Amazing Benefits Of Yoghurt Face Mask

The humble yogurt is not just delicious to eat, but is also full of nutrients that offer you an opportunity to enjoy a healthy snack without worries. But did you know yogurt can also work miracles on your skin if you use it as a face mask? Most people are unaware that yogurt face mask has many benefits. And guess what? It is also very easy to prepare.
Would you like to know more? Keep reading!

Nutrients Present In Yogurt:

There is a reason yogurt face mask gives you glowing, youthful skin. It is all because of those wonderful nutrients that are present in yogurt. These nutrients are skin-friendly, and that is what makes a yogurt face mask so effective.
Here is a list of the 4 main nutrients in yogurt that help rejuvenate skin and make it healthy and flawless.

1. Zinc:

In 100 g of yogurt, there is approximately 1 mg of zinc. This mineral is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, being an astringent, and facilitating cell reproduction and tissue growth. Zinc also helps in regulating sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, thereby curing acne and pimples.

2. Calcium:

We all know yogurt is replete in calcium, but did you know that a majority of your epidermis consists of calcium? So supplementing calcium helps in healthy and effortless skin renewal and preventing the skin from getting dry and dehydrated.

3. B Vitamins:

Yogurt is replete in vitamins B2, B5 and B12 . It is the vitamin B2, or riboflavin, that ensures you have glowing and healthy skin. Riboflavin helps keep the skin hydrated, protects the skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals, aids in cellular regeneration and growth and plays a role in the manufacture of healthy cellular fats. One single cup of yogurt offers you 20 to 30 percent of your daily recommended amount of riboflavin.

4. Lactic Acid:

This is one of the main nutrients in yogurt, and it also forms one of the key ingredients in several skincare products. Lactic acid is a great exfoliant and skin moisturizer . It also works as an anti-aging agent by reducing the visibility of wrinkles and preventing new wrinkles and fine lines from forming.
Now that we know all about the different nutrients that make yogurt so fantastic for the skin, let’s take a look at all the benefits you can reap by using a yogurt face mask.

Here are some of the wonderful benefits of using this amazing mask. In fact, your skin will thank you.

1. Moisturized And Hydrated Skin:

If you think your face is looking dull and tired, don’t worry. Gently apply natural yogurt on your face through circular motions. The lactic acid present in the yogurt will help hydrate the skin, thereby alleviating the tired look.

2. Brighter Skin:

The lactic acid present in yogurt inhibits the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase. This enzyme is responsible for the production of melanin. Melanin is what causes your skin tone to darken. When melanin production is inhibited, you end up with a brighter skin tone.

3. Exfoliation:

Yogurt is a great skin exfoliant. The lactic acid present in yogurt is the natural alpha hydroxyl acid, which helps remove dead skin cells. Lactic acid does not irritate the skin and also ensures proper removal of dead skin cells. This, in turn, stimulates the cells to renew faster.

4. Blemish-Free And Flawless Skin:

If you use a yogurt face mask every day, you can destroy the bacteria that cause acne and pimples. The zinc present in yogurt reduces skin inflammation and also aids in reducing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The probiotics in yogurt destroy the bacteria. The different constituents of yogurt work together to ensure you enjoy a blemish-free skin.

5. Bye-Bye Under Eye Dark Circles:

A yogurt face mask could be just what you are seeking to get rid of those persistent and unsightly under eye dark circles. The zinc present in yogurt helps to lighten blemishes and scars and also brightens the skin tone. Using yogurt face mask regularly will help to get rid of those dark circles once and for all.

6. The Fountain Of Youth:

A yogurt face mask contains potent antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your skin. So you can delay the onset of wrinkles and fine lines by using this mask regularly. It is the lactic acid present in yogurt that prevents your skin from aging before its time.

7. Infection-Free Skin:

The lactic acid in the yogurt has antifungal properties. Hence, a yogurt face mask is a good way to combat any fungal infection. You just have to use the face mask for 4 to 5 times a day until the infection clears up and you are good to go!

8. Soothes Sunburns:

The zinc present in yogurt is the key to soothing sunburns. It will help alleviate the burning and itching sensations that sunburns cause. You don’t need anything else. If your face has got badly sunburnt, just apply some natural yogurt as a face mask. The zinc will help reduce the redness and inflammation and also help in balancing the natural oils on your skin. It is also said to suppress the UVB-induced production of melanin.

