What is a Good Facial Care Regimen?

While many men and women know the basics of facial care, not all commit to a proper daily regimen. Even fewer realize the additional recommended habits of a good facial care regimen. A daily facial care regimen follows four simple steps:

Step One: Steaming

The first step in facial care is steaming. Steaming helps soften facial skin and open up pores for deeper cleansing. Use a facial steamer or simply soak a facial washcloth into a bowl of warm water. Squeeze the warm cloth lightly and place it against your face and neck. Dab and press gently for one to two minutes.

Step Two: Cleansing

Once pores become fully open, proceed to the second step in facial care – cleansing. Facial cleansers come in many varieties such as creams, milk, gel and foam. Buy one that suits your skin type. Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol as this element dries out your skin. Press the recommended amount onto your palm and lather it up with warm water. In an upward circular motion, massage the cleanser gently on your face and neck for 30 to 40 seconds. Rinse your face and neck completely and pat them dry with a face towel.

Step Three: Toning

This third step in facial care is necessary to clean up any dirt or grime that you did not manage to catch in the second step. Toner is also used to remove any residue from the facial cleanser that you may not have rinsed out properly. Pour out the indicated amount onto a facial cotton wool or pad. Wipe your face and neck carefully. As with the cleanser, use an alcohol-free toner to prevent your skin from drying.

Step Four: Moisturizing

A good facial care regimen includes moisturizing your face and neck to keep skin sufficiently hydrated. Always use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. The right moisturizer not only leaves your skin soft and supple, but also assists in smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Dot your face and neck with the moisturizer and massage it into your skin slowly and in an upward motion until all the moisturizer is fully absorbed.

The four steps above should be done twice daily, in the morning and evening. Aside from this, these additional facial care recommendations should also be followed:

Exfoliating :

Exfoliating helps you achieve a radiant-looking skin. This is because exfoliants remove dead skin cells from your face, thus unclogging your pores and allowing a more effective penetration of the facial products you use in your daily facial care regimen. After toning, apply an exfoliant and massage gently into your face and neck in upward circular motions. This will increase blood circulation to your face, hence resulting in a healthy glow. Rinse off properly before moisturizing your face.

Masking :

A mask is used in a facial care regimen because of its ability to firm up the skin on your face and neck, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial masks come in different forms, such as creams, powders and peel-off versions. After cleansing and toning, wet your face with warm water. Smooth the facial mask carefully onto your face and neck. Do not make any facial movements, like smiling or frowning, while you are waiting for the mask to set. You will feel the skin on your face tightening as the mask dries. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the mask by rinsing it off with warm water or simply peeling it off.