The Basics - Cleansing Benefits

One of the most basic pieces of advice really but you would be surprised at how easily this is ignored, also using a short cut such as 'All in One Wipes' will not throughly cleanse the skin & have the smae benefits as cleansing properly, there is no cheats way out of it I'm afraid!!!

Here are a few reasons to make sure you keep up your regular cleansing routine -

1 - To remove any grime and make-up worn throughout the day that can clog the pores.
2 - At night cleansing & moisturising properly will help to protect the skin from loosing moisture, during the day it helps to provide a good base for make-up.
3 - Helps the skin to re-new itself by removing dead skin cells & keeps the over all tone soft & supple.
4 - Lastly a little scary fact, going to bed even just 1 night without taking your make-up off will age your skin by 11 days!!!

Cleansing Tips -

Face Wash
Start with a good foaming face wash for your skin type to take the initial residue away & freshen the skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin then a gentle moisturising wash is best, oily/problem skins are best to opt for an invigorating wash with perhaps a light exfoliation in it that can be used everyday. There are many types of face wash on the market so take time to choose one that is aimed at your skin type.


Eye Make-Up Remover
Before cleansing make sure your eye make-up is removed, a soothing gel based lotion is good for this, however if you use heavy eye make-up or waterproof mascara an oily based product would be best.



Cleansers
Use cotton pads for this as they are the best for removing grime (same with eye make-up removal & toner), place a good amount on the pad & take across the whole face, for best results do this twice, it really does make a huge difference to your skin & will help prevent spots.
- Dry Skins should opt for a creamy cleanser that won't strip the skin & can help to add moisture
- Oily Skins should look for a gel based cleanser
- Sensitive Skins should go for a soothing cleanser with perhaps Aloe Vera or Green Tea.

Toning
Toning is pretty much an optional step but still beneficial & worth doing, it mainly removes any residue from your cleanser but some do have active ingredients such as anti-oxidants that are great for the skin.

Moisturising
Every skin type will benefits from a moisturiser, even the most oily skins, they work by creating a barrier between the skin and the environment as well as keeping the skin hydrated.

Again there is a wide range available these days for every skin type so depending on what you are looking for, whether it be anti-ageing, to include sun protection, for sensitive skin, to reduce oily appearance on the skin, there is a moisturiser for every type, so take your time to pick the one that you feel is right for you.
Also it is worth while investing in an eye-cream, the skin around the eye is a lot more delicate & your normal moisturiser won't be suitable, these can help protect this area & reduce puffiness as well as dark circles that none of us want!!!

Exfoliation
Lastly, try to ensure you exfoliate once or twice a week, this will help the skin to shed any dead skin cells from the surface layer brightening the skin & keeping it in great working order!!!