Mixing Yogurt With Other Ingredients:

You have the option of using natural, plain yogurt on its own or in combination with other skin-friendly ingredients. Some of the ingredients that you can use to enhance the effect of your yogurt face mask are as follows:

Grated Carrots:

If you have dry skin and want it to look healthy, soft and moisturized, add some grated carrot to the yogurt and apply it on your face. It will rejuvenate the skin and give a natural sheen that is attractive.

Lemon Juice:

This is a great addition to the yogurt if you have oily or dull skin. It will help clear clogged pores and exfoliate your skin. The lemon juice helps to even out skin tone and make it brighter.

Honey:

To make your skin supple, add some honey to the yogurt face mask and apply on your face. Honey is a natural humectant, according to the National Honey Board, and will lock the moisture within your skin and prevent it from getting dry. This reduces the chances of wrinkle formation. Also, honey has antibacterial properties, which help to fight pimples and acne.

Things To Remember:

While yogurt face mask is great for your skin, there are a few precautions you need to take.

• If you have sensitive skin, you may experience a slight tingling sensation when you apply the face mask. However, if your skin is ultra-sensitive, you could experience a stinging and burning sensation. If such a reaction occurs, wash the face mask immediately with water. Get an allergy test done. You could be allergic to the lactic acid or probiotics present in natural yogurt.

• In case you are allergic to dairy products or alpha- and/or beta- hydroxyl acid, unfortunately you will not be able to use yogurt face mask and enjoy its benefits.

When buying yogurt for face mask, make sure you choose one that is plain, organically produced and replete with fat. You definitely want a full-fat yogurt to ensure your skin gets all the moisturization and nourishment it deserves.

 

How To Make Yogurt Face Mask:

There are different types of yogurt face mask for different skin issues. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

1. For Dry Skin:

This is a moisturizing and hydrating face mask that is perfect for people with dry skin. It will leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and supple.
Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons natural, full-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon organic honey
• 1 tablespoon mashed avocado
• 1 tablespoon cooked oatmeal

Blend all the ingredients together to form a fine paste. Apply on your face and let the paste stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the face mask with a soft, damp washcloth and see the difference.

2. Irritated Skin:

If your skin is red and inflamed because of an infection, sunburn or some other reason, this yogurt face mask is perfect for soothing your skin.
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup full-fat, plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber (peeled)
• 1 tablespoon organic Aloe Vera gel (you can substitute the gel with Aloe Vera juice as well)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A couple of drops of chamomile oil

Blend all the ingredients together to form a smooth paste. In case the paste is runny, strain it through some cheesecloth, until the consistency is just right. Apply the face mask on your face and let it stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wash with cool tap water.

3. For Blemished And Acne Prone Skin:

Breakouts and zits are primarily due to excessive sebum production that allows acne-causing bacteria to flourish. So, the aim of your yogurt face mask should be to reduce the amount of sebum on your face and also get rid of the bacteria. This is exactly what this face mask does.
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Mix all the ingredients well. Apply the mask on your face and let it stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water and use a soft towel to pat dry.

4. If You Want A Natural And Glowing Skin:

There is nothing more attractive than glowing, radiant skin. And, it can be yours with this wonderful yogurt mask.
Ingredients:

• Yogurt
• Split pink lentils
• Orange zest

Use a food processor to grind the lentils and orange zest into a paste and then mix the yogurt. Blend well and apply on the face. Let it stand for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. You will find your skin looking brighter, softer and fresher. If you have dry skin, blend in a teaspoon of honey to moisturize your skin.

5. For Tired, Dull Skin:

With pollution and neglect, your skin can appear dull and tired. Thankfully, you can turn to yogurt face mask to bring back the glow and rejuvenate your skin.
Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey

Blend all the ingredients and apply on your face. Let the mask stay for 20 minutes and then wash using lukewarm water. It will refresh your skin, making it healthy and radiant.

6. If You Want To Exfoliate Your Skin:

Yogurt, when combined with other ingredients, can make a gentle exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells. It also helps to nourish the skin.
Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon oats

Mix the two ingredients together and use gentle circular motions to massage your face. It will help get rid of the dead skin cells and let the new skin come to the forefront.

How Often Should You Use Yogurt Face Mask:

There is no denying the advantages of yogurt face mask. It does not have any side effects and helps you get smooth, soft, younger and blemish-free skin. You can use the mask as often as you like. Here is the frequency for using a yogurt face mask for different skin types.

