A daily skin care ritual that combats the pollution and daily environmental damage to your skin is a must in today’s busy lifestyle. As a part of routine cleansing, people settle for a face wash and moisturiser which does not clean beyond the skin’s surface, and cannot remove makeup residue and repair the damage due to exposure to the sun. Inappropriate cleaning techniques and wrong choice of products can further damage your skin. A simple three step skincare regimen can do wonders to the skin retaining the youthfulness of the skin - cleanser, toner and moisturiser (CTM).
Cleanser
Step1: Choose gentle exfoliation like oat extract that optimises skin moisture level. Wash your face and apply a cleanser all over your face and neck. Evenly spread it across and gently massage with your figures. Wash it clean and dry it before the application of the toner.
How it works: Cleansing dirt, make up and excess oil, leaves the skin soft fresh and clean. This process opens the pores and allows deep pore cleansing. A natural cleansing agent gently whisks away the debris without stripping the skin. A good cleanser gently cleans your skin without clogging pores
Toner
Step 2: Choose a toner that contains ingredients that improves PH balance of skin such as Acerola Cherry Fiber, is alcohol free, hydrating and anti-bacterial. You can apply a toner with a wet cotton swab/pad with the toner, evenly dab it all over your face and neck and follow it up by application of moisturiser.
How it works: Cleanser is followed by toner which brings the pores back to the normal size along with improving Skin PH balance. It also optimises the skin’s ability to control oil through the day and prepares the skin for moisture.
Moisturiser
Step 3: The final step includes moisturising to prevent skin from drying or becoming too oily. It acts as a shield and defends from environmental assaults and UV rays.
The best moisturizers contain Hydro Lipid Matrix (helps hydrate, smooth, and protect against moisture loss), anti-oxidants and SPF 15 (application of a pack made of curd mixed with 3-4 drops of honey it for 10 minutes moisturises the skin, but such home remedies do not have anti-oxidants/ sun protection).
For different skin types
Those with combination skin or oily skin should look for a balancing element in the product that controls surface oil and improves hydration level, while a normal or dry skin should go for a hydrating product that maintains optimal moisture levels of healthy skin.
Skin is an excellent indicator of one’s inner health and proper diet will help maintain youthfulness of the skin. Besides having plenty of water that helps maintain the hydration level of the skin, food with vitamin ACDE rich in anti- oxidants and protein is important to nurture healthy skin.
Nutrition advice
Fruits and vegetables rich in water content such as melons, cucumber, leafy and green veggies, citrus fruits such as orange, lemon and so on are ideal. Nuts and dry fruits rich in Vitamin E along with food source high in protein such soya, grams etc are also good sources.
Neha Poddar is a beauty expert with Amway India