Do you have a skin care routine? How many times a week are you using different skin care products? How many times are you getting product complaints? The average woman uses an average of 16 different skin care and beauty products per day. Over 85 percent of women surveyed stated that they apply at least 16 different products to their face in a given day, before they even leave the home.
Now, don’t misunderstand me – I am not saying that you should stop using the products that you currently use. What I am trying to illustrate is the importance of a skin care routine. You may think that you know exactly which active ingredients should go on your skin, and that inactive ingredients should be avoided. However, the composition of your facial regimen may actually be very out of whack. And, unless you consult with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, you are never going to get it right.
There are some basic rules for any skin care routine. First, never use soap or shampoo that contains alcohol. If you must use such products, choose a mild soap or cleanser made with glycolic acid (a mild alpha hydroxy acid) or lactic acid (a sugar-based acid). Also, don’t apply your cleansing mask more than once a week. While many products claim that they can cleanse your face twice a day, the truth is that most of these products strip away the protective layer of your skin and leave behind dry, flaky skin.
Every person’s skin needs are different. So, it’s important to learn how to read a skin care routine to determine your skin type. Basically, your skin needs are based on four factors: dry, oily, normal, and combination. It is important to remember that people have different skin types according to the following guide:
Dry skin types need more moisture than oily skin types and need cleansers that can remove excess oil, such as Neutrogena or Dove. Normal skin types are usually offered cleansers that are not too harsh, but should contain moisturizers. Combination skin needs cleansers that can balance oiliness or dryness and should be mild enough not to dry out the skin. Finally, combination skin types are advised to avoid using astringents in their skincare routine.
By following the steps in this skin care routine, you will help you prevent skin cancer and ensure that healthy skin continues to grow. However, even if you do follow the tips provided in a skincare regimen, you are still urged to visit a dermatologist regularly and get your skin checked. Your dermatologist can tell you whether you have any of the skin cancer types and which treatments are best to prevent it or treat it.