• Acne And Oily Skin:

You can use it every day for optimal results.

• Dry Skin:

Look to use the mask 2 to 3 times a week to hydrate and moisturize your skin.

• Fungal Infections:
  

When it comes to preventing fungal infection, increase the daily frequency. Apply the mask on your face 4 to 5 times a day for best results.

Now that you know the benefits of yogurt face mask and how to use it, you have no reason to complain about your skin. Just use this marvellous mask and enjoy the numerous benefits it offers.  

Let us know your experiences of using the yogurt face mask by commenting in the box below. We would love to hear from you.

Benefits Of Water Therapy For The Skin

1. It Improves The Thickness And Density Of Your Skin

Your skin contains about 30% of the total water content of your body. And maintaining this percentage is vital to keep your skin elastic and plump and prevent loss of moisture due to environmental factors. If your water intake is low, your skin cannot prevent the excessive water loss, and it will lose its resiliency. Adequate water intake maintains the skin density and thickness and prevents loss of moisture, which keeps your skin healthy .

2. It Helps In Flushing Out Toxins From Your Body

Your kidneys need water to flush out toxins from your body. The kidneys filter the waste from your bloodstream so that your organs receive pure and oxygenated blood. Your skin receives the essential nutrients and oxygen through blood. And unless your blood’s clear, your skin will not glow.

3. It Improves Your Normal Skin Functions

From preventing water loss and eliminating toxins to synthesizing vitamin D and protecting your body from sun damage – your skin performs multiple functions every day. Daily intake of adequate levels of water helps your skin function effectively.
A study evaluated the effect of drinking water on human skin hydration levels and other functions. The subjects drank about 2 liters of water every day for one month. The results showed that drinking water not only helped in maintaining and improving the normal physiology of the skin but also enhanced superficial and deep skin hydration levels .
It’s pretty evident that water intake plays a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy. Let’s understand how you can follow the Japanese water therapy to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Guide To Follow Japanese Water Therapy For Healthy Skin

Before we proceed to the steps, here’s some encouragement for you!
A study says that drinking water can also help you in losing weight by increasing the number of calories you are burning every day. 




When you drink enough water, your Resting Energy Expenditure (the calories your body needs when you are not active) increases. All this happens due to the thermogenic effect of water .


Note: Thermic effect is the number of calories your body spends to process any food item.
 I guess this is enough to get you excited about water therapy. Now, let’s move on to the steps.

Step 1 

Drink at least four to six glasses of water right after you wake up in the morning. Each glass should hold 160-200 ml of water. Do this on an empty stomach. The water should be at room temperature or lukewarm.
Note: You may squeeze a lemon into it.

Step 2

Brush your teeth after you have drunk the water. Do not eat anything for the next 45 minutes. Carry on with your daily routine after that. During the 45 minutes, you may do light physical activities, such as jogging or yoga.

Step 3

Maintain a gap of two hours between every meal you have throughout the day. And during these two hours, avoid drinking and eating anything. For instance, after 15 minutes of having your breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner, do not eat or drink anything for the next two hours.

Step 4

If you cannot drink four to six glass of water at one go, take a break for a couple of minutes between every glass of water.
There are a few pointers to keep in mind before you even think of starting water therapy. Take a look.

Things To Consider Before Starting Water Therapy (Or During The Therapy)

• If you are elderly or have any health issue but still want to go ahead with this therapy, start with one glass of water every day and then gradually increase the amount.

• Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages while you are undergoing this therapy.

• Do not drink excess water. Overdoing this may cause water intoxication, which is fatal.

• Always consult a doctor before starting any alternative therapy. The daily amount of water required differs from person to person. It depends on your fitness levels, climatic conditions, age, and weight.

Water is not only a source of life on this planet, but it is also equally important for maintaining your quality of life. Do not wait anymore and take your first step towards glowing skin and a healthy body. Start water therapy today! And if you have already tried this therapy, share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Best Ingredients for Natural Skin Care

Chemicals found in beauty products can be damaging throughout their entire life cycle, from the way they are produced and used by consumers, to the methods of their disposal and their negative impact on the environment.

 The good news is that there’s still plenty of natural ways to make your skin − and your even hair, teeth or nails − look their best without needing to buy expensive and harmful commercial products. Women all over the world have been using natural skin care products for centuries and have some of the most admirable skin to show for it!


