Basic skincare

This entry is to help those starting out on skincare... (My 1st entry for 2011!!!)

The most basic step is to cleanse your face at least 2 times a day. Then apply toner and moisturiser. Do exfoliate and put on mask at least once a week.

Find a cleanser that suits your skin type. There are many variations of cleanser out there. I prefer those without foam as a person I know says that those with foam tends to dry up the skin and only clean the top layer... I don't know how true is that... anyway trying out the Holika Holika's Speedy 1 step milk-to-foam cleanser. It's quite good as it does not dry out my skin and it definitely give a clean feeling... hehe...

Toner is the next step after cleansing. It is to remove any dirt that did not get cleanse away previously. It is also to to prep your skin for the next step.

Serum or Essence (only for those with bigger budget) will be applied before the moisturiser. The need to use moisturiser depends on the type of serum being used. Some will find that serum is sufficient. ( Innisfree's Green tea seed serum is sufficient for some as they find it hydrating enough...this depends on the skin type)

Moisturiser (applied after toner if there's no serum) is a must. Use one that is suited for you. Stop using  if a certain product gives you bumps or breakouts. Massage the moisturiser in upwards motion or circular motion. There are many names to moisturiser... Lotion, emulsion, cream and moisturiser...hehe. Cream is for those with dry skin or for night usage.

Exfoliating helps to brighten your skin as it removes the dead skin on the surface. Dead skins can cause pimples and can make your skin appear dull. If you have no idea what to use... can try out Cure natural aqua gel (http://www.japalang.sg/cure/About_Cure.html). They offer samples... so do check out their site. I find it very good and there is no little beads in it. It isn't harsh on the skin.

Put on mask at least once a week. It's sort of a treat to your skin. There are many types of mask out there... There's mask sheet, sleeping pack/mask and others... When you have a mask on... don't talk, smile or frown (NO facial movements).

If you want to read a more lengthy article on skincare, go to http://beauty-trend-kr.blogspot.com/ (the above is a summarized version).
I did not buy anything from there... just stumbled onto that site... I find it quite informative on skincare and for those who wants to know more.