Developing a Simple Skin Routine

Many people simply wash their faces with soap and water. Your skin is a vital organ, and must be treated with care.

Developing a skin care routine is simple, and can produce dramatic changes in a short time. By taking care of your skin, you will see a reduction in acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and will noticed improved skin tone and elasticity.

1. Start by determining your skin type. Are you oily, dry, combination, or sensitive?

Oily: You seen a sheen on your nose by noon.

Dry: Your skin feels tight and may flake.

Combination: You see an oily sheen on your nose by mid afternoon. You may feel dry sometimes on the forehead and cheeks.

Sensitive: Your skin reacts to environmental factors and products.

Note: One can have multiple skin types, such as sensitive and oily.

2. Find a face wash. Cetaphil is a great drugstore brand that offers washes for many different skin types. Wash twice a day -- once in the morning during your morning shower, and once at night. It is essential to remove makeup every single night.

3. Choose a moisturizer. If you are oily, opt for an oil-free moisturizer. If you are dry, you will need a more rich moisturizer. It is essential to use this day and night after washing your face. Make sure that your daytime moisturizer has an SPF of at least 15.

4. Exfoliate twice a week. Choose a gentle exfoliant to use twice a week in the shower. Avoid anything that has apricot or any type of ground up pits in it, as this will actually cause micro-tears in your skin that allow bacteria to seep in. Exfoliating will help remove dead skin cells and allow new ones to rise to the surface for a healthier glow.

5. When in need, see an esthetician. If you are completely lost, visit an esthetician at your local spa or department store. She should be able to guide you.