Start making over your beauty routine by trying these 13 natural skin care products:
 

1. Coconut Oil

One of the most versatile skin (and food) ingredients there is, coconut oil’s skin benefits include: strengthening underlying epidermal tissue, removing dead skin cells, protecting us from sunburns, and containing antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. Research even shows that coconut oil is strong enough to fight chronic skin diseases characterized by defects in the epidermal barrier function and cutaneous inflammation, including atopic dermatitis (AD) 
 

Use coconut oil on both your skin and hair to help cleanse, moisturize, remove makeup, heal wounds or scars quicker, and prevent razor burn. Coconut oil used internally is also beneficial for your looks. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, plus loads of healthy fats that help nourish your gut and increase immune function.
Healthy skin is just like any other organ in your body: It continuously needs oxygen and nutrients to be brought to the cells, and toxins need to be washed away. Therefore, coconut oil helping with hormonal and digestive function is crucial for optimal skin health.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used for hundreds of years in Australia to fight breakouts, redness and inflammation on the skin. While many people react harshly to typical acne treatment ingredients like acid, tea tree oil is usually well-tolerated and comes with few, if any, of the nasty side effects when combined with a carrier oil and applied directly to skin. Tea tree oil uses include working as a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal — its phytochemicals make it one of the most versatile and popular natural skin care essential oils there is.

 
Tea tree’s volatile essential oils come from approximately 230 different plant species, almost all of which are native to Australia. The primary active ingredients responsible for its ability to reduce harmful bacteria include terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Researches have observed more than 100 different chemical components and volatile hydrocarbons that are considered aromatic and capable of traveling through air, pores of the skin and mucus membranes to provide healing benefits. It’s why tea tree oil is key part of the best home remedies for acne.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

An extremely versatile and inexpensive natural skin care product, apple cider vinegar benefits include helping to kill pathogens (like bacteria), clearing skin problems caused by gut issues, cleansing the skin and helping to stop acne, plus providing antifungal properties. The use of ACV for skin problems dates all the way back to Hippocrates (460-377 BC), considered “the father of modern medicine” and a believer in the use of anti-fungal ACV and raw honey for cleaning ulcerations and treating skin sores.
It also contains highly beneficial acetic acid and certain vitamins like potassium and magnesium that make it a detoxifying agent when consumed internally, since it boosts liver function and helps balance bacteria in the gut.
 

4. Raw Honey
Raw honey is one of the best natural sources of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and skin-boosting acids. Benefits of raw honey include reducing breakouts, providing moisturizing properties, containing antiseptic qualities, encouraging wound healing, fighting allergies or rashes, and helping to reduce scars. Raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurized unlike most honeys available in grocery stores. Therefore, it is able to keep all of its nutrients intact as they’re not destroyed by processing.
As an antimicrobial honey is particularly suitable as a dressing for wounds and burns. (3) It’s also been included in treatments used to heal bacterial infections, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis and more.
Honey also makes a great homemade natural skin care product as an acne cure because it can be used in facial cleansers even on sensitive or mixed skin types. Take half a teaspoon, warm between hands and spread on face gently, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water and pat dry. To use it as an exfoliator for dry winter skin, try adding two cups of honey to a bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add one cup of baking soda for the final 15 minutes.

 

5. Sea Salt

Sea salt comes loaded with tons of minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium that it absorbs from the sea water where its produced. Many of these minerals are the same ones found in our skin cells and within our bodies, which is exactly why real sea salt can help balance, protect and restore the skin.
Use real Himalayan or Celtic sea salts in homemade facial masks, toners and scrubs with other skin-boosting ingredients like coconut oil, lavender essential oil and raw honey. The salt contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and calm breakouts, remove dead skin cells and irritation, balance oil production, and help the skin retain moisture levels.
Make your own homemade scrub by mixing two teaspoons sea salt with four teaspoons raw honey, then apply the mix evenly to clean skin, rub it gently, let it stand for 15 minutes and rinse. Similarly, sugar scrubs are similar, and both types are gentle enough to use several times per week to prevent clogged pores and help with cell turn-over and renewal.

