Step 1: Know your skin
Who doesn't want great-looking skin? Start by knowing your skin type. Then you'll know how to take care of it.
• Dry skin is irritated, inflamed and tight
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or itch after you use some makeup or other products.
• Normal skin is balanced, clear, and not sensitive.
Step 2: Cleaning Normal/Combo Skin
Don't just grab the soap that is in the shower or the sink to wash your face. You don't have to buy fancy, expensive products. You just need to find skincare that works for you. Don't scrub your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water, then pat dry. If you find your skin dries out or gets oily, try a different cleanser.
Step 2: Cleaning Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, use a gentle cleanser that doesn't have alcohol or fragrance. Those ingredients can dry your skin out even more. Gently wash your skin, then rinse with plenty of warm water. Don't use hot water because it removes the natural oils from your face faster. Try exfoliating once a week to get rid of flaky skin cells. It will help to make your skin look clearer and more even.
Step 2: Cleaning Oily Skin
If your skin is oily, use an oil-free foaming cleanser to wash your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water. You may want to use a toner or astringent after you've washed your face, but be careful because it might irritate your skin. They can remove extra oil, making your face less shiny, and help keep skin clean.
Step 2: Cleaning Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive, wash with a very gentle cleanser and rinse with warm water. Be sure to pat, do not rub dry. Exfoliating may irritate sensitive skin. Try not to use products that have alcohol, soap, acid, or fragrance. Instead, look on the label for calming ingredients like aloe, chamomile, green tea polyphenols, and oats. The fewer ingredients in a skincare product, the happier your face may be.
Step 3: Moisturize
Moisturizers help keep your skin from drying out. Apply it while your skin is still damp from washing or rinsing to help seal in moisture. If you have acne or your skin is oily, find a moisturizer that is lightweight and oil-free, so it doesn't block your pores.
When Should You Wash?
You can dry your skin by washing it too much, so twice a day is fine for most people. Washing with a cleanser or gentle soap helps get rid of the dirt, oils and makeup built up on your skin. If you exercise, play sports, or have PE, you may want to wash your face afterward with a gentle cleanser. Sweat can clog your pores and make acne worse.
Don't Wear Makeup to Bed
When you're tired, it can be tempting to go to bed without washing your face. But leaving makeup on your skin can clog your pores and cause acne. So use a gentle cleanser or makeup remover to wash it off.
You can u se a soft wash cloth or cotton pads. If you use acne medicine, now's a good time to put it on, when your face is clean and when you're not going to be putting on makeup.
How to Treat Acne
Squeezing can lead to infection and permanent scars. Instead, go to a store where you can find many acne-fighting products. They come as lotions, creams, gels, and cleansing pads. Be patient they can take up to eight weeks to work. And always follow the directions carefully. Using too much or using them too often can irritate your skin and cause more blemishes. If your acne is really severe, get help from a dermatologist.
Choosing Makeup
If you wear makeup, choose products that have "non-acnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" on the label. They should be less likely to cause acne or clog pores. Look for makeup that is water-based and not oil-based. Some makeup has expiration dates, even though they're not required. In general, eye products should be replaced first. Mascara, for example, should usually be used no longer than four months.
Other Things That Irritate Your Skin
To keep skin healthy, try to avoid habits that can cause acne, redness, and scars. Don't pick at your skin, especially your pimples or you could have permanent scars. Keep hairspray and gel away from your face, they can clog your pores. Smoking can age your skin and make it yellow and dry.
Food and Sleep for Healthy Skin
Keep your skin healthy by eating smart. Eat lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, lean meat, beans, and eggs. Watch foods that are high in cholesterol, trans fats, saturated fats, salt, and sugar. And get plenty of sleep for good health and to avoid dark circles, fine lines, dull skin, and other side effects of bad rest. And Relax! Even stress can make you break out.