Normal, dry, sensitive, oily, or combination - all skin types need to follow a regular three-stage daily program of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing to keep skin clean, healthy, and in the best condition. But there is no need to stop there. Make the most of the range of special treatments, such as deep-cleansing face masks and gentle scrubs, and take time to enjoy the luxury of a firming facial massage. Here, visual | sequences show how to develop the most effective routine for your skin type.

Cleansing

Cleansing is the first part of your three-stage skin-care regimen and should be done in the morning and again at night to remove both daily grime and deep-down dirt in the pores. Cleansers arc also an essential factor in the battle against wrinkles; they help to make skin more receptive to moisturizers and anti-aging treatments. Don't forget to cleanse your neck as well - the skin here needs just as much attention as your face and it is often the first area to show signs of aging.

Choosing a Cleanser

1 Keep your hair off your face as _l much as possible: tie it back or wrap a lowel around your head. Make sure that your neck is not covered up wilh clothing — another reason to cleanse first ihing in lite morning and last ihing al night. To remove eye and lip makeup.

2 Choose a cleanser to suit your skin (sec above) and, with your fingertips, massage it all over your lace and neck, using small circular movements to work out dirt and other impurities from the skin. Pay particular attention to the T-zonc (across the forehead and down the nose to the chin) and the hairline, the areas where most dirt builds up. Always work gently using a soft, light touch rather than a rough abrasive action, which may cause the skin to become red and sore, and can cause long-term damage.

3 If you are using a water-soluble cleanser, rinse your race and neck with water; ideally it should be lukewarm. Warm water helps remove the shine from oily skin, but may irritate dry, sensitive skin; hot water can encourage broken veins.

4 If you are using an oil-soluble cleanser, gently tissue off din and grime from the face and neck without dragging or pulling the skin. Change the tissue as soon as it becomes overloaded with dirt; otherwise, you will be working this back into the open pores.

5 Make sure that the cleanser has been thoroughly removed; if any residue is left behind, it will continue working and dry out the skin. Gently pat the face and neck dry using a clean towel.

The Allergy Test

Before buying a cleanser, toner, or moisturizer, lest the product. To do (his. rub a little behind your tor and check that there is no reaclion after 2-1 hours. If you arc choosing products from different makers, test together in the same way.

(source: Dk publishing Inc - Classic Makeup and Beauty - Mary Quant)