Your basic skincare regime consists of four basic steps:

With all the available skincare products available today, it can be incredibly confusing to find the right skincare product for you. In addition, you might be confused as to what skincare really is, and what exactly you should be using in terms of skincare. From cleansers to toners, to masks and moisturizers, how do you know which products are right for your skin? It?s time to breakdown the basics of skincare regime, and get you back on track to a manageable and understandable skincare cleansing process.

Your basic skincare regime consists of four basic steps:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Moisturize
4. Protect

But there are so many varieties of each step - cucumber cleansers, witch-hazel toners, day or nighttime moisturizers and endless products with SPF are bursting out of cosmetic counters. Not to worry, we?ve got your answers.

The first step in finding the right products for your basic skincare regime is to determine what skin type you are. There are three common skin types: Dry, oily and normal/combination skin. Other skin types to consider are sensitive skin, problem skin and acne-prone skin. A dermatologist is best to treat these skin types because s/he can prescribe the proper skin care regime for problem skin.

To start, let's define the four steps of a basic skincare regime.

Cleansing: Finding a cleanser for your skin type is the first step in treating your skin. For dry skin, a creamy or milky cleanser is best. A milky or creamy cleanser provides more moisture for dry skin, thus giving your skin the hydration it needs. For oily skin types, look for a foaming cleanser that promotes 'deep cleansing'. This will ensure that the cleanser will control your skin?s oil production and give your skin a squeaky clean feeling. A normal or combination skin type would benefit from a cleanser such as the Suki Lemongrass Exfoliating Cleanser, which is a gentle cleanser that promotes clear and healthy skin. Regardless of your skin type, the process is the same: when cleansing your face, dampen with warm water and then apply your cleanser. Rinse with cool water to tighten your pores.

Tone: Using a toner is important because it removes any residue that you may have missed while cleansing. Toning also promotes healthy skin because toners work to clean out and tighten pores. A toner can be as simple as witch hazel for oily skin types, or sophisticated such as Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner with moisturizing benefits for the drier skin types. If you prefer natural or vegan products, we suggest you try Aqua Dessa Lychee Tea Refresher Facial Toner which is full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and skin brightening botanicals. Whichever toner you use, the application process is the same. After cleansing, apply toner to a cotton ball and gently wipe the toner over your face, avoiding the eye area.

Moisturize: A moisturizer benefits the skin