Get a Beautiful Complexion with Proper Facial Cleansing

If you have been out and about today or even staying at home by the end of the day chances are your face is covered in dirt and grime from environmental pollutants.  If you are one of those types that simply wipes down your face at the end of the day, then you are not doing you skin any justice. Your skin works hard all day fighting off free radicals and deserves proper skin cleansing.  Additionally proper cleansing will refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.

Proper cleansing comes from selecting the right product for your skin type.  Furthermore the best cleanser, no matter what skin type you have, is those that do not strip away the natural fatty oils which protect and waterproof the skin.  Over drying the skin with harsh cleansers leaves the skin vulnerable to excessive dryness and leaves the skin exposed to bacteria and cellular damage.

To begin pull your hair away from your face then wash your hands, this prevents bacterial and dirt from transferring from your hands onto your face.  Apply your cleansing product at the forehead then gently sweep the cleanser over the face, and continue to massage into the face, lips and neck area.  Massage the cleanser into your skin in a gentle circular motion, paying special attention to the thin skin under the eyes.  Avoid the upper eye area; many cleansers are not formulated to be used on the eye area.  Thoroughly rinse your face with cool or tepid water (not to hot or to cold). Extreme hot or cold water can cause flushing and break sensitive capillaries in the skin. Hot water will open the pores and expose these pores to environmental pollution and dirt.  After cleansing, pat dry and follow with toner to restore pH balance and any traces of cleanser.  Apply toner on a cotton ball or pad and gently wipe over your face starting with cheeks, chin, nose and ending with your forehead.  After toning, follow with a SPF moisturizer for daytime wear and a hydrating lotion for nighttime wear.  Gently smooth your moisturizer over your face and neck area to protect and hydrate your skin. 

For an added bonus for your complexion, consider an exfoliate to slough off dead skin cells, promote new skin cell growth and improve circulation.  Depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliate I recommend no more than one per week.  A simple exfoliate is to just add a bit of cornmeal to your regular cleansing cream.  Other alternatives are sea salts, Epsom salts, or sugar.  Sea salt is a natural for normal skin. It contains marine extracts and minerals that help revitalize the skin.  Sugar is a gentle exfoliate ideal for sensitive skin since the grains have smoother edges than salt grains.

Another spa treatment that is so beneficial to the skin is facial masks.  Again, depending on your skin type, no more than once a week is recommended.  Papaya, avocado or honey makes great facial masks.