Skincare is the collection of practices that support healthy skin, improve its appearance and alleviate common skin conditions. They may include proper use of moisturizers, avoidance of too much sun exposure, proper cleansing and protection of the skin, intake of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals and avoidance of harmful environmental factors such as smoking and alcohol. Skincare products are those substances which serve these purposes and more. There is a big difference between skincare products which can be bought in shops and those which must be bought only through the means of prescription.

The first step in any skincare regimen is to apply a moisturizer. This prevents dryness and irritation, which make it hard for the skin to breathe and hence makes it more vulnerable to aging signs. Skincare toner is a specialized product, which is usually used after a moisturizer so that it can hydrate the skin through a process of emulsification. It helps make-up go on more easily, reduces the incidence of pimples and leaves skin looking younger.

One must not ignore the role of alcohols and astringents when choosing a skincare product. Alcohols evaporate faster than moisturizers, so they work best as a pre-cautionary measure. On the other hand, astringents have been known to be extremely drying and cause redness and irritation. A mixture of alcohol, astringent and a good moisturizer is considered the best skin care combination. However, you should make sure that the alcohols are not present in the composition of the moisturizer.

Once you have applied the cleanser, it is important to get rid of all traces of make-up and cosmetics. Use a good facial soap to wash your face and rinse with lukewarm water. After that, use a good moisturizer. Remember to stick to your skincare routine or you may not notice significant results. Your goal is to keep your face clean and fresh the whole time, not just while you are waiting for the product to dry.

A good skincare regimen should include cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Cleanse your face in the morning with a cleanser and tone. For the evening or night time, use a toner to remove any make-up. Toner ensures that your skin is properly hydrated. When applying a moisturizer, follow your skincare routine or use one that has been formulated especially for night because regular cleansers strip away the natural oils that protect the skin.

Along with the cleanser, toner and moisturizer, you need to use a sunscreen. This is not necessary but if you do not use a sunscreen when outdoors, you will expose yourself to the sun’s damaging rays. The SPF of your sunscreen depends on the level of coverage you desire. You can read labels and consult a sunscreen cream’s label for this information.