Skin care is the collection of practices that support skin health, improve its physical appearance and alleviate skin conditions. Skin care includes cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing, but also many other practices such as laser resurfacing, microdermaintenance, tanning, photo-dermology and others. It also involves a person’s awareness of the effects of their cosmetics and what can be done to preserve or reverse the aging process of the skin. The term was first used in the dermatologist’s journal in 1947. Skin care usually implies treatment of symptoms and signs of skin disorders and not necessarily of diseases.

Skin care includes proper cleansing and protection from the sun. A daily cleansing routine should be followed with a good application of a good quality skin care product and sunscreen. Individuals must choose the right products for their individual skin type and should pay attention to the label or the list of ingredients. Sunscreen should be applied before going outside especially if wearing a long-sleeved or lightweight item.

A simple cleansing process should consist of washing with lukewarm water and a gentle soap or alcohol-free cleanser, preferably with fragrance. The most common cleansers are the ones containing mild surfactants and they remove dirt, oil and grime without drying out the skin. Daily cleansing and protection should be combined using a weekly regimen of exfoliation. This process removes dead cells on the surface, closes blemishes and helps prepare the skin for toning. Finally, moisturizing and protecting should be included in your basic steps of skin care.

In addition to the cleansing and exfoliation mentioned above, a skin care routine should also include the use of sunscreen, whether for the day or night, no matter what the skin type. For people who are at risk for skin cancer, this step should be done regularly in order to reduce the risk of contracting skin cancer. Some basic steps of skin care include applying sunscreen daily in the morning and evening, once in the morning and again before going to bed, unless of course you reside in the beach!

An all over skin care routine could also include the use of moisturizer or lotion, particularly for dry or sensitive skin types. A lightweight moisturizer or lotion will seal in moisture and help keep the complexion looking soft and supple, while a heavy cream will add a bit of extra sheen. For those who develop fine lines and wrinkles, a moisturizer with natural vitamin E is highly recommended. If you want to know more about choosing a moisturizer for fine lines and wrinkles then visit my website.

There are some other ingredients that should be part of every beginner’s routine for healthy, younger looking skin. Ingredients such as CynergyTK and active Manuka Honey have been proven to be beneficial in preventing wrinkles and treating age-related signs and symptoms. These two ingredients, together with a few others, work together to make skin look and feel softer and smoother. In addition to these active ingredients, a good facial cleanser and toner will help keep dirt and bacteria away from the skin, prevent breakouts and fight inflammation and redness. The inclusion of these ingredients by a quality cosmetics company can really make a difference in your experience of the products, so learn what you need to look for and go from there.