A Recipe for Clean Skin
By Bailey Enos Orenia, Special to AOL BlackVoices
Every woman knows that a first impression is everything. And your face is the first thing that people notice. Shouldn't it be at its cleanest? Even if you think you're washing your face properly, double-check your routine with these three steps.
Cleanse
Start by cleansing your face with a mild, un-perfumed soap. Be sure not to overwash. Washing will raise the pH (or the acid/alkaline ratio) in the skin, but most skin has the ability to balance its pH within 20 minutes. You can speed up the process by using an astringent like Dickerson's Witch Hazel, which is available at any local grocer.
Moisturize
Healthy, soft skin must start with moisture. Since the body is made up of, on average, 60 percent water, it's no wonder why moisture in the skin is very important. One big misconception is that a moisturizer, which contains sebum, has the ability to return moisture to your skin. It actually helps trap in moisture, and if used regularly, can play an integral role in skin's appearance. To get the most from your moisturizer, apply it to damp skin to aid absorption. Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Face Cream is a great pick for mature skin.
Exfoliate
To maintain glowing skin, get rid of the old and let the new shine through. Exfoliation helps eliminate dead skin cells that may cause clogged pores and blackheads. An exfoliation simply removes the skin's uppermost layer, allowing the underlining finer and more translucent tissue to glow. When exfoliating, be sure not to overwork the skin to avoid irritation and inflammation. If you're the resourceful type, make your own exfoliating concoction by mixing roasted oatmeal, lemon juice and a little water to create a paste. Gently rub to remove dead skin, rinse and pat dry. Then try Botanical Skin Works Tropical Salt Scrub for a polished finish.