The skin on your face loves being cleansed, exfoliated, freshened (toned), moisturized and protected. Why? You’re helping skin’s natural processes. Your reward is smoother, clearer, even younger-looking skin (we love that!) and prevention of annoying skin conditions.

Basically, your skin regenerates itself continually in a four-week cycle. New cells are created near the base of the epidermis (the outer main layer of skin) and then mature and die as they move up to the surface. The cells which provide skin’s color or pigment are also found in the epidermis.

Below the epidermis is the thicker, inner main layer of skin, the dermis. It’s composed of collagen and elastin fibers and contains blood vessels and sweat glands, among other things.

Cleansing - Cleansing removes the impurities that have accumulated on the skin’s surface. These may consist of dust and chemicals from the environment, makeup, and sweat and sebum (a secretion) which have migrated from the dermis through the pores.

Exfoliating - Exfoliating is simply removing the dead cells on the surface of the skin. On a daily basis, it’s best done very lightly and gently. Depending upon skin type and sensitivities, there are chemical exfoliants (such as retinoids [Vitamin A derivatives], alpha-hydroxy acids [AHAs], beta-hydroxy acids [BHAs]) and mechanical exfoliants (microdermabrasion) which can be used on a regular basis for more dramatic results. (Please read “Personal Care, Exfoliants” for more details.)

Cleansing and exfoliating assist the skin by allowing moisturizers to penetrate and work more effectively.

Freshening - Depending upon the skin type for which it’s intended, a freshener or toner serves a number of purposes. A freshener may condition and re-hydrate skin, balance pH, remove residue and refine pores. It can also scavenge free radicals (unstable and highly reactive atoms).

(Sad but true: “free radicals” always reminds me of Janeane Garofalo’s character’s cosmetics counter experience in the movie, “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”).

Moisturizing - Moisturizing restores moisture that is stripped away during the cleansing and exfoliating process; prevents loss of further moisture; provides a barrier against the effects of dry heat, wind and cold; and softens skin and improves its resilience and elasticity. Many moisturizers contain humectants which retain moisture and, as a result, plump up the skin.

Protecting- Protecting the skin is an important morning step. One way is to put on a sunscreen or sun block to minimize exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Another way is to apply foundation. In addition to evening out skin tone, foundation helps shield the skin against the impact of the environment.

For the best results, choose the cleansing, exfoliating, freshening and moisturizing products that are made specifically for your skin type: dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive. The ingredients in each product work to balance, control and restore your individual skin conditions and needs.

Anti-aging ingredients - Since signs of aging start to appear during our twenties (very subtly), anti-aging ingredients are in high demand and an important component of many skin care lines.

It takes w-a-y more time to read about caring for your skin than it does to go through the steps. With the right products for your skin type, caring for your face can take only a minute or two twice a day and give you clearer, smoother, younger-looking skin!

Source: Mary Kay Inc.

Copyright 2006. Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved.

About the author:

Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc.

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