How to properly care for your facial skin - useful tips for every day

From this article you will learn:

• What skin types exist and how to correctly identify them
• What are the stages of facial skin care?
• What are the recommendations of specialists for caring for different skin types?
• How to properly care for your skin at different ages

There is not a single woman who has never had problems with her facial skin. Adolescence, as a rule, leaves its mark in the form of pimples and acne, and not all representatives of the fair sex go away after this period. However, even after 30 years there are no less problems. Women psychologically do not want to accept the first wrinkles, because they always want to look perfect. Ultraviolet rays, exhaust fumes, and dust also adversely affect the skin of the face. The skin protects our body, but it itself needs protection. Therefore, knowing how to properly care for your facial skin, you will maintain youth for many years and prevent the appearance of the first wrinkles.

Main signs of contaminated skin

The epidermis of the face is the most vulnerable and unprotected area of ​​the skin, constantly in contact with the external environment and exposed to its negative influences. During the day, a lot of contaminants accumulate on the surface of the face: particles of dust, precipitation, gases, remnants of decorative cosmetics and care products, sebum, dead cells. Insufficient cleansing can cause deterioration of the skin condition.

The first signs of epidermal contamination:

1. Dull, uneven skin texture.
2. Enlarged pores, feeling of an oily film on the face.
3. An abundance of blackheads, small pimples, comedones.

When these symptoms occur, the usual washing becomes insufficient, and the beauty routine must be supplemented with the obligatory stage of deep cleansing of the facial skin.

Skin is an organ of the human body

The skin is an organ that protects the human body from the external environment. The tissues have a complex structure with a balanced blood supply system and metabolic processes.

Main functions of the skin:

• protection;
• maintaining the body's immunity;
• thermoregulation.

The organs of the human body are interconnected by metabolic processes.

Well-groomed facial skin is possible with balanced functioning of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system.

Why is it important to cleanse your facial skin?

The surface of the epidermis is normally inhabited by a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses - the totality of microorganisms forms an individual microbiome for each person. External pollution contributes to disruption of microflora, damage to the hydrolipid barrier and a decrease in the protective functions of the skin.

Functions of regular and thorough facial cleansing:

• Helps maintain a balance of beneficial microorganisms on the skin surface.
• Prevents pore contamination, the appearance of comedones and blackheads.
• Removes the stratum corneum of cells, promotes cellular renewal and prevents premature aging: the appearance of wrinkles, decreased tone, elasticity and firmness of the skin.
• Improves the ability of cells to absorb beneficial components from care formulas.
• Controls the functioning of the sebaceous glands and regulates oily skin: stress, lack of sleep, taking certain medications, an unbalanced diet - all this causes increased sebum production, as a result of which rashes can appear even on skin that is not prone to acne.
• Prevents oxidative stress and the negative effects of free radicals.

The most common mistakes in the struggle for flawless skin

A mistake in care is to use foundations with a dense structure to correct the tone of the face.

Powdery components of cosmetics contaminate pores and interfere with oxygen exchange. A light base as a base for makeup will help make your face beautiful.

A common grooming lapse is cleaning makeup with hot water. The procedure injures the skin. Warm water or milk is recommended.

Using cosmetics that do not match your skin type is harmful to your face.

How to cleanse your facial skin: 3 main methods

You can cleanse your skin using three types of procedures; use them in combination for the best effect:

• Daily cleansing at home
  is a mandatory skin care procedure for any type of skin, aimed at removing makeup, delicately removing residual external impurities from the face and preparing for the application of tonic and corrective products.
• Weekly deep cleansing at home
  - exfoliation of the stratum corneum and intensive cleansing of the skin at a deeper level using scrubs, peelings, gommages, masks. The frequency of procedures depends on the type and condition of the skin.
• Salon cleansing procedures
  are cosmetology services aimed at professional hardware facial cleansing, deep cleansing and skin renewal using seasonal dermal peels and highly concentrated masks. The frequency of procedures depends on the type and condition of the skin.

Makeup

If you urgently need to put your face in order, but your skin doesn’t look perfect, you can use cosmetics and apply makeup correctly.

