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Cleanse
Cleansers used to be a sort of one type fits all kind of thing. Mainly a heavy cream which was used in order to take off the days make-up.
However todays cleaners are so much more sophisticated and the benefits of using the right cleanser for your particular skin type can be long term. Their job is to remove dead skin cells, grime and make-up. However they also serve to prime the skin in order that any subsequent moisturizer applied will be able to sink in more easily.
Dry Skins should opt for creamier cleaners which have little foaming action so as not to strip the skin of essential moisture.
Oily skins a gel based cleanser is usually beneficial.
Acne prone skin should go for a cleanser which has an exfoliating action.
Sensitive skins should keep an eye out for cleaners that are perhaps botanical in nature, containing soothing ingredients such as Aloe or Green tea.
Cleansing should be done both morning and night, but if you are really stuck and can only find the time for once a day, then you should make this at night in order to let the skin reap the benefits of your routine while you sleep.
Toners
Not so much as a 'must use' item as they previously were ( when cleansers left heavy residue), and indeed can be very drying if over used. However if the toner contains active ingredients such as anti-oxidants or soothing qualities. May be beneficial. Optional.
Moisturizers
Every skin type will benefit from using a moisturiser, even greasy/oily skins. They work by creating a barrier between the skin and the environment. They also keep the skin hydrated.
Also todays versions also contain lots of other active ingredients depending again on what you are looking for ( exfoliants, botantical etc). Most importantly there are a wide range of them which include sun protection factors. Which leads us to the next step in the routine :
Protection
Sunblock ! The no1 factor in external aging process. Try and view it as an essential and not an extra in your skincare routine. Lots of moisturinsing products now include it, (as mentioned), but now a wide range of cosmetics and make-up also include them. Of course you can also use a seperate one all together should you prefer, (ie cleanse, tone, moisturize, sun-block, make-up). But definitely the one not to be missed out from any skincare regime.
Exfoliation
Once or twice a week you should incorparate a dedicated exfoliator into your regime. These work by sloughing off the top layer of (mainly dead) skin cells and encourage cell renewal. This will brighten up the complexion considerably making it feel very smooth.
They also pave the way for better moisturizer penetration.
However, limit use to at most twice a week. Make sure that you do not rub them in too vigorously and that the granules are not too harsh for your skin. They shouldn't feel 'scratchy' when using. Over use can lead to very dry and irritated skin.
Skincare round the Eyes
There are lots of dedicated 'eye creams' out there. This area contains some of the thinnest and most delicate skin on the body so it stands to reason that using creams specifically targeted to this area is going to reap benefits.
The eye area is one of the first to show signs of aging. It can also be a reflection of your daily lifestyle ( puffiness and dark circles due to lack of sleep ). The area also contains very few oil glands which can make it very dry.
Look for forumulas which contain very active wrinkle fighting and moisturizing ingredients, again one containing a sunblock is recommended. Use it religously. An essential.
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