7 Steps To Beautiful Skin

Most people today are skin conscious. We want our skin to look young and healthy, and will usually do as much as we possibly can to protect our skin from whatever possible harm there may be in our environment. Of course every woman wants to have a beautiful, clear, radiant complexion. But are you doing as much as you possibly can to care for your skin?

Skin is your largest organ, and it performs several important functions that are vital for your survival. It primary role is to protect us against the invasion of foreign substances and bacteria, but it also serves as the transfer point for the release of toxins from our bodies. Therefore, your skin is far more than just your outward appearance and is truly worthy of protection and care.

So if you find yourself coveting the gorgeous skin of fashion models and celebrities in most of today’s magazines, here are seven tips that will help you achieve a beautiful, clear complexion that lasts a lifetime.

Step 1 – Cleanse

Always deep-cleanse your skin before applying any products. And wherever possible, avoid using commercial soap since this can be very drying and instead use a cleanser with gentle, natural ingredients. Dispense your cleanser onto the fingertips and gently rub them together to warm it slightly.

Apply the lotion to the face and neck with light circular movements to dislodge and remove any impurities. Don’t rub or stretch your skin, or use excessively hot water since this can damage your skin over time.

Step 2 – Tone

To remove any final traces of cleanser and to close your pores always use a toner that does not disturb the skins delicate pH balance. Choose a gentle cleanser containing natural botanical cleansing agents rather than one with harsh chemicals.

Hydrosols such as Rose, Orange Blossom, Geranium or Lavender are excellent for this job because they are totally natural and bring great skin-conditioning benefits. Soak two cotton wool pads with toner or hydrosol, and with upward and outward movements sweep across the face and neck.

Step 3 – Moisturize

Daytime replenishment is absolutely essential to keep your skin soft and free from the drying effects of central heating and the sun. After completing your cleansing routine apply some hydrating cream or lotion to your finger pads, gently rub together to warm it and apply to the face and neck in upward and outward movements.

Don’t forget to hydrate the eye zone, but be sure to use a very light product which is designed for this. Quinessence Aloe Vera and Lavender Gel hydrates, soothes and tones, making it perfect for this type of application.

Step 4 – Night repair

Overnight treatments are especially beneficial since as you sleep, your skin is replenished and renewed. Warm your chosen night treatment cream between the finger pads and apply in upward and outward movements to the face and neck avoiding the eye area. Don’t forget the neck and décolleté area since like your hands, it can reveal your age! Ideally, you should apply a light hydrating gel around the eye area to complete this step.

Step 5 – Exfoliate

To keep your skin in tip-top condition you should exfoliate every 10 to 15 days as this is a quick and effective way of removing dead skin cells. It leaves the skin soft and radiant, enhancing the absorption of your treatments. The best time to exfoliate is in the evening before applying your night-time treatment.

After finishing your cleansing routine, warm up a small amount of exfoliator on your finger tips and apply to the face and neck using light circular movements. Make sure you avoid the delicate eye area. Rinse off with warm water and either follow with a mask or finish off with your toner.

Step 6 – Mask

Use a clay mask for facials if possible, since they are highly absorbent and naturally help to draw out impurities in the skin and unclog the pores. Seaweed helps to deep-cleanse, re-mineralise and purify the skin, so for best results look for a mask containing this deep-sea treasure.

After exfoliating your skin apply an even layer of your mask to the face and neck, again avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off thoroughly with warm water, finishing off with your toner.

Step 7 – Drink more water

That’s right. Simply drink more water and your skin will benefit enormously. Drinking plenty of water prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated, and supports the ability of the skin to produce sebum which is your skin’s natural oil, from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function at its best, which is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is the average requirement.

It is often said that the simplest way to achieve clear and supple skin is to drink plenty of water. Drinking more water prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated, and supports the ability of the skin to produce sebum which is your skin’s natural oil from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function at its best, which is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is the average requirement.

In fact, washing and showering only cleans off the perspiration and other substances from the surface of the skin, whereas drinking lots of water dilutes and washes away toxins from within the body and at the same time moisturizes the skin, helping it to look younger and reducing wrinkles.

Make drinking water a habit today, and your body will thank you for it by helping you to stay young.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008