Face packs gently remove cells on the skin's surface and purify clogged pores to leave dull skin feeling fresh and firm. They also stimulate blood circulation to give the face a healthy glow and help skin to absorb moisture afterward. Many face packs use natural clay compounds to deep cleanse and remove impurities from the pores. These are perfect for combination and oily skin types, while drier skins should use face packs that are designed to rehydrate or reactivate. 

Cleansing Tips

♦ Try to use a face pack about once a week, but never too frequently or the skin will become dry and flaky.

♦ If you find it difficult to apply a face pack evenly using your fingertips, try brushing it on with an old makeup brush.

♦ When you are waiting for the pack to dry, rest and relax as much as you can (see page 108 for some easy-to-follow relaxation techniques).

♦ If possible, wait 24 hours before applying makeup after you have used a face pack.

Combination skin

1 Cleanse and dry the face thoroughly (see pages 58-59); you should never use face packs on top of makeup as this reduces their cleansing action. Using the fingertips, spread the pack evenly onto the oily areas of the face only, such as the nose and forehead.

2 Wait five to ten minutes

lor the pack to dry. then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Massage gently wi.th the fingertips while rinsing to stimulate blood circulation.

3 Pal the face dry with a clean towel and moisturize

For combination

skin, apply the pack smoothly and evently to the oily arm of the face only.

Oily skin

1 Cleanse and dry the face thoroughly. Apply the pack evenly, using the fingertips lo cover the entire face, but avoid the delicate areas around the eyes and lips. If you are using a rehydrating face pack, follow the same procedure.

2 Wait five to ten minutes for the pack to dry completely, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Massage gently with the fingertips while rinsing to help remove dull surface cells and to stimulate blood circulation lurlhcr.

3 Pat the face dry with a clean towel and moisturize well.

Blemish Treatment

Face packs lend to draw out blemishes. One of the best ways lo treat them is wilh a soft-lipped cleansing stick that can be applied directly lo the problem area. This will remove excess oil while also drying out the blemish.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation sloughs off dry, dead surface cells to help the skin work more efficiently and look fresher and younger. It also makes skin more receptive to moisturizer and can help keep blemishes at bay. Exfoliate one to three times a week, depending on your skin type - oilier skins should be exfoliated more often, while those with normal and dry skin will find that once a week is sufficient - and preferably at night. Whether a cream or gel, exfoliators should not be abrasive.

Cleansing Tips

♦ Never rub too hard; this not only causes the shin to become sore, but actually stimulates the oil glands to secrete more sebum than before.

♦ The first sign of excessive exfoliating is a red and "stripped" look on the delicate shin on the

upper cheek area. If this happens, stop exfoliating until the skin has recovered completely.

♦ If you have combination skin, try exfoliating oily areas, such as the T-zone, two to three times a week, and limit yourself to a weekly treatment on dry, sensitive anas.

1 Cleanse the lace and spread exfoliator evenly over it, avoiding the eyes and lips. Let exfoliator dry if necessary.

2 Rub exfoliator in gently with the fingertips, focusing on any areas of acne. Do not rub too vigorously - if dry patches begin to appear or your skin feels very sensitive, you are probably exfoliating too hard or too often.

3 Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of exfoliator. Tone and moisturize, then wait for a few hours before applying any makeup.