Basic Skin Care Tips

* Twice daily cleanse the skin - once in the morning, and once in the evening. If you only choose to cleanse it once daily, the most important time is before going to bed. Throughout the day your skin's own natural oil, and grime from the environment, collect on your skin.
* Use gentle soaps compatible for your skin type. Wash your face using gentle circular motions with your hands or a soft cloth.
* Rinse well with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Rubbing removes too much of your skin's own natural oils, and can be very irritating.
* After cleansing, follow with toner to remove leftover traces of cleansing products.
* Avoid using toner if your skin is sensitive or if you have a skin condition. Toners may be too harsh for your skin type.

* Exfoliate your skin two to three times weekly.

* Microdermabraision and/or face masks can be done at home or by professionals.

* Over-the-counter microdermabraision products contain tiny particles that lift embedded grime and dead skin cells.

* Dead skin cells are difficult to remove with a wash cloth; they make the skin appear dull and tired; and slow down the skin's renewal process.

Use a moisturizer designed for your skin type. All skin requires moisture to stay plump and healthy.

* Use age-fighting or firming eye cream around the eyes.
* Don't forget to moisturize the neck, face, and chest areas. These quickly show signs of aging.
* Never pull hard or press downward on the skin.

Hint: Skin begins to lose moisture immediately after washing. To lock in moisture, apply moisturizers and body lotions within three minutes of leaving the bath.

* Use sunscreen. The sun's harmful rays never take a vacation; they attack us year-round causing 98% of our visible signs of aging.

* The number one problem with sunscreen is too little is applied. Each application takes at least an ounce for an average size body according to the American Cancer Society - "Painful Mistakes: Majority of Sunscreen Users Still Got a Burn".

* To protect the skin, use sunscreen designed for specific parts of the body.

* While sunscreen lotions are great for the body, they may burn and irritate the eyes, not to mention messing up your makeup!

* For the eyes, choose a sunscreen that is safely used in the eye area.

* Don't forget the lips. Sunscreen lip balms are now available.