One of the most important
factors of skin care is skin cleansing. Because dirt,
pollution, residual makeup, etc. can cause havoc to the skin
leading to skin ailments and even hastening of the aging
process.
Here's what you need to
do, obvious may be, but not practiced as it should be:
• Always wash your hands clean first. This will prevent the
transfer of bacteria to your face.
• Start with your hairline first, as hairstyling products
attract dirt, and then sweep cleanser over face and lips and
down the neck to beyond where you apply foundation.
• After you've applied your cleanser, gently massage it in
with the balls of your fingers and leave it on for a minute
or so to allow make-up to melt away. Then use a soft cotton
ball to wipe away dirt, pollution, and cosmetic build-up
without tugging at the skin.
• Then wash face clean with water and a good quality face
wash so that all traces of dirt is gone and skin becomes
perfectly clean.
Learn more about facial skin cleansers.
Prepare your own skin cleansers.
SKIN TONING
Toning is necessary for all
skin types and should be made a part of daily skin care
routine. Toning is refreshing, improves blood
circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin.
• Soak cotton wool pads in skin tonic and wipe face in
outward and upward strokes.
• Each movement should end at the temples. Apply gentle
pressure at the temples.
• While applying toner on the forehead, start from the
centre and go outward on either side, again ending at the
temples.
• Apply toner on chin in circular motions.
• Tone the neck too, stroking downwards from the chin.
• Tone around the eyes, but very lightly.
Making skin tonic at home is simple and
easy. All you require is rosewater and witch-hazel.
Rosewater is one of the best-known skin tonics and is easily
available. Witch-hazel is available at a chemist or
homeopathy shop. Toners vary according to skin types:
For normal skin
Mix ¾ cup rosewater with ¼ cup witch-hazel and store in a
jar.
For very greasy skin
Mix equal quantities of rosewater and witch-hazel and store
in a jar.
For dry skin
Mix ¾ cup rosewater, ¼ cup witch-hazel and ½ teaspoon
glycerin or honey and store in a jar.
More about skin toners.
USE A FOAMING BATH TO TONE YOUR SKIN
• Bathing foams with
plant extracts like mint and rosemary are ideal for
maintaining your skin’s firmness.
• They tone the skin by providing nutrients and improving
blood circulation.
• For instance, balsam (which contains pine extracts)
improves breathing by improving oxygen intake.
• And finally remember that toning foam baths are also great
energy boosters.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SKIN THIS WINTER?
Winter’s here and it’s time
to watch out for dry skin, coarse hair, shriveled cuticles
and rough hands…Caring for skin becomes a
daunting task during winters. Skin turns ultra sensitive and
tends to give in to the pressures of pollution and seasonal
imbalances rather easily.
A few simple tricks will
however, ensure that skin stays supple and pretty pink, here
is how:
• Use cleansing milk to dislodge dirt and grime especially
during winters and if you suffer from dry skin.
• Use a generous helping of moisturizer for a smooth, clean
complexion. However do not apply moisturizer while stepping
out of the house, that way you will only attract more dust,
the best time to dab on the magic option is in the evening,
after a warm bath.
• Your face will thank you for the invigorating cold cream
and skin tonic massage you give it just before hitting the
sack.
• Limit the use of make-up during winter months, as skin
tends to burst into pimples.
To give body skin a glow, add a spoonful of olive oil to a
bucket of hot water for your bath. This gives a glow to the
skin. If the skin is very dry massage with warm olive oil
fifteen minutes prior to bath.
