Skin is the largest external organ of human anatomy. The layers protect us from foreign bodies and pollution that can cause great damage. It may sound repetitive but the golden rule to skincare will always be the basic routine to keep it healthy and glowing. A healthy diet along with sports activities and meditation adds value to the texture of the skin.

The basic skin routine that one should follow as a guide is as follows

1) Cleansing and exfoliating

Proper cleansing of your facial skin or body skin is essential. It helps remove dirt, clears pores, and keep it clean from blocking them. A little steam while cleaning or wrap around a warm damp towel around your face while cleaning, will give help in attaining better results. You can use any lotion as per your skin type and always get a patch test done on your hand to know if the lotion, oil, or cream suits your skin. A lot of youngsters have started using the age-old method of applying virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil to cleanse and moisturize as well. Wash your face twice daily and mandatorily before sleeping.

Exfoliation

It is also important to exfoliate your skin so as to carefully remove dirt and dead skin that has been accumulating throughout the day. After cleansing one can go for exfoliation, do not use harsh or coarse exfoliators which may make the skin rough and dry. One can exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week. Use mild or readily available natural exfoliators available in your kitchen such as oats, almonds, powdered lentils, turmeric, etc.

2) Toning

Toning is an extremely important follow-up, so as to close the pores and help the moisturizer spread evenly and well. Use Alchohol free toners to keep the skin hydrated. Use a cotton ball to spread the toner well, apply it all over your face and neck, and avoid applying with your hands or finger tips.

3) Moisturize

 We are all aware of how moisturizing our skin is one of the most essential steps to inculcate in our daily routines. Moisturizing with an SPF(sunscreen) during day time and a lighter or suitable for your skin type night cream is absolutely essential. Moisturizing the whole body immediately after a shower works well to keep the skin supple and glowing. People with oily skin should also remember to moisturize their skin with moisturizers that are suitable for their skin type.

Many times we do not take this routine very seriously and miss out on this basic self-care routine. Done diligently you will notice a difference as your skin ages due to external factors as well as due to biological aging.

At the same time, one cannot rule out that your diet and water intake play a huge part in keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated, leading to a more radiant complexion.

Avoiding foods that are fried or packaged, aerated drinks, spicy or food high in sodium or salt, should be avoided.

Inculcating an exercise routine and/or meditation routine to keep oneself stress-free, helps in keeping the skin healthy.

With stress and other mental health issues, lifestyle changes combined together affect skin health in many ways.

It is also important to know your skin type and then wisely choose the products that suit your skin type. Please do not use products that have gone beyond their shelf life or have passed the expiry date, it may lead to skin infections.

Thus a simple combination of Cleansing, Exfoliation, Toning, and Moisturizing along with a healthy diet and enough water intake is essential.