The world is full of things that are less-than-kind to your skin. From pollutants in the air, chemicals in everyday products, stress, and anxiety it is easy for your skin to become worn and weathered. Our skin naturally shows the effects of the environment around us, whether that is a physical environment or an emotional one, your skin will reflect it. It may have sunburn, scars, and visible dirt from a physically demanding environment, or show wrinkles, irritation, and flakiness from emotional woes. Luckily, there is a solution! By creating and maintaining a skincare routine for yourself, you can get your skin to look healthy and happy once again!
Cleaning Your Skin
The most important step is to make sure you properly clean your skin daily. Dirt, pollution, and grime build up on the surface of your skin throughout the day and need to be removed. It can be difficult to figure out which facial washes will work best for you, so there may be some trial and error in the beginning. We all have different skin types (sensitive, oily, dry, etc) so it may take some investigating on your part to find out what cleansers will be the best for your skin type.
Cleaning your skin will help to remove grime build-up and allow your skin to absorb other products effectively. When wearing make-up be sure to use a make-up remover before washing your face so you do not impede the effects of the cleanser!
Tips for washing your face –
- Use lukewarm water to wet and wash your face (cold water won’t let your pores open up)
- Use the pads of your fingers or a soft facial sponge to wash your face in circular motions, be sure to get your neck too!
- Wash your face following the directions on the product itself. The suggested duration may differ based on the product.
- Have a washcloth handy to help remove any leftover soap or build-up.
Start Using a Toner
Toning helps your skin by removing oils and grease after washing. This ensures that your pores will close, your skin’s pH levels will remain consistent, and it leaves a smooth surface for applying make-up.
Moisturize
Using a moisturizer is essential to any skincare routine. Without it, you open your skin up to becoming dry, flaky, and potentially cracked. Be sure to use a moisturizer that works best for your skin type.
Indulge in Facials
Facials are one of the easiest ways to clean and liven up your skin. They also provide a relaxing experience, so you’ll leave the salon looking and feeling your best! Facials done at salons can be pretty pricey, especially if you are doing them monthly as we suggest, but you can also do them at home! Here’s how:
- Make sure your hair is completely out of your face.
- Remove make-up and cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Use an exfoliator to remove any dead skin cells and flaky skin. You can use products from the store, a gentle exfoliating sponge, or DIY your own using products around the house.
- Purchase a face mask that works best for your skin type, spread it out thick, and massage it into your face for a minute or two. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes or until it is dry, but always be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
- Wash your face and neck using warm water only, this will remove the face mask!
- Apply the toner that works best for you.
- Moisturize your skin!
Give Yourself a Massage
Right alongside your monthly facials, massaging your skin is a great way to relax and unwind. It lets you counteract signs of aging, stimulate nerves, increase blood flow to your face, and so much more!
The best tip for massaging your face is to make sure it is completely clean before starting. You don’t want to have any makeup or dirt left or they may clog your pores. Use a cream suited for your skin type and massage starting from the neck and work your way up applying even pressure the whole time. You should do this for about 15-20 minutes to allow the cream to properly absorb. Once you’re done you can grab a cloth to wipe off an extra cream.
The “slow massage” is the most common massage available, and certainly the one we think of most often. It is a relaxing experience that allows you to control how your fingers are being used. Typically, a patting motion is added in with circular movements to stimulate the skin. Other types include fast messages, pressure massages, stroking massages, pinching massages, and friction massages. Each type of massage has different benefits. For example, pressure massages help reduce under-eye bags.
DIY Your Skincare
Skincare products are surprisingly easy to make at home. Save money by making an exfoliating scrub with brown sugar or coffee grounds, use almond, avocado, or coconut oil with essential oils added in to make massage oil for yourself, anti-wrinkle creams and lotions can be made using beeswax, apricot oil, and a few other things!
Hopefully, you’ve gotten some great tips to help build your own skin routine. Be sure to find the products that work best for you, and remember that trial and error is essential to find the routine that suits you. You’re one step closer to having flawless, healthier skin!
