Ten Steps for Skincare and Beauty

#1: Start the day with Water

Start your day by splashing water on your face, pat dry (don't rub) and apply a good moisturizer. Moisturizer is a must in all seasons, for all ages and all skin types. Those with oily skin can go for a lighter moisturizing lotion or gel, but do not skip this step. Moisturizers containing alphahydroxy acids are good for normal to dry skin.

#2: Exfoliate your Skin

Exfoliate your skin in the shower with a gentle scrub once a week. If your skin tends to be dry, you can scrub less often. Scrubs with synthetic beads are better for sensitive skin.

#3: Wash your Hair

Wash your hair as often as required with a shampoo that suits your hair type and follow up with a conditioner. Most people do not need to do much else for their hair. Sport a simple hairstyle that is easy to maintain and avoid frequent blow drying. Excessive use of hair styling products is also best avoided.

#4: Apply a Moisturizing Sunscreen

Apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or more before you step into the sun. This is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do to delay the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

#5: Good Cleanser

The most important product that you must use every evening is a good cleanser. Gentle soap free cleansers are the best for all skin types, including oily and pimple prone skin. Harsh medicated soaps are too drying for the skin and hardly help much with the oiliness. In fact, overuse can aggravate oiliness. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day in any case.

#6: Skin Care at Night

Apply a heavier moisturizing cream for night if your skin is normal to dry. For oily skin light moisturizer is better. Before you tuck into bed, pamper your feet and hands couple of times every week. Apply a thick cream on your hands rubbing it well into the cuticles of your nails. Clean your feet with a loofah and massage with the same cream that you use for your hands.

#7: Anti-ageing Cream

If you are in your 30s use an anti-ageing cream containing retinoids at night. Using an under eye cream to lighten or prevent dark circles is also a good idea at this age. If you are younger and have pimple prone skin, use a medicated anti-acne cream, preferably one prescribed by a dermatologist. Avoid experimenting with fancy anti-acne products. Just make sure that whatever skin care products or cosmetics that you buy are non comedogenic (that does not block your skin pores).

#8: Removal of Unwanted Body Hair

The three essential grooming processes for all women are removal of unwanted body hair, shaping your eyebrows and maintaining a clean hair style. If you are short of time, go for these three at a regular interval and skip other procedures such as a professional manicure, pedicure, and facial massage or hair treatments. Basic and regular cleaning and moisturizing can take care of your hands, feet and face most of the time.

#9: Take care of your Teeth

Your teeth are a part of your face. Maintain good oral hygiene always. Consider a professional teeth cleaning every six to twelve months if you have stained teeth or plaque deposits that do not go with ordinary cleaning. A professional cleaning can add sparkle to your smile.

#10: Aerobic Exercise

Get at least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise every day. It's the best and quickest way to get glowing skin. Your skin will look dull and lifeless in spite of all beauty treatments if you don't get moving.