The Basics of a Healthy Complexion

Basic skin care is important not just for beauty but also for our overall health. The skin is the largest organ of the body and it is the first line of defense our body has against pollution, dirt, weather and other harmful offenders of our environment. For this main reason, we have to keep our skin clean, protected and as healthy as possible.

When is comes to beauty, our complexion will show neglect and use of inferior products and routines often immediately, and especially over time. A healthy complexion is a perfect canvas for makeup, has a healthy glow, and keeps us looking and feeling youthful for many many years to come.

So lets go over some basics:

Step 1: Know Your Skin Type

Start by understanding what kind of skin you have. Then you’ll know how to take care of it.

• Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, become red or itch after you use some makeup or other products.
• Normal skin is balanced, clear, and not sensitive

Step 2: Cleanse

It is ideal to wash your face with the right cleanser for your skin type, twice a day. If that isn’t possible, then at least be sure to wash your face every single night before bed. Sleeping without removing makeup and environmental pollutants from the day will dull and damage your complexion over time.

Step 3: Moisturize

It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the biggest causes of acne is failing to moisturize your skin. When skin is too dry, it overproduces oils to compensate, which can cause clogged pores. Be sure to choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type, for example those with oilier skin may want to look for something oil-free and vice versa, those with very dry skin will want to look for a product that is ultra hydrating.

Step 4: Apply a Face Mask

Use a face mask up to twice a week to clear out pores from impurities. They can be a secret weapon to fill out fine lines, rehydrate extra dry skin or detox the skin from impurities. Before use, be sure to cleanse and even gently exfoliate so that the mask’s ingredients can really penetrate the skin. If possible, use more than one masks to target various areas of the face that may have different needs such as an oily forehead or dry nose.

Step 5: Clean Your Makeup Brushes

An often neglected step in skincare routines is cleaning the makeup brushes you use on a daily base. Though makeup should always be applied to a clean face, it the brush still collects dirt, oil and bacteria that gets transferred to your skin each time you put on your cosmetics. Once a week, take time to clean your brushes with a little bit of baby shampoo or gentle soap in warm water. Lay them out to dry flat or upright in a brush holder so they maintain their shape.