Luxury Skin Care

Cleansing is the cornerstone of an effective skin care regimen. It is important for the long term health of your skin as it reduces bacteria, keeps pores open and exfoliates surface skin cells. If waste is allowed to build up it can block the pores, thus blocking the secretion of the glands from coming to the top of the skin.

These secretions provide the skin with the weapons it needs to combat infections and toxic agents. Cleansing stimulates the circulation, which improves the blood supply to the skin and nourishes it.

The best way to cleanse your face is the gentlest way; use a rinse off facial cleanser and forget about soap - the pH is too high. Cleansing also gives a healthy glow to the surface of the skin. A high pH soap will dry the skin and diminish its life expectancy.

The skin’s surface is mildly acidic, having a pH of around 5. Most soaps have a pH of well over 7, some as high as 10. Soaps with a high pH will not only dry the skin, but also eliminate its protective coating on the skin’s surface.

Unlike soaps, facial cleansers remove makeup and dirt, but leave the skin felling soft and silky. Facial cleansers basically consist of oil, water and surfactants (agents which allow oil to mix with water). The oil in the facial cleanser dissolves the oil on the face; the surfactants dissolve everything else; water washes the face clean. The best facial cleansers also contain natural botanical extracts to soothe, protect, nourish and moisturize the face. When choosing a facial cleanser, be sure to pick one that is appropriate for your skin type and condition.

Precede facial cleansing by washing your hands first; otherwise you will simply be working additional dirt in to your face. Splash your face generously with tepid to slightly warm water. Spread a nickel sized dollop of facial cleanser into your palm or on a soft cotton wash cloth.

Using fingertips or washcloth, gently wash face using circular and upward motions. Wash face for approximately 30 seconds for dry skin, 60 seconds for normal skin and 90 seconds for oily skin. Then rinse and rinse again with tepid to slightly warm water. Any residue left behind will have a drying effect. It’s not too much to splash your face 20 times and drench the sink in the process - your face will thank you for it!

Pat (do not rub) face dry with a clean towel. Follow by toning and moisturizing the face. Perform this simple skin care regimen twice daily and you’ll be amazed at the positive difference it makes in your faces health and appearance!