Date: 01/07/2013

Author: Ingrid Katz (Pure Aesthetics)

A skin care regime doesn't have to be complicated and in fact shouldn't be.

Specific skin concerns and/or conditions will require specific treatments, but the basic skin care steps are vital for any skin type.

1. CLEANSING

Cleansing is the first and most important step to your daily routine as it removes surface oils and/or make-up and prepares the skin for whatever comes next. If you are investing in good quality products that have active ingredients, you want to get the best and most effect out of them.

If you aren't cleansing with a pH balanced cleanser, this is your first mistake and your skin will not get the maximum benefit it should. The skin will be compromised and looking to counter any imbalance instead of being receptive to the nutrients applied afterwards.

2. TONING

Many people skip the toning step as they do not realise the importance of a toner. Cleansing removes dirt, impurities and make-up and toning neutrilises the skin after this step, helping balance the pH and once again preparing the skin for the nutrition or active ingredients it receives afterwards.

The skin's pH is delicate and can be disrupted by different factors, most commonly; water and too harsh a cleanser. If you are not toning and you feel your skin is "tight" after cleansing or notice enlarged pores, toning will help alleviate these problems.

3. MOISTURISE

The skin has a natural lipid barrier, meaning that it naturally produces oil to protect itself from external influences. This lipid barrier also helps maintain the processes that are happening beneath the surface and keep moisture locked in. Restoring and maintaining this lipid barrier is vital to the skins health. The skin cannot produce water and so when it feels dehydrated, it will naturally produce oil to lubricate itself.

This is a very important concept to understand, so let's mention it again in a different way. If you don't moisturise your skin adequately, the dryness that follows will spark oil production and may lead to congestion & breakouts.

A drier skin is mostly lacking oil and water whereas a dehydrated skin mostly lacks water. The more hydrated we can keep the skin, the more balanced it will be and the slower we will age as the skin will remain plump.

4. SUN PROTECTION

Lastly, a sun screen in our African climate is a non-negotiable, no matter what your skin colour or type. Not only will this slow the ageing process but more importantly, a good quality product will help prevent skin cell damage leading to the formation of cancerous cells.

We recommend using an SPF 30 every day and an SPF 50 when you're planning to be outside for longer periods of time, like on the weekends, holidays or for outdoor sports.