The ABCs of Skin Care

by Bob Sidell

During the harsh, drying winter months, many women become concerned with protecting their skin from the elements. Perhaps for the very first time, many of you look into moisturizers, thinking you've found "the solution" to proper skin care.

Based on my experience as one of Hollywood's top make-up artists for over 30 years and as founder of California Cosmetics, where for the past 15 years I have created many original skin care formulas I can say without any hesitation that proper skin care, no matter what the season, requires more than a simple application of moisturizer to be successful.

Caring for your skin requires a daily regimen, a process you repeat every day, no matter what. The good news is that this process only has to take five minutes and includes four easy and pleasurable steps. And if you have selected quality skin care products appropriate for your kind of skin, performing this simple regimen can produce almost immediate and visible results.

STEP ONE: STEAM. Just before going to bed is the best time for a personal complexion program, because it gives you the chance to clean your skin of all make-up and environmental residue it has gathered during the day. When your day is done, use a facial steamer or just soak a washcloth with steaming water, wring lightly and bring the cloth close to your face. Steam your face for 1-1/2 minutes. Let the steam penetrate to fully open your pores.

STEP TWO: CLEANSE. With your pores open, next splash warm water on your face and neck. Pour or work the appropriate amount of skin cleanser into your hands, then mix with some water to work it into a creamy lather. Massage this onto your wet face. Using your fingertips or a soft complexion brush, in a circular motion delicately massage your face for about 30 seconds, making sure to include your neck area. Then rinse with warm water and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. A tip: always try to use a cleanser specially formulated for cleansing your face rather than a generic kind of soap. And be careful to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.

STEP THREE: TONE. Dampen a piece of cotton with an alcohol-free toner and gently wipe your entire face and neck area. (Alcohol-based toners have a damaging and drying effect on the skin).

This step lifts away any residue that you might have missed and also closes your pores, preparing your skin for its moisturizing treatment. Alcohol-free toners are far gentler on your skin, which is especially important during the winter months. At this point, your face should now be squeaky clean.

STEP FOUR: MOISTURIZE. In an upwards, circular motion, now apply a small amount of a moisturizer of your choice to your face and neck areas. Do not over apply, as too much can be worse than not enough. Only when your skin has been has properly cleansed can your moisturizer work to condition, moisten and protect your complexion. Now you can go to sleep peacefully, knowing you have done everything you can to care for your skin.

Remember, no matter how great a product is, it doesn't work if you leave it in its container. For a skin care system to be effective, it must be used on a regular basis. And if you care for your skin, you can ensure a lifetime of beauty winter -- summer, spring and fall.