Written by: Cafe Belle's Beauty Guru

A Basic Facial Regimen to Keep Your Face Looking Great!

Your skin is the largest organ on your body so you want to make sure you take care of it. Your facial skin is particular need of TLC because it is subject to daily makeup, weather and environment effects (e.g., sunlight, pollution). As a result, here is a facial regimen to keep your face looking great every day!

1) Steam Treatment:

Steaming is great way to open up your pores and soften your skin for deep cleansing. You can either use a facial steamer or use a large bowl full of steaming water and place a towel over the back of your head/neck to indulge in a steam treatment. Steaming is one of the best ways to prepare to exfoliate your skin, since it opens your pores and forces any dirt trapped within to come out a lot easier during the exfoliation process.

2) Exfoliation:

You can use an facial exfoliation sponge and/or a facial scrub product. If you use both at the same time, your skin may be too sensitive to take the double exfoliation effect, so you may just want to opt for just one or the other. When exfoliating with just the scrub, gently rub the scrub all over your skin for a few minutes (or less if you exfoliate often). If you are using the sponge, put some facial cleanser on your face first to provide for some lubrication prior to gently scrubbing your skin with the sponge. If you are using both a scrub and a facial sponge, make sure the scrub is gentle enough to exfoliate your skin without damaging your skin layers. Whatever exfoliation method you choose, make sure not to scrub off layers of skin. If you scrub too deep, you can wind up with sensitive skin that may turn darker or redder for a while it heals.

3) Cleansing:

You can find facial cleansers in different forms, such as creams, gels, or foam. You should find one that best works for your skin. Follow the directions provided on the facial cleanser of your choice, and gently massage the cleanser into your skin for about 30-40 seconds (or a little more if needed). Rinse your face and neck with lukewarm water and gently pat dry your face with a face towel. 

4) Toning:

Toning helps clean away any residual dirt that did not come out during the exfoliation or cleansing process. Pour the toner of your choice onto a cotton pad or ball and wipe your face and neck. You may want to opt for a natural product like 100% Witch Hazel if alcohol-based toners irritate your skin. 

5) Moisturization:

Even though you may not have dry skin, it is important to moisturize your face and neck to keep it hydrated. It also helps to slow down aging of the skin (e.g., wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines). Choose the moisturizer of your choice (according to your skin’s needs), rub it in your hands to heat the product up a bit, and massage it into your skin slowly to allow for maximum absorption of the product. The massage also helps to stimulate your skin and keep it supple and youthful. You may want to opt for a day moisturizer that contains SPF 30 in order to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays, and a night moisturizer designed to really hydrate your skin as you sleep.