As the area of your skin that gets the most environmental exposure, facial skin requires regular care and attention. Routine care is necessary to keep your skin soft, clean and protected, and advanced care is necessary to address issues and conditions, such as acne, eczema or the effects of aging. No matter what your age, treating your facial skin the right way makes this process easier and more effective, helping you produce better results.
Know Your Skin Type
Cell-growth and research specialist Dr. G. Todorov, on his website, SmartSkinCare.com, recommends establishing a facial skin care routine that focuses on your skin type. Pay attention to changes in your skin type due to age, diet and seasons of the year, adapting your routine and the products you use as necessary.
Basic Facial Skin Care
According to Dr. Todorov, twice daily cleansing, followed by a toner for oily skin or a non-greasy moisturizer for dry skin is the foundation for a good basic routine. Before getting started, remove eyeshadow and mascara using a cotton swab or ball dipped in eye-makeup remover. Use lukewarm water and a liquid cleanser, rather than a bar soap that can strip natural oils form your face. Massage the cleanser into your skin with your fingertips, rinse and then blot dry.
Toners can help remove any remaining traces of dirt or oil and close skin pores, but usually include alcohol-based ingredients that can be irritating for already dry or sensitive skin. Close pores by splashing cold water on your face as an alternative.
As Dr. Todorov notes, moisturizing is, in many cases, not necessary, especially if you are using it as a way to prevent wrinkles. Moisturizing is important if you have generally dry skin or dry patches of skin and you may want to consider using it if you have normal to oily skin but live in a dry climate or regularly participate in activities that expose your skin to water.
Sun Protection
Wrinkles, poor skin tone, uneven texture and serious conditions such as skin cancer can result from exposing facial skin to the sun. Cleveland Clinic recommends applying a sunscreen that provides protection for both UVB rays, or the rays responsible for sunburns, and UVA rays, or the rays responsible for long-term skin damage. Make sure the sunscreen you choose provides a minimum sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15.
Acne Skin Care
Acne develops when excess oil and dead skin cells clog skin pores. According to TeensHealth, this most often occurs in the area of your face that includes a large number of oil glands, called the T-zone, and includes your forehead, nose and chin. Use products that contain benzoyl peroxide to reduce oil production and kill bacteria, avoid touching your face or picking at blemishes and do not try to remove pimples by popping them. As TeensHealth notes, popping pimples can cause an infection and result in facial scarring.
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