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A dedicated regimen of facial skin care should begin at a young age. Boys and girls at puberty should add quality skin care to their life skills.

How you live, healthy eating and exercise are important factors. Where you live also plays a role, because of pollutants, humidity and even vocation.

Your skin care products may change as you age or move from city to city; however the regimen and habitual routine should not.

All skin types will follow the same basic 5 steps:
' Cleanse
' Exfoliate
' Tone
' Moisturize
' Protect

Before choosing your products, know your skin type:

' Type 1 - Oily. Slightly shiny, enlarged pores and prone to blackheads and pimples.

' Type 2 - Combination /Oily. Medium pores, smooth even texture, good circulation, healthy color, dryness on the cheeks, oily in the T zone (nose, forehead)

' Type 3 - Sensitive. Thin, delicate fine lines, prone to broken capillaries, allergic reactions and rashes.

' Type 4 - Dry. Tight after cleansing, fine wrinkles, flaking, red patches. Women of color will have an ashy tone or dull look from dead skin build up.

' Type 5 - Aging / Sun damaged. Tight, visible wrinkles, slack skin tone around cheeks and jaw line, leathery texture and broken capillaries.

Beware of expensive products with empty promises!

Cleanse:
Cleanse twice a day, in the morning and at night. If you exercise, cleanse your face afterwards. No body soaps on your face ' ever ' no exceptions! If you like the feeling of soap and water there are bar soaps that are designed for the delicate facial tissue. For drier skin types look at creams and lotions. When cleansing your face begin at the jaw line working up your face to the hairline in gentle, small circular motions. Rinse with tepid water, never use extreme water temperatures!

Exfoliate:
All skin types would benefit from gentle weekly exfoliating. Exfoliating lotions and gentle scrubs are to be applied with the fingertips in small circular motions moving upward on the face from the jaw line to the hairline.

Tone:
Toners are available for different skin types. Apply to a cotton pad (not cotton ball). Smooth over your face in long strokes working upward from the jaw line to the hairline. The purpose of the toner is to take any residue off of your face and prime your skin for the moisturizer. This step, however, is not necessary according to some skin care specialists.

Moisturize:
All skin types need a moisturizer. Carefully choose the right moisturizer for your skin type. Purchase small or trial sizes to decide if the product is right for you. Most cosmetic counters have samples or they will apply it for you. Do not over moisturize the skin. If your skin needs more, try a heavier moisturizer or add a hydrator before you moisturize. Facial moisturizers are labeled as such. Do not use body creams or lotions on the face.

Eye creams are very important as you move into your mid-20's and older. Tap gently in the eye area from the outer corner inward using your ring finger; which naturally allows you to use the least amount of pressure. Tap across the eyebrow line down towards the center. Avoid getting the eye cream too close to the eye lashes. Do not put facial moisturizer onto the eye area.

Protect:
When choosing your moisturizer look for an SPF factor of at least 15. This will protect your face from the sun. Some people are sensitive to these moisturizers. Try it before you purchase and wait an hour to see how you react to it.

Don't forget one of your greatest assets on your face; your winning smile! Wear it daily!