Contributed by Brandy Tankeng

Skin care is essential for both men and women in order to achieve glowing skin and a beautiful complexion. The skin requires some attention to keep it functioning properly. Skincare routines are numerous and include several cosmetic and natural products which can be done personally or with the aid of a cosmetic specialist. Some basic skincare routine include, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and applying of sunscreen.

Cleansing
Cleansing is the most basic skin care routine and the merits of a splash of water on the face cannot be over emphasised. It is necessary to wash your face because it is exposed and gathers dirt. Cleanse the face with cool or warm water to moisten the skin, use a clean face towel to wipe your face by patting it. Keep a unique towel for the face, do not use a general towel for the face to avoid spreading bacteria from different parts of the body. These bacteria clog pores and cause acne.

Moisturizing
Moisturising is important and face lotions must be picked according to skin type. Moisturizing the skin particularly the face helps hydrate the skin and leave it looking and feeling soft and smooth. Some benefits of face moisturising are the elimination of age lines and blemishes. Some effective natural moisturizers are Shea butter, Honey and Avocado.
 Shea Butter: is very rich in triglycerides making it an amazing emollient of the skin. It is advisable to use the natural unprocessed Shea Butter. Scoop a small amount of Shea Butter and rub it on your palms, gently massage your face targeting affected areas.

 Honey: has antibacterial and antiseptic abilities making it very good remedy for skin moisturizing. Celebrity facial expert, IIdi Pekar and owner of the IIdi Pekar Skin Care says ‘sugar in honey acts as a natural humectant and emollient that increase the water and content and reduce dryness in the skin.’ According to Garly Stein, founder of the Beekeper’s Natural; ‘the best honey for beauty use is raw and unpasteurized.’ To apply this product, wet the face a little and apply raw honey to it, leave it for about 20 minutes then wash it off thoroughly. Also, we can create a face mask with honey and lemon; combine 2-3 table spoon of honey with a drop of lemon and apply.
 Avocado: According to Maya Ivanjesku, chief scientific officer at LaFlore Probiotic Skincare, the compounds and vitamins found in avocado may help speed skin repair and improve chronic skin conditions. The recipe and procedure for this is, use 1 ripe and soft avocad , cut it open , remove and put in a bowl, mash until it is crumbless then apply on your face and wait for 30 minutes then wash it off. This will keep your skin soft and beautiful.

 Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a very important skin care routine. It keeps your skin sweet and smooth by protecting it from sunburns and damage. Also, the John Stoddard Cancer Centre indicates that applying sunscreen decreases the risk of developing deadly cancer. It is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from harmful radiation of the sun. Some natural sunscreens are coconut oil and aloe vera. Mixing coconut oil with a bit of Shea Butter on low heat for it to melt acts as an effective sunscreen. Also aloe vera extract mixed with turmeric (contains anti-septic properties) and frozen into ice cubes is efficient for protecting dry skin. Rub cubes on the face at intervals during the day for best results.
Looking good they say is good business and moisturising is the first step towards attaining and maintaining good looks. You don’t need to break the bank for great results, simple natural healthy habits and ingredients can go a long way. Have you tried some of these natural therapies? Kindly share results and your own skin care regiments.