstick which contains sunscreen
protection.
iv) If you find that a certain type of sunscreen does not suit you
as it causes your skin to break out in rashes, quickly discontinue
its use. People with sensitive skin and skin problems are advised
to consult a dermatologist or specialist for the right skin
product.
3. Is moisturizer important?
Some people require moisturizer while others do not. For
people with dry skin, moisturizer is definitely a must while people
with oily skin are advised against frequent use of moisturizer as
it might worsen their acne problem. However, in a pre-make up
stage, applying moisturizer will help smoothen one’s
foundation.
l Tips on using moisturizers
i) Make sure that you choose a moisturizer that is suitable to your
skin type. For dry skin - you will need a heavier moisturizer
product for example, those that contain plant oil i.e. macadamia
oil. For normal skin- a lighter moisturizer will do, perhaps one of
the water-based products. For oily skin- try to avoid using
moisturizer as you already have the natural layer needed, however,
if you insist, then try to choose the oil-free range products.
ii) There is no rule saying that you need to moisturize your whole
face. In fact, the number one rule in moisturizing your face is not
to overdo it as it can create a negative effect on your skin.
Moisturizer is more effective on drier areas of your face such as
your forehead or checks.
iii) Maximize the effect of your moisturizer by gently rubbing it
with your fingers in circular motion around your face.
4. Toning
Follow-up your
cleansing routine with a facial toner, which removes any residual
greasiness still left on the skin from your make-up or your
cleansing product. It also closes the pores, stimulates
circulation, and gives the skin a porcelain-like quality. There are
a variety of toners on the market so try to choose one that's
formulated for your skin type. Apply the toner with a cotton ball,
using the same gentle, upward strokes that you used to apply your
cleanser.
4. Using
Mask
More and more women like to apply masks on their face or
visit expensive beauty parlours for such treatment. Mask is
actually useful as it better cleans your pores and removes dead
cells. The refreshing effect after putting on a mask is
astonishing. However, do not overdo it - on an average once a month
will be sufficient. Most beauticians and spa operators charge
expensive rates for performing mask treatment. We believe that
there are other equally effective methods where one can try at home
without the expensive price. Our Pore Refining Pumpkin Mask is a
self-heating mask that purifies, exfoliates and nourishes the skin.
This creamy cocktail of minerals, enzymes and vitamins reveals a
new clarity to the skin uncovering your skin’s inner glow. This
deep cleansing mask leaves pores looking smaller and more
refined. This product can be used daily if you are using it
for your daily exfoliant. Or it can be used 2-3 times a week to
help clarify pores and add needed nourishment to your skin.
Green Tea Purifying Mask
Combination of glycolic and salicylic acids provide rejuvenation
via exfoliation. Microdermal beads provide deep mechanical
exfoliation. Promotes cell renewal by sloughing off dead surface
cells. Extract of peppermint refreshes and invigorates the
body.