5 basic skin care steps

For Healthy skin, incorporate these steps into a routine:

Step 1. Cleanse.

• Opt for the simplest and gentlest facial cleanser.
• If you wear make up, use a gentle make up remover every night. No exceptions!
• Don't over-cleanse. We recommend using a cleanser only once daily, preferably at night time to remove oils and pollution. In the morning, splashing warm water on the face should be sufficient to remove excess oil.

Step 2. Exfoliate.

• Opt for a gentle exfoliating agent or scrub (ensure the product has very small exfoliating beads as large ones can damage and tear the skin).
• As with cleansing, make sure you don't exfoliate too often. Pay attention to the type of product you are using. A very gentle scrub can be used daily but many are too harsh and should only once a week and more abrasive methods (such as a chemical peal) should be limited to once a month.

Step 3. Moisturize.

• Everyone should moisturize to protect and rehydrate the skin. Even if you have oily skin, you need to hydrate your skin with a light water-based moisturizer.
• Select a cream rather than a lotion since cremes usually contain higher amounts of emollients that seal in the moisture. This is particularly true if you have dry skin.
  
• Select a non-comedogenic (pore-blocking) moisturizer by staying away from petrochemical based products.
  

Step 4. Nourish

• Select a creme or serum that provides your skin with the vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants that keep it healthy and give a youthful glow.
• Eat foods that promote skin health.
  
• Supplement with a daily multivitamin.

Step 5. Protect

• Avoid prolonged stress as well as exposure to sun, wind and pollution.
  
• Make sure to protect against sun with SPF of 15 or higher as well as topical vitamin C.

-hydrOtion Research Team