How to Keep Your Skin Looking Great

   By divinecaroline  Jan 21, 2011

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Beautiful skin starts with a thorough cleansing. Skip it and you’ll never know how great you can actually look.

Removing makeup and sun tan lotions with a specially designed makeup cleanser is important because soaps are designed to clean the skin. If they have to fight through a barrier to get to your skin, it will not be as effective.

Lukewarm water is best for washing your face since it helps soap dissolve dirt and oil. Avoid water that is so hot that it’s uncomfortable or reddens the face.

To keep your face looking radiant, try one of the many products available for exfoliation. This is a process that helps skin shed its top layer of dead, dry flakes while unclogging the pores and making skin more receptive to moisturizers. It’s a sure-fire way to improve the look and feel of any aged skin.

Fine lines begin to develop at an early age. Different facial expressions cause different lines to become more noticeable. Selecting the right moisturizer for your skin type helps to minimize their appearance. Smiling conceals them.

Fight enlarged pores and shine with scrupulously clean skin, oil-combating foundations, and perfect powder finish.

Cigarette smoking reduces blood supply to the skin, often making it appear pale and sallow. It can also lead to lip lines, and squint lines around the eyes.

Alcohol initially gives a warm blush but over a period of time can dilate capillaries, causing an unwanted ruddiness.

After menopause, the skin tends to become much dryer. Use a milder soap to gently clean dry skin. Cell renewal slows down with age but a frequent exfoliation routine will bring new cells to the surface giving a more youthful appearance.

Skin needs to be kept hydrated, particularly in dry climates. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a spritzer to occasionally spray your face.

Stress from job pressures or family life can sometimes lead to breakouts. Medications including birth control pills high in certain progestins can also cause your skin to react.

Cleansers or cosmetics that are not right for your skin type can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Read the labels carefully before buying.

You might be fooled into thinking that sun dries out pimples, but the effect is only temporary. Heat, humidity, and UV rays can actually aggravate acne by stimulating oil production and thickening skin, which clogs pores.

When applying foundation, avoid a demarcation line by moistening fingertips and blending the makeup along the jaw line.

Makeup shade is most flattering when it closely matches your skin tone. Before buying try a few on the skin near your jaw line.

Colors can often look washed out on darker skin tones. Carefully select colors rich in pigment and depth and look for ones that contain less talc.

Feet and hands can also dry out. Apply petroleum jelly, then cover them with cotton socks and gloves. They will feel smooth and soft in just one night.