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Step-by-step instructions on how to achieve perfect skin using makeup at home:

• Before applying foundation, it is important to first moisturize your skin with cream or foundation. This will protect the skin and greatly simplify the distribution of the cosmetic product;
• If you have dry, flaky skin, you should use a moisturizer before applying toner. After it is absorbed, after about 30 minutes you can start applying makeup;
• If you have problem skin, you can disguise red and inflamed areas using a special corrector. Once applied to blemishes and dark circles, it will conceal and even out the skin tone in those areas.
• Foundation should be applied and distributed with a sponge. Use light tapping movements to blot the skin of your face and neck. This will hide roughness and dry areas and guarantee an even, natural color distribution. This will especially help hide problem skin;
• To make the makeup look natural, the oval face needs to be emphasized with blush and powder. The most preferable are products containing mineral particles - they absorb excess fat and do not clog pores;
• The color of the face and chin should not differ in tone, so make an even transition, do not rush. If you have pellets or a mask of a thick layer of foundation on your face, then you can resort to an interesting method: take a mixture of your usual caring cream, moisturizer and foundation on the back of your hand.
• Using a brush, apply a thin layer of product. It will not clump, and you will be able to see if flakes are formed when the two creams interact. If so, then their bases do not fit together, and one of the products will have to be replaced. If all is well, then a very thin layer of the mixture is applied. You will get neat, daytime makeup with an almost invisible even tone. If you use a care cream before applying foundation, you need to blot off any remaining greasy product with a napkin.
• Under no circumstances should you wear multiple layers of makeup. If you need to set your foundation, it is best to use thermal water in a spray. You cannot re-apply a layer of cream - spots, bumps, even rolling will appear in the places where you initially applied the product.

You can achieve the ideal complexion with makeup, but remember that this method is emergency.

Tips from cosmetologists for perfect facial skin

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How to properly carry out daily cleansing: instructions

Facial cleansing is the longest and most important skin care procedure that is performed at home and depends on you. It consists of several basic stages.

Preparation or makeup removal

The stage of removing surface impurities that have accumulated on the surface of the skin during the day or night.

Many people neglect morning cleansing, believing that the epidermis did not have time to get dirty overnight. While we sleep, the body's metabolic processes are continuously working, internal cleansing and cell restoration occur. For example, the peak of sebum production occurs at 4–5 o'clock in the morning, so it is important to take care of cleansing the facial skin twice a day (more often it is not recommended so as not to damage the hydrolipid mantle).

The following products are suitable for makeup removal:

• micellar water (for all skin types);
• milk (for dry and sensitive types);
• cleansing lotion (often does not require rinsing with water);
• Makeup remover wipes (travel version).

Washing (basic cleansing)

The second step is to wash your face with water and cleanser. At this stage, you need to cleanse the facial skin of any remaining impurities dissolved in the first stage and completely empty the pores.

There are special products for washing:

• for oily and combination skin – foams with a sebum-regulating effect, facial gels + “2 in 1” scrub;
• for sensitive people – soft mousses, foams;
• for dry and dehydrated skin – moisturizing and softening milk, cream, balm.

Apply a small amount of product to damp facial skin. Then use gentle circular movements with your fingertips to massage the entire surface of your face, avoiding the eye area. Finally, rinse off the cleanser with water and pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.

Moisturizing and toning

The final, but not the last most important stage of cleansing is skin moisturizing. After washing your face, wipe your dry face with a cotton pad soaked in a toner with a moisturizing formula. This will restore the pH balance of the epidermis, prepare for the further corrective stage of care and improve the penetration of beneficial components from care cosmetics into the deep layers of the skin.

Lifestyle and clear skin

More than half of the success in the fight for beautiful skin depends on lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, and constant stress do not have the best effect on our appearance. If you want to look your best, it's time to change something:

1. Giving up bad habits
   - remember that you will never be able to see what is happening inside you. But the face quickly shows some problems. Therefore, throw away the last pack of cigarettes and put away the bottles of champagne until the New Year, not even in the name of a beautiful face, but for the sake of good health;
2. Balance your diet
   - fried, sweet, too salty, smoked and fast food are the main enemies of our beauty. Do you want to be healthy and attractive? Then eat more vegetables and fruits (at least 5 per day), give up dairy and processed foods. Try to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time, and cook at home more often;
3. More activity
   - no need to torture yourself with grueling workouts. Just replace your evenings watching TV with a walk in the park - that will be enough to get you started;
4. Contrast washing
   - practice contrast washing at least once a day. Just alternate between cool water and almost hot water. This increases blood circulation and helps you wake up.

