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 The
ABCs of Skin Care
by Bob Sidell
(ARA) - During the harsh, drying winter months, many women become
concerned with protecting their skin from the elements. Perhaps
for the very first time, many of you look into moisturizers,
thinking you've found "the solution" to proper skin care.
Based on my experience as one of Hollywood's top make-up artists
for over 30 years and as founder of California Cosmetics, where
for the past 15 years I have created many original skin care
formulas, I can say without any hesitation that proper skin
care, no matter what the season, requires more than a simple
application of moisturizer to be successful.
Caring for your skin requires a daily regimen, a process you
repeat every day, no matter what. The good news is that this
process only has to take five minutes and includes four easy
and pleasurable steps. And if you have selected quality skin
care products appropriate for your kind of skin, performing
this simple regimen can produce almost immediate and visible
results.
STEP ONE: STEAM. Just before going to bed is the best time for
a personal complexion program, because it gives you the chance
to clean your skin of all make-up and environmental residue
it has gathered during the day. When your day is done, use a
facial steamer or just soak a washcloth with steaming water,
wring lightly and bring the cloth close to your face. Steam
your face for 1-1/2 minutes. Let the steam penetrate to fully
open your pores.
STEP TWO: CLEANSE. With your pores open, next splash warm water
on your face and neck. Pour or work the appropriate amount of
skin cleanser into your hands, then mix with some water to work
it into a creamy lather. Massage this onto your wet face. Using
your fingertips or a soft complexion brush, in a circular motion
delicately massage your face for about 30 seconds, making sure
to include your neck area. Then rinse with warm water and gently
pat your skin dry with a soft towel. A tip: always try to use
a cleanser specially formulated for cleansing your face rather
than a generic kind of soap. And be careful to avoid the delicate
skin around your eyes.
STEP THREE: TONE. Dampen a piece of cotton with an alcohol-free
toner and gently wipe your entire face and neck area. (Alcohol-based
toners have a damaging and drying effect on the skin). This
step lifts away any residue that you might have missed and also
closes your pores, preparing your skin for its moisturizing
treatment. Alcohol-free toners are far gentler on your skin,
which is especially important during the winter months. At this
point, your face should now be squeaky clean.
STEP FOUR: MOISTURIZE. In an upwards, circular motion, now apply
a small amount of a moisturizer of your choice to your face
and neck areas. Do not over apply, as too much can be worse
than not enough. Only when your skin has been has properly cleansed
can your moisturizer work to condition, moisten and protect
your complexion. Now you can go to sleep peacefully, knowing
you have done everything you can to care for your skin.
If you have any questions, please e-mail me via either my Web
sites located at www.ultraskincare.com
or www.silkskin.com.
Remember, no matter how great a product is, it doesn't work
if you leave it in its container. For a skin care system to
be effective, it must be used on a regular basis. And if you
care for your skin, you can ensure a lifetime of beauty winter
-- summer, spring and fall.
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com,
e-mail: info@aracontent.com
Top former Hollywood Make-up Artist / California Cosmetics
Manufacturer Bob Sidell says proper skin care is “more” than
moisturizer.
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