 

6. Avocado

An ultra-moisturizing fatty fruit, the benefits of avocados include containing vitamins A, D and E that are able to penetrate the skin. It helps soothe sunburned skin, can boost collagen production and treat age spots. It also works to reduce inflammation of the skin when applies topically and can do the same internally when eaten. Whip up a Homemade Avocado Face Mask with fresh avocado combined with essential oils, honey or a carrier oil to replenish hydration and leave skin feeling dewy
 

7. Lemon Essential Oil

With its strong antibacterial constituents capable of reducing even fatally dangerous bacteria strains, lemon essential oil can be used to diminish acne breakouts caused by high levels of bacteria stuck in pores.  It’s also useful for fading scars and age spots, can exfoliate skin, brighten and lighten skin, tone oily skin and fight wrinkles.
Lemon oil is one of the most versatile essential oils to have on hand because it can be used as a teeth whitener, laundry freshener, cellulite cream, face wash and household cleaner! Mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil and massage into troubled areas of the skin. You can also use it on your hair to boost shine and remove residue.
 

8. Argan Oil

Native to Morocco and used there for generations, argan oil is so healing because it’s rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, various antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. Argan is not only great for gently moisturizing skin, but it also boosts the shine and health of your hair.
Apply a small amount of argan oil directly to normal or troubled skin twice daily to help heal irritations such as acne, bug bites, eczema and psoriasis, leaving skin feeling and looking youthful.

 

9. Aloe Vera

Most people associate aloe vera benefits with healing sunburns, but did you know that aloe also contains bacteria-fighting, soothing ingredients that fight inflammation, redness and itching? For hundreds of years aloe has been used to treat skin diseases, infections and as a natural treatment for fungal diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.
Recent research results suggest that aloe vera is effective for burns and wound healing, but surprisingly it also detoxifies you from the inside out. So much so that when taken orally, aloe can even decrease the number and size of tumors and parasites in the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
Aloe vera plants produce two substances used for medicine: the gel found in the cells in the center of the leaf, and the latex that’s obtained from the cells just beneath the leaves’ skin. These can be used as a natural skin care remedy for burns, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores.

Aloe vera is considered to be the most biologically active form of the Aloe barbadensis miller species and holds more than 75 potentially active ingredients including anti-inflammatories, vitamins, minerals, saccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, lignin and salicylic acids. There are what gives aloe its signature anti-microbial and antifungal properties that make it a “photodynamic therapy” for healing skin. 
 

10. Jojoba Oil

One of the most widely used carrier oils, jojoba oil is extremely moisturizing and can help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, acne psoriasis and wrinkles. Native to the southern U.S and Mexico, this oil has been used to treat acne, psoriasis, sunburn and chapped skin for generations. It’s also used to reduce balding because it encourages hair regrowth, soothes the skin and unclogs hair follicles.
When it comes to the chemical structure of jojoba oil, it’s unique in that it’s a polyunsaturated wax. As a wax, jojoba oil is especially useful for protecting the skin, providing moisture control, and soothing the skin and hair.

 

11. Almond Oil

You probably already know about the many nutrition benefits of almonds, but maybe you’re new to using almond oil on your skin. Almond oil not only smells great, but it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It makes a great carrier oil for essential oils to naturally treat skin rashes, acne or dryness. It also blends easily with many different smells, so try in it homemade washes, masks or lotions.

12. Shea Butter

Shea butter has been used as a natural skin care product in Africa for hundreds of years, where it is still largely cultivated and shipped around the world today. It makes an excellent moisturizing options for dry skin types and is inexpensive yet effective at reducing flaking, redness or peeling.
Try it in a Homemade Skin Care Butter mixed with your favorite essential oils like frankincense, eucalyptus or bergamot oil or with lavender oil and mint in my homemade lip balm.

 

13. Castor Oil

Used to cleanse skin, castor oil is actually a “drying oil,” even though that might seem counter intuitive. For facial cleansing, you only need to use a very small amount, about a teaspoon of castor oil, mixed into in 1/4 cup of another oil like coconut or almond. Rub into your face and massage, then rinse with warm water to carry away impurities.

 

The 10-step Korean skin care routine. (K-Beauty Routine)

step 1: oil-based cleanser. 

