1. Cleanse. Always begin your skin care regimen with a clean face. They will dissolve makeup and dirt to unblock pores and prepare the skin for other products. In addition they contain ingredients to counteract various skin problems and help skin conditions such as sensitivity, dehydration or capillary problems. A cleanser comes in many forms and should be used twice a day. Cleansers that rinse clean with water are not too harsh and are the best choices. Soap is not usually recommended, as it can leave a film on the skin and can be quite alkaline, causing dryness. Here are some facial cleansers to help you safely care for you skin.
   
   
2. Use oil-free, noncomedogenic products on acne-prone skin. This means that the product will not clog your pores or cause comedones. Keeping your pores clear is important because clogged pores can lead to certain skin conditions such as acne. Check the product container, both front and back, for words like noncomedogenic, will not clog pores, pore refining, draws impurities out of pores, unclogs the pores, etc. These are all good indications that the skin care product will keep your skin follicles open so they can breathe and function properly.
   
   
3. Nourish and condition your skin weekly with a mask. A good facial mask can do wonders for the skin, and like most beauty treatments, the benefits have been known for years. Mask ingredients include herbs, vitamins and oils, which can be combined in clay, seaweed or hydrating bases. They can tighten and tone the skin, draw impurities out of the pores and clear up blemishes. They also hydrate, nourish, calm, soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
   
   
4. Protect your skin with a sunscreen. Daily sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is imperative for healthy skin. Sun exposure leads not only to skin cancer, but to aging, hyperpigmentation, capillary damage, free radical damage, and collagen and elastin deterioration. Approximately 80 to 85 percent of our aging is caused by sun rays, so sunscreen certainly plays a significant role in preventing premature aging. The rays of the sun worsen hyperpigmentation because sun rays are more attracted to darker colors. Thus, darker spots on the skin tan more than lighter ones. An excellent sunscreen to help you maintain you skin can be found here.
   
   
5. Moisturize. A moisturizer should always be applied to clean skin in order to prevent moisture from escaping. Protect and nourish the surface of your skin by using a moisturizer twice a day. Even oily skin needs hydration or it will have to overcompensate for dryness and produce more oil or become dehydrated. Here are some of the best moisturizers to benefit your skin.
   
   
6. Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation should be done two to three times a week to give your skin a healthy radiance. Facial exfoliants will slough off the dead skin cells that clog pores from the surface of your skin to reveal the fresh, new skin underneath. The most common exfoliants come in the form of a scrub that contains tiny granules. When gently rubbed against the skin, the granules knock off dead skin cells. Another type of exfoliant is chemical, and once applied to the skin, it dissolves the dead skin cells in a matter of minutes. Use caution when exfoliating the skin as it can cause irritation and damage to the skin and capillaries if overused or used incorrectly. A good facial exfoliant can be found here.
   
   
7. Follow your skin care regime no matter what. Stick to your skin care regime so you can reap the rewards of beautiful, healthy skin. This means never skip your morning or nightly skin care regimen. This means cleanse, tone and moisturize at morning and night. On a weekly basis, this means use your facial mask and exfoliate two to three times a week. We all live busy lives, so you must fully commit to caring for your skin and incorporate it into your lifestyle.
   
   
8. Avoid the sun. The best way to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun in to avoid them. By now, you know to wear sunscreen, but it is also a good idea to avoid sun exposure during peak hours, when UV exposure is the highest. This is usually between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. If prone to burning frequently and easily, wear a hat and protective clothing when participating in outdoor activities.
   
   
9. Use a toner. Toners, fresheners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product and are often used interchangeably. They are liquids used after cleansing and before moisturizing. Benefits of toners are that they cleanse the skin, remove residue left behind by cleansers and can restore the skin's natural pH after cleansing. Toners also have a temporary tightening effect on both the skin and the follicle openings, helping to temporarily tighten these follicles. Moreover, they can help certain skin conditions, depending on the ingredients. A good facial toner can be found here.
   
   
10. Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition and exercise are important parts of any skin care regime and they can have positive effects on your skin. Healthy skin come as much from within as it does from product usage. Make sure you also nourish your skin from the inside with a healthy diet and adequate exercise.

Information in the article is based on Milady's Standard Fundamentals for Estheticians, 9th edition, by Joel Gerson.