What is good skin care?

Skin care needs change as we age; what is good skin care at 20 is no longer a good idea at 30 and so on. When I was in my 20s I had oily skin and hair. I could not go one day without -or so I thought- without washing my hair. I’d do a face mask twice a week and in between I would use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and liberally swab all over the T-zone. Did my oily skin improve? Of course not, it was just dry with more acne.

Decades later, I know that regime was probably among the worst I could have chosen. I actually feel blessed to have had oily skin; it along with my genes and clean living may have helped me avoid a lot of the outward signs of aging.

Daily skin care

Good daily skin care is washing your face -and body- with warm, never hot, water with a gentle, olive oil based soap followed with an alcohol-free rosewater toner to remove deeper dirt and help keep blackheads to a minimum. I finish with a layer of protective moisturizer and this eye cream.

So what else is essential to good skin care? I think it really starts from within. Lots of water because hydrated skin is glowing skin. Moderate exercise (my favorite is walking at a brisk pace or hiking, and either of these outdoors) eating a balanced diet which includes lots of vegetables, alcohol in moderation and as little sitting over long periods as possible. That’s a recipe for fabulous looking skin at any age.

Let skin breathe

Never go to sleep with makeup on, no matter how tired you feel. Let your skin breathe. It can’t if the remnants of makeup and grime from the day are clogging your pores. I’ve found that this nightly ritual, right before bed, helps me transition toward sleep. I wash my face with a gentle, olive oil castile soap followed by toner and moisturizer.

Good skin care also applies to makeup applicators and brushes. Don’t forget to clean your makeup applicators and brushes at least once a month. Olive oil soap is also great for this! Gentle, but effective cleaning for genuine hair bristles. Your skin will thank you.

Eat well and hydrate

If you want glowing skin, it starts with eating well and adequate hydration. When I am not eating the amount of vegetables I’ve become used to, my skin tells me. If I am not drinking at least 4, 12 ounce glasses of water every day and it will show in the coming weeks with a dull, sallow skin tone. Although I find it mildly annoying to have to take frequent bathroom breaks for the first couple of glasses, I’ve learned it’s worth it. Better than being dehydrated, cranky and stressed.