How to cleanse different skin types?

In order to cleanse your facial skin properly and maintain its health and youth, you need to choose special cosmetics for washing that are suitable specifically for your skin type.

After all, insufficient cleansing can lead to clogged pores and the appearance of acne. And too zealous cleansing can disrupt the skin's hydrolipid mantle and lead to dehydration. Therefore, choose cosmetics from reliable brands and be sure to pay attention to the label; most products indicate what type of skin it is intended for.

Oily skin

Oily skin types are characterized by enlarged pores, increased sebum production and a greasy shine. That is why cleansers should have a sebum-regulating function, tighten pores, clean thoroughly, but at the same time provide the skin with moisture and not dry it out. Oily skin, like any other, needs hydration.

For such facial skin, cosmetics containing thermal water, kaolin and zinc are well suited. Keep in mind that the composition should not contain ethyl alcohol!

Dry skin

Dry skin is usually quite thin and sensitive, it requires gentle and careful cleansing. Cleansers for dry skin types should be gentle and softening, have restorative functions, and should not contain alcohol. Most often these are creams, mousses or foams.

The exfoliation procedure should be approached with caution and the means chosen wisely. Scrubs with rough abrasive particles can damage dry skin.

Normal skin

Lucky people with normal skin type have the widest choice among cosmetics. They are not limited by either product types or textures. Suitable products must be labeled “for normal skin” or “for all skin types.”

Combination skin

Those with combination or mixed skin types will have to adapt when looking for cleansers. This is necessary so as not to harm the already dry areas of the skin in the U-zone. If after washing your face there is a feeling of tightness, then the product is not suitable for you. It is better to stick to products for dry or normal skin types.

Nutrition and hydration

At this stage, it is important to understand that before you can make your facial skin perfect on the outside, you need to nourish it from the inside. It is very important to provide the skin with moisture from the inside, which depends on the activity of transdermal water exchange. To do this, cosmetologists advise drinking more fluids, introducing green tea into the diet (it is better absorbed biologically), and limiting the consumption of caffeine-containing products.

It is also very important to ensure that the cells are saturated with useful substances; nourishing masks and creams that solve 2 problems at once are suitable for this. The first is the introduction of moisture into the upper layers of the epidermis and the method of retaining it in these layers. The second is the introduction of moisturizing components into the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis and, again, enhancing the ability to retain it.

Care is selected depending on the type of epidermis. To simplify this process, we have compiled a table for different types of epidermis with suitable procedures.

How to quickly restore skin in 7 days:

• Wash regularly with antibacterial soap, which relieves inflammation and eliminates redness;
• Every morning, every other day, use scrubs with soft abrasives (for intense peeling, use large ones);
• Stop using cosmetics for a while and give your skin a rest. Instead of classic foundation, it is better to use regular cream. Or any available batter;
• You should wash off cosmetics and creams only with special products designed for this purpose. In the morning it is better to simply wipe your face with micellar water or an ice cube;
• Make cleansing masks with nourishing ingredients twice a week. An excellent option is clay with aloe or honey;
• Do not expose your face to aggressive environmental influences. Protect your face from wind, ultraviolet rays and snow;
• Diversify your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, reduce the amount of fatty, salty and smoked foods. Completely eliminate refined sugar, fried foods and fast food from your diet.

The right makeup will make your facial skin perfect.
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Technique for deep skin cleansing at home

Deep cleansing and exfoliation (exfoliation) of the skin is primarily necessary for oily skin types with a predisposition to acne - dead skin cells of the epidermis mix with sebum and clog pores, causing rashes.

Important(!):

To exfoliate the skin, use soft scrubs with small natural abrasive particles or mineral masks, carry out the procedure 1-2 times a week.

