The Ultimate Guide To Skincare

We all want an effortlessly flawless complexion but how many of us really take the time to follow a strict skincare regime?
Today I share my ultimate guide to achieving beautiful skin and explain why each step is so important in maintaining a healthy, radiant glow.

Procedure 
Cleanse am and pm
Products 
Cleansing creams, lotions and masks. Facial wash-off bars and gels
Action on the skin
Cleansing morning and night is essential to ensure that all excess traces of dirt, sweat, sebum and make-up are removed.

Tip: Cleansing lotions contain antibacterial ingredients. If you suffer from greasy or blemished, problem prone skin, opt for this particular product as part of your cleansing regime.

Procedure
Tone am and pm
Products
Toning lotion, astringent and skin tonic. Bracers and fresheners.
Action on the skin
Toning morning and night not only tightens the skin and stimulates circulation but eliminates any excess traces of cleanser from the skin.

Tip: Skin toners contain 20-60% alcohol where as skin fresheners contain 0-20%
To find the appropriate level of alcohol suitable for your skin type, always refer to the following guide:

• 10% -      Sensitive skin
• 0-20% -   Dry skin
• 10-25% - Normal skin
• 25-50% - Greasy skin

Procedure
Exfoliate once a week
Products
Ready mixed granular paste, fruit acid peels and, cleansing grains which form a paste when combined with water.
Action on the skin
Exfoliation plays a vital role in achieving a flawless, radiant complexion and should be included in all skincare regimes to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the epidermis. Not only will this visibly improve the texture and colour of the skin, but stimulate circulation.

Tip: This particular procedure is not only a quick and efficient option when it comes to the thorough removal of dead skin cells and, excess traces of make-up, but can increase the the effectiveness of all other skin preparations and treatments by up to 30%.

Procedure
Day cream am and pm
Products
Moisturiser creams and milks
Action on the skin
Day cream acts as a protective film to ensure that skin is kept soft and supple. The application of this particular product will also restore the loss of oil to the skin as a result of the toning process, helping to keep the outer layers hydrated.

Procedure

Night cream pm

Products

Rich moisturisers in a cream form

Action on the skin

Night creams are an intensive absorbent rich cream based product used to restore the skin's well-being without leaving an oily residue.

Tip: Day and night moisturising creams should always be applied sparingly as overuse will result in the delicate eye area absorbing too much and, becoming visibly puffy. 

A great tip to avoid this particular product sitting on the skin's surface is to check the amount applied by simply pressing a clean tissue to the face after application. If there is a greasy residue present, too much cream has been applied. However, this may also occur if the product is too rich for your particular skin type.

Procedure

Face mask once a week

Products

Clay, peel off, thermal, fruit and biological masks

Action on the skin

Face masks are extremely deep cleansing and work by drawing any impurities to the skin's surface. The added soothing action also helps to balance the skin.

Tip: It is important to remember that face masks can either be slightly astringent to help dry an oily skin or, re-hydrating to improve the moisture of dry skin.

Procedure

Eye make-up remover pm

Products

Lotions and creams or wash off gels

Action on the skin

Eye make-up removers are a finer, more gentle alternative to a cleanser and are specifically designed to remove excess traces of make-up from the delicate eye area.

Tip: It is important to take into consideration that contact lenses and false eyelashes both require a specialist non-oily remover.

Procedure

Eye balm when required

Products

Moisturising lightweight creams and lotions

Action on the skin

Eye balms are a specialized product specifically designed for the delicate upper and lower eyelid area. They not only have a soothing, refreshing action but help to reduce any visible signs of puffiness.

Tip: When choosing an eye balm remember that lotions are best suited to oily skins and richer, thicker textured creams are most suitable for dry and lined skins.