The Six Steps of Skin Care

Caring for facial skin is the top priority for women who are determined to fight aging. There's lots of science out there and swanky new products that promise to deliver miracle results in just one step. Technically, a one-step solution is not yet possible. Your face has six steps of skin care that it needs daily. Follow these basics every day and evening for stronger, youthful looking skin. Here are the six steps of skin care in the order you should use them.

Cleanse

Cleanse your face twice daily. Don't sleep in your makeup or skip this step. Use the right cleanser for your skin type. In general, dry skin needs a creamy non-drying cleanser. Oily skin responds best to gel based cleansers that absorb oil. Read labels and buy the right skin care for you.

Exfoliate

Every few days, your skin will need exfoliation. Rub a dime-sized amount on your wet skin. Exfoliate patches of dry skin, pimples or blackheads. A light exfoliating scrub is perfect for skin that is prone to breakouts. Use a heavier scrub like a microdermabrasion treatment to banish tiny bumps all over your face.

Tone

Next, your skin will need toning. Toning the skin tightens pores and cleanses away excess oils. Toners are facial astringents. If you have very dry skin, you may skip this step. For dry skin, no extra drying is needed.

Moisturize

The fifth step of skin care is moisturization. Regardless of your skin type, you need to moisturize. Oil free moisturizers will keep skin hydrated without making the skin greasy. Moisturize upwards starting at the neck and working to your forehead. This prevents excessive pulling on the skin which may encourage wrinkling and creasing.

Protection

The last step of skin care is protection. Skin protection keeps free radicals like pollutants from causing dark spots or blemishes on your face. As you get older, the more vigilant you should be but people of all ages should protect their skin. Wear a sunscreen when heading outdoors. Use a moisturizer that contains an SPF and save a little time. Also, use a foundation makeup that protects your skin. Mineral powder makeup work best for this.

This may seem like a lot to do, but it is needed. For a time saver, buy a cleanser that performs all three of the first three steps. Use a moisturizer that has sunscreen to get the last two. Customize your products to suit your schedule and your skin type.