Other types (dry, normal) also need deep cleansing - corneocytes (dead cells of the epidermis) disrupt the functioning of the sebaceous glands and prevent the penetration of active cosmetic substances into the dermal layers. Without sufficient cleansing, the skin loses its tone, elasticity, becomes dull in color and uneven in texture.

Carry out the exfoliation procedure once a week, choose delicate peelings or soft gommages. Look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” and “suitable for sensitive skin” on the packaging.

Important(!):

When caring for very sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions, it is worth excluding the stage of skin exfoliation so as not to injure the already weakened epidermis.

Existing methods of facial cleansing

Mechanical

Let's consider what types of facial cleansing exist that are carried out in a cosmetology office.

Mechanical peeling is recommended to eliminate unevenness and small scars on the skin. Its essence lies in the impact on the epidermis with a device with a quick brush. After mechanical peeling, skin lesions heal within 2 weeks. After the procedure, you should avoid being in direct sunlight and use sunscreen.

Ultrasonic

It is carried out using an ultrasonic spatula. The device removes contaminants outside. The procedure is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor. The top layer of keratinized cells is removed, which promotes active regeneration. Ultrasonic peeling not only cleanses the skin, but also moisturizes, smoothes, and tones.

During the procedure, a thin ozone layer is formed on the surface of the epidermis, which destroys pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, the face is cleansed and thoroughly disinfected. The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. After it, the skin looks healthier. Ultrasonic cleaning has no contraindications and is suitable for all skin types.

Rules to follow after ultrasound:

• do not use decorative cosmetics for the first 3 days;
• use moisturizer regularly;
• do not visit the sauna and bathhouse for 3 days;
• use Sanskrin before going outside;
• After and before bed, treat your face with an ice cube.

Vacuum

The essence of the procedure is to suck out sebum and dead particles with a special vacuum at an angle. Only the surface layer of the epidermis is processed, therefore it is only suitable for preventive cleaning.

Galvanic (disincrustation)

This method involves applying a special gel to the face, after which a galvanic device recognizes toxic substances. Penetrates the cleanser into the deep layers of the skin to remove dirt and toxins.

Steam cleaning

Helps open clogged pores and improve blood circulation. If your skin is oily, you can steam it daily. For dry types, it is better to do this once a week. To enhance the therapeutic effect, you should steam your face with a decoction of chamomile, lavender, mint, and lemon balm. You need to heat the liquid in a large container, tilt your head over it, cover with a towel, and hold for 15–20 minutes.

Cleaning with baking soda

Soda peeling is recommended to be carried out no more than once a week. Dilute a little soda with mineral water to make a paste. Using your fingertips, spread the product over your face and treat the surface with light massage movements for a couple of minutes. Leave the composition for another 10 minutes, then repeat the massage. Rinse off the remaining soda with warm water and wipe the skin with a dry towel. After the procedure, apply moisturizer.

Methods for cleaning leather in the salon

Cosmetologists also offer a list of aesthetic procedures aimed at deep cleansing and renewal of the epidermis, for example, chemical and hardware exfoliation of the facial skin. Such procedures involve the use of acids and enzymes that literally dissolve the stratum corneum of cells.

Important(!):

After chemical or acid peeling, the photosensitivity of the skin increases. Be sure to use a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to prevent photoaging.

The most popular salon procedures for deep cleansing of facial skin:

• Ultrasonic cleansing (ultrasonic peeling) – cleansing pores of excess sebum and dead cells by exposure to ultrasonic waves.
• Vacuum cleaning is a gentle hardware method of cleansing the skin. The procedure effectively cleanses pores, gets rid of blackheads, and tightens the oval of the face due to the lymphatic drainage effect.
• Mechanical (manual) cleaning is the most traumatic and effective procedure for cleansing clogged pores. A classic option for cleansing the skin using a loop spoon (UNO).
• Galvanic (disincrustation) cleansing is suitable for thick, oily skin: a salt solution is used and microcurrents are applied to the skin. As a result of the procedure, the pores are cleaned, blackheads and comedones disappear.
• Microdermabrasion (resurfacing) is aimed at intensive renewal of the epidermis and smoothing out stagnant spots (post-acne).

