BY: KIZZY
A proper skin care regimen is the foundation for flawless, well, foundation. That’s right, your makeup will look as good as the base it sits on. Though it’s our largest organ, the skin is often neglected and isn’t given the proper care it deserves. Adapting a good regimen is beneficial in protecting the first layer of skin that protects us from the harshness of day to day life. A good skin care regimen consists of a cleanser, a toner and a moisturizer. That’s the basic, if you want to get more in depth you can add an eye cream, a serum, and just for fun a face mask. Not only is it important to have a proper skin care regimen before makeup application, learning to remove your makeup properly is equally as important.
A proper skin care regimen includes a morning routine and a nighttime routing. A morning routine can be as simple as cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove all the impurities from the night before and following that up with a moisturizer with or without an SPF. However, I do recommend using some type of moisturizer containing an SPF as it protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. There are many types of cleansers on the market, but oily or dry a gentle cleanser in the morning is best. This may seem like extra work to add to your already busy mornings, but your skin will thank you for that extra fifteen minutes.
When removing your makeup, do you only use a makeup remover and think because the makeup is no longer on your face, your face is clean? Well, I can tell you water and a rag is not going to cut it, so cut it out. Using a makeup remover or a baby wipe alone to remove your makeup is not enough, your face may look clean but there is still excess makeup on your face clogging your pores. It is best to use a cleanser that exfoliates your skin thoroughly to remove excess makeup. Using a facial brush together with your cleanser will do more to clean your skin than your hand alone, but of course, this is completely optional. Exfoliating your face too often is not recommended however, two to three times a week is good enough.
Toning your skin is usually the next step and is beneficial for all skin types especially if you have oily or acne prone skin. Toners shrinks pores, balances your skins pH, protects, moisturizes and refreshes your skin. Having oily skin myself, an inexpensive, natural toner I like to use is Witch Hazel, this can be purchased from Walmart or your local health food store. Moisturizing your skin is the next step in removing your makeup and your night time regimen. All skin types always need to be moisturized, especially oily skin, oily skin is not hydration but the lack of it. Using an oil to moisturize oily skin helps reduce the production of sebum which will result in fewer clogged pores and acne. All skin types can benefit from using an oil as a moisturizer. Although some oils can nourish the skin, others can be potential irritants so choose wisely. My favorite moisturizer to use on myself is coconut oil, it’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal which makes for a great moisturizer.
Whether you are a daily makeup wearer or a Jackie Au naturale, taking proper care of your skin can only benefit you in the long run. If you are considering adapting a new skin care regimen or revamping your old one, remember before starting any regimen it is always best to consult a dermatologist. My last piece of advice I can give you that will benefit your overall health is to drink lots of water. Yes, I cannot stress enough how imperative it is to drink your water and to never sleep with your makeup on.
