To combat the toxins we expose our skin to every day, assist in its natural functioning, and maintain it in good condition, it is important to stick to a good skin care routine.
Daily 1. Cleanse - Morning & Night.
Cleansing twice a day is necessary to remove grime, excess oil, or makeup. Use a good quality facial cleanser and avoid soap. Body soaps are generally too harsh for the delicate facial skin, and will strip it of its natural oils, causing reactions including dryness and blemishes. A good quality cleanser will help clear away all impurities without drying or irritating the skin. Most cleansers need to be rinsed off the face with water - always read the directions.
2. Tone - Morning & Night, throughout the day if required.
Toners/Hydrators/Fresheners help dry skin stay moisturised, or help oily skin stay balanced. Toners also prepare the skin for moisturising.
After cleansing let the skin stay moist - this helps the toner penetrate deeper. Similarly, don't rinse or dry the face after using the toner - the moisturiser in the next step will do its job a lot better when applied to moist skin.Toners are especially helpful for blemished skin, as they will remove any dirt that was missed by the cleanser, balance the oil production, and help to soothe and heal.
For dry skin, toners are a must, as they can deeply hydrate, and assist to lock in moisture.Toners can also be used while travelling, or if you spend long periods in air-conditioned or harsh environments.
3. Moisturise - Morning & Night
Moisturising protects the skin,replenishing lost moisture from the exterior environment - wind, sun, cold, or dry conditions.For dry skin, intensive moisturisers are required to keep it supple and elastic. For oilier skin, only a light moisturiser is needed, otherwise the pores can become clogged.Always rinse hands before applying anything to your face. Do not rub the skin vigorously - instead very gently pat the cream (or oil) onto your face with your fingertips, then gently wipe it across your skin to ensure even absorbtion. Day moisturisers act as a barrier between our skin and the environment providing important hydration and protection from the elements. At night while we sleep. our skin naturally rejuvenates itself and beneftis from the support of a suitable moisturiser which can enhance that process. With a a day and night moisturiser, you will find a differnece in texture,weight,look and ingredient concentration.
1-2 times a week.
Exfoliate
To assist the skin in its natural cycle of removing dead skin cells,an exfoliant , scrub or gentle face polish should be used regularly - once or twice a week after cleansing. Don't use a body scrub, as it will be much too harsh on the delicate facial skin. Using an exfoliant prior to your mask treatment prepares the skin and enhances the performance of your mask product. Gently press and dab it all over your face for at least 10 seconds, but do not apply any extra pressure on your skin - then rinse and continue your usual daily routine.
Facial Mask Treatment
A facial mask removes toxins and impurities from your skin and to achieve a refreshed complexion. A mask treatment should be performed at least once a fortnight to achieve a refreshed complexion, or up to twice a week if you have the time or inclination.
Some masks are wet, like mud, and need no preparation except for a clean face. Many natural clay masks however, come in their raw, dry form, and need to be mixed before application. If you have pure spring water, floral water or pure carrier oil (jojoba, avocado, rice bran) available, use this to prepare the mask in a small bowl. A facial brush (artist brush) is helpful, or uses your fingers to apply the mask. Gently remove the mask with warm water, and natural face cloth and follow with your toner and moisturiser.
Eye Treatment
The skin surrounding the eye has a fine texture and cannot support heavy face creams. Eye formulations focus specially on the eye area utilising gentle,effective ingredients. Eye creams should only be applied to the orbital bone ( the eye socket around the eye).