Recipes for scrub and rub masks, essential oils

Self-made cosmetics will help you make your face beautiful at home:

• scrubs;
• masks;
• compositions for wiping;
• light creams.

Homemade scrub

A salt scrub that provides deep cleansing is effective against blackheads and inflammation. You will need sea salt and egg white. The components are mixed, applied to the face, and washed off with water.

To add radiance to the skin, make a scrub of 1 tbsp. l. sour cream or yogurt, coffee beans. Mix the ingredients, apply for 15 minutes, massage the face, rinse with water.

For wiping the skin

To maintain skin tone, the following wiping compositions are recommended:

1. You need to mix dry chamomile, calendula, sage, eucalyptus, and yarrow. Mixture in a volume of 2 tbsp. l. pour 0.5 liters of hot water, boil the composition for 10 minutes over low heat, cool, filter. Add 2 tbsp to the decoction. l. calendula tinctures. The product is recommended for oily skin.
2. To create a chamomile infusion, you need 2 tablespoons of medicinal herbs and 0.5 liters of hot water. The composition is boiled for 5-7 minutes over low heat, cooled, filtered through a sieve, and used as a tonic.

Effective homemade masks

Popular masks for perfect facial skin:

1. The apple mask requires 1 apple, milk and yolk. The fruit is grated. Milk and yolk are added to the pan, the ingredients are mixed and brought to a boil. The warm mixture is applied to the face and washed off after 5 minutes.
2. To make a yolk mask, grated carrots, apples and yolks are used. The components are mixed, applied to the face for 10-15 minutes, then washed off.
3. Cucumber juice mattifies and moisturizes the face, the composition is applied to a swab and wiped over the face, the residue is washed off with water.

Making fragrant cosmetics from oil

Natural cosmetics will help you make your face feminine:

1. For dry dermis, a honey-cream composition with oils is used. You will need a raw egg, 10 g of natural honey, 3 drops of essential oil (rosemary or tea tree), 150 g of cream. The components are mixed and placed in a container. The composition is used in the evening.
2. To make a nourishing cream for women over 30 years old, you will need 20 g of Shea and macadamia oils, 10 g of jojoba and avocado concentrates. The composition includes 2-3 drops of patchouli and rosewood essential oils. The ingredients are mixed, beaten and placed in a container, applied in the evening.

The main factors contributing to the appearance of this cosmetic defect

• Hormonal surges

In women, in general, three “dangerous” periods can be distinguished: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. It is at this time that maximum changes occur in the hormonal background, which affects the entire body and the condition of the skin in particular.

• Heredity

Of course, although enlarged pores can occur in any skin type, those with oily and combination skin are most prone to this problem. Unfortunately, this tendency is passed on from one generation to the next.

• Nutrition

As you know, we are what we eat. And if, instead of healthy foods containing complex carbohydrates and proteins, your diet contains an abundance of buns, or even worse, chips with soda, then you can only dream of beautiful skin. This organ also performs an excretory function. Accordingly, all the waste that comes with food will sooner or later end up on your face.

• Ultraviolet

Despite the fact that vitamin D is formed under the influence of these rays, excessive exposure to the sun will not be beneficial. Excessive use of solariums or tanning procedures causes noticeable harm - the skin ages faster, age spots appear and, of course, pores enlarge.

• Wrong lifestyle

I remind you that drinking and smoking are harmful! Both alcohol and tobacco contain poisons that poison the entire body, leading to diseases and cosmetic defects.

• Cosmetics

And I don’t just mean decorative products, which many of the fair sex forget to wash off before bed. This is one of the grossest violations of the rules of personal care! Foundations and powders left on overnight are especially harmful. This is a direct road to blackheads. But even medications that are intended to care for your face, if chosen incorrectly, can only aggravate the situation. And, of course, it’s not even worth saying that you can’t use cosmetics that have expired.

• We do not write off stress and overwork, lack of sleep and diseases of internal organs, especially the digestive system.

The first step in eliminating the problem will be to get rid of the cause that led to its appearance. Of course, nothing can be done about heredity and hormones, but a proper lifestyle and proper skin care will help bring your face as close to ideal as possible.