 The double-cleansing routine has become well-known among K-beauty enthusiasts. The oil-based cleanser is the first of this dual-cleansing step. Oil and water repel each other, so a simple foaming water-based cleanser isn’t going to effectively remove all the oil-based impurities on skin. SPF, makeup, and our own sebum, which can trap impurities, are most effectively removed with an oil-based cleanser. If you have oily skin, I know it could sound counter-intuitive, but using an oil cleanser can really help. I have seen a huge difference in my clients who have started oil cleansing as skin begins to thrive when not weighed down with impurities

Step 2: water-based cleanser.

Follow up with a hydrating water-based second cleanser to remove remaining residue gently. This two-step cleansing process helps to remove and delayer impurities without stripping skin dry or tugging too hard at the skin. I personally love low-pH cleansers as they’re very gentle and less disruptive for your skin barrier.

step 3: toner.

I am asked often if a toner is really necessary. (Hint: It is, especially if you use face oils!) I am a firm believer in toners as they help balance your skin’s pH, which is vital for skin health, and also help to kick-start hydration.

Step 4: essence.

While a toner’s main function is to help balance the skin’s pH, an essence is all about drenching skin with hydration to help create a healthier skin environment (hydration is the key to life!) and to prep skin for the rest of your routine. Think of skin like a sponge. When it’s hydrated and plumped up, it’s less brittle and everything absorbs better.

step 5: the treatments—face oils, serums, ampoules.

Step 5 is where the K-beauty routine becomes the most personalized. This treatment step is all about choosing the ingredients that are best for your own personal skin care preferences. Whether you’re focused on correcting hyper pigmentation, calming breakouts, or infusing a youthful boost into dull skin, these products are typically concentrated with active ingredients. You can mix and match different treatments together. The general rule of thumb here, and always, is to apply thinnest texture to thickest texture.

This step of the K-beauty routine is particularly significant because it provides an opportunity for you to really get to know your skin. There are so many great treatment products out there, including, of course, non-Korean beauty products, and when you’ve done the prior steps—cleansed your skin well, toned and applied essence—these products can go even further for you.
Side note: You might be wondering what the difference is between serums and ampoules. They’re very similar in that they’re concentrated formulas designed to help combat a specific skin care concern. Typically, though, ampoules are a bit more concentrated and, therefore, potent than serums.

Step 6: eye cream.

The eye area is the most delicate area on your face with the thinnest skin, similar to the neck area. This means moisture loss happens the fastest, and that’s why we start to see wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes before other areas of the face. Keeping the eye area well-hydrated is key to keeping the eye area healthy. One recommendation is that heavier isn’t always better for the eye area. Sometimes, the eye area can also form milia (pesky white bumps) more easily if an eye cream is too occlusive and heavy. I’ve seen good results from eye creams spiked with vitamins and antioxidants and with a lighter but still protective and hydrating sealing effect.

step 7: moisturizer.  

Sealing it all in to lock in moisture and all the good stuff you just applied is the finishing touch. In this step, it’s great to opt for a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. For drier skin types, moisturizers that are a bit heavier with a little bit of oil blended in are a great choice. For oilier skin types, more gel-based moisturizers are great

step 8: SPF.

This is the single most important step in protecting your skin. Rain or shine, every morning, SPF, always—safety first! And if you’re out and about in the sun, remember to reapply every few hours. We all know SPF is so important, but it’s always a bit of a hassle to apply because of the white cast or the greasy, heavy feeling. I get it, but your skin will thank you when you find a good SPF that you like, and then get into the habit of never leaving home without protection. As an esthetician, I’ve seen this one simple habit be the difference between people whose skin aged prematurely (think age spots; dull, lackluster skin) and people who were able to maintain such incredible skin health. Daily habits add up for appearance.

step 9: exfoliation.

Depending on the exfoliator, you might exfoliate daily or a few times a week. And typically, this step comes after cleansing and before toning. Exfoliation is an important step to include in your skin care routine as your cell turnover process slows down as you get older, and the dead skin cells can cause problems that eventually lead to potential breakouts, less luminous skin, and less absorption of your products.

step 10: masks.

Sheet masks are especially great because they’re easy to use, no wash-off is necessary, and they flood your skin with hydration. You would use a sheet mask after cleansing and toning and then seal it in with a moisturizer. In Korea, sheet masks are even used daily accompanied by selfies and hashtags proudly stating that this is a part of one’s daily routine. If you’re trying to reset finicky skin, get hydrated fast, or prep for a big event, one hack I love is to use a sheet mask daily for five days straight. Your skin is luminous and plumped up by the fifth day, and it’s all without harsh peels