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I cannot stress about the importance of skin hygiene. It is a the key to aging gracefully, and maintaining a healthy appearance.
As a licensed Skin Care Therapist, I have met alot of people who are struggling with problem skin. Many people don't listen and try to ignore this very crucial detail. In some instances, they try to deny that they have bad skin, and apparently they make excuses of about the time and money they spend on useless products.
Pro-active has become a popular product, although it doens't guarantee perfect skin to some, their success is due to a significant 3 step program. Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing, are the steps that needed to be taken. It doesn't have to be a specific product. Regular generic items can be purchased and used, and it will act the same as the leading skin care products.
First step, is cleansing. Soaps, foaming, creamy cleansers are the options. However, many people do not clean the skin properly, so I suggest cleansing twice in a session. After applying and massaging cleanser to the skin, wash it with water, and re-cleanse the skin again.
This way the skin is cleansed properly and it sometimes becomes a beneficial act of gentle exfoliation.
Second step is the toning. But what is a toner? A Toner is a solution of water and alcohol. It can be categorized as an astringent if the solution has 40-60% of alcohol, a toner is if 20-30% of alcohol, or a freshener if it has less than 10% of alcohol. I recommend using a spray bottle to gently drizzle the toner on the skin.
Now, toner's job is to restore the skin's pH balance meaning the acidity back to the norm. It also closes the pores and places moisture to the skin. Most people skip this and after cleansing they just put the moisturizer on which is bad. Since, the skin has been cleansed its pores are open and if an emollient is placed there, the oils from the moisturizer can clog the skin. It has to be closed and the pH restored for it to be ok.
Last step is moisturizing. Apply the moisturizer to the skin, but make sure the hands are clean before applying it. This step is crucial because, applying this means sealing the skin. If we tone properly, the hydration effect of the water in the toner will get inside the pores and the sealing process is complete.
Think of it as a wound, if we do not seal it well it will be infected.
The following are mistakes people make:
-Overwashing can produce oilyness. When the skin produces oil, and we wash it, the skin will produce extra oil because it felt like there is not enough oil.
-Same as above, over moisturizing can produce dryness of skin also.
-Acne can come from bad hygiene, stress, environment, diet, hormones, and many other factors. Many people suffer from the stuff listed above but it is important to know what causes their problem skin.
-Listen when someone gives advice and acne seasons does not exist. If someone gets an acne at winter that must mean that the pores are always closed and it keeps the dirt in. Follow the steps I mentioned and it should help.
If acne persists then ask the doctor.