Skin Care Essentials

The Basic Products we should all own

Whether you already have a skin care regime or if the process is new to you here is a guide to some basic product we should all be using.

Eye Make-Up Remover

Does what it says on the tin; it is used to remove your eye make-up. It is generally an oil based product which will gently dissolve stubborn eye make-up like mascara or liner. There are a tonne of eye make-up removers you can choose from but my personal favourite is the Botanics Nourishing Eye Make Up Remover from Boots. Unlike a lot of eye make-up removers it is a gel formula so it is less likely to get in your eyes and sting like creams or liquids would. It also contains olive oil extracts so is extremely hydrating for the delicate skin around the eyes and on you lashes.

Cleansers

ALWAYS cleanse your face twice! The first cleanse will remove any superficial dirt from the surface of your skin, like make up, and the second cleanse will be get much deeper into the pores. There are a number of different formulas available from gels to creams. Personally I would encourage everyone to use a cleanser that needs to be removed with hot water such as the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Using products like this will guarantee a much deeper and thorough cleanse. Balms are also good for this with the added benefit that it encourages you to massage the skin which will have an exfoliating effect along with encouraging lymphatic drainage (getting rid of all those nasty toxins) and increases blood circulation (helping to generate new skin cells. Overall this will help to improve the appearance, tone and texture of your skin.

Toners

Toners are quite basic products. They are used to remove excess oil from the skin surface and to close pores. Be careful when selecting your toner as some can be very astringent so if you have dry or sensitive skin it will make it worse. Generally toners are simple products use them after cleansing. You can however use cold water to have the same effect.

Exfoliators

Exfoliators are used to remove dead skin cells, unblock pores and help to regulate sebum production. Always makes sure that your exfoliator is one designed for facial skin care as body scrubs will be far to abrasive. DO NOT exfoliate everyday!!!! Every 3-5 days will be plenty depending on your skin type. Exfoliation aids desquamation which is the removal of the top layer of skin, this will mainly be dead skin cells. If you exfoliate every day you won’t be giving the new skin cells chance to renew and your face will end up looking very red and feeling sensitive.

Moituriser

Moisturiser keeps skin hydrated, toned and looking youthful. You should use a day cream with an SPF this will protect you from harmful UV rays which, as we should all know by now, are very dangerous and the BIGGEST factor in premature ageing. Trade a light day cream in the summer for a richer cream in the winter. The cold winter weather means you skin will need extra TLC so make sure you are changing your moisturiser. Use a thick, rich cream in the evening to really boost hydration overnight.

So those are your basic skin care products to get you started. I hope you have enjoyed reading this and that it has given you a little more knowledge about skin care.

xoxo

Lucy