Body Skin Care

There are right and wrong ways to go about the numerous tasks associated with body skin care, from cleaning and moisturizing to exfoliating. By following a simple three step process every day, you can be sure that your skin will remain youthful and exuberant for years to come.

Your Skin Type Affects Body Skin Care

The first thing you must do before starting a new skin care regiment is to be sure of what skin type you have. A simple ‘skin test” will suffice to do so. Wash your face and pat it dry. Then press rice paper or lens-cleaning paper to various spots on your face. The paper will stick to oil and turn translucent. Dry spots will do nothing. If the paper only turns oily in certain areas such as your forehead, nose and chin, this is a sign of combination skin (70% of women have this type).

Step 1 – Cleansing

Find a good cleanser and stay with it. Simplicity is key in this regard. You should be able to match your skin type to a simple cleanser that does not cause the same harsh results as soap. A cleanser is different because it contains more specific ingredients, specifically designed to promote body skin care health. Oil in them dissolves the oil on your face. Surfactants dissolve makeup and dirt and water washes it all away. The true key to finding a cleanser that matches your body skin care needs is in finding the right combination of oil to match your skin type.

There are a number of different recommendations for the use of cleanser. Some recommend twice daily use and some only once a day. The best solution is to match your specific needs to your cleansing schedule. Always wash your face at night before going to bed. If, in the morning your face requires a more thorough cleansing, use a small amount and lukewarm water. Over washing the face can actually cause additional damage.

Step 2 – Exfoliating

Your body skin care routine should include exfoliating at least once a week. Many people skip this step altogether, but it can be as effective if not more so than any other action you take. Your exfoliation options are many fold. A good microdermabrasian kit used once a week is very effective and fairly simple though. Make sure you use a gentle scrub created with small grains. Larger, more direct scrubs can tear your skin and cause damage.

Step 3 – Moisturize

The most important thing you can do for your skin is to moisturize regularly. Without the daily application of moisturizer, your beauty skin care routine will fail. What does moisturizer do that makes it such a universally important addition? It seals in the moisture on your face, keeping it supple over time. The only exception to the rule that you end your body skin care routine with moisturizer is in those individuals with acne – it will only serve to worsen the effects.

By: Maya McMahon