As a kid, I learned how to take care of my skin from my mom. Like most girls, I watched her and copied what she did. Now, I've personalized it to my needs, but the basics remain the same. My routine is not complicated by any means. It takes me about 15-20 minutes to get ready if I'm not doing my make up. Though, I was surprised to learn many people don't follow the basics. 1. I use a washcloth and a loofah.
Some people use only their hands to wash their bodies. I don't even what to believe this is true. My friends were some of those people; they have been corrected. I don't feel clean unless I'm scrubbing down. It's weird to say, but I love rinsing my washcloth to watch all the dirt and dead skin go down the drain. It's almost a form of therapy for me. I can leave the old me behind and start over fresh. Sometimes when I need a deeper scrub, I use a rough sea sponge to get a better exfoliation. Not exfoliating can cause old skin cells to pile up on the surface of the skin. Which can make the skin look dull, feel rough and dry. Even worse, the build-up can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and acne. A regular exfoliation routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.
2. I use a separate washcloth/cleansing brush for my face.
Just like the number one. My face doesn't feel clean unless I use a cleansing brush or a washcloth. I use a different cloth since I use a different cleanser for my face. I also don't want to reduce bacteria since I have sensitive facial skin. Have you ever squeezed your pores to see the white oils (sebum) come out? It means there is build up in the pores which can lead to whiteheads and pimples. So it is important to cleanse and exfoliate the face as well. My cleansing soap also has exfoliating beads but it still leaves my skin feeling as soft as with a cloth or brush. Since my cleanser can leave my skin feeling dry, I don't use a lot and I don't over scrub.
P.S. Open your pores by using steam from the shower to help get all the build-up out. Then close them by splashing cold water after cleansing. This will help your pores become less visible over time.
3. I moisturize my skin.
It takes a few minutes to apply lotion to my body but I love it. I start with my face since I use a different moisturizer on my face than the body. I always apply upwards, so I don't pull on my skin (defy aging.) Since I have combination skin(dry cheeks, oily T-zone), I use a moisturizer that is balanced for my face. As for my body, I use a moisturizer that has natural oils that my body needs to help the skin stay hydrated which leaves it glowing and fights age. 4. I use sunscreen.
I'm lucky to have my dark melanin complexion. It means my body can be in the sun all day, and it won't burn. Though it doesn't make me immune from melanoma (skin cancer). Most people believe when it's cloudy or winter time, they don't need to wear sunscreen. That's a misconception. UV rays can still damage your skin through clouds or when it's cold if you aren't protecting it. So I always wear sunscreen on the parts of my body that will be exposed. It's pretty easy too. There are tons of moisturizers with sun protection. Even makeup foundations or concealers for your face.
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