- 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.
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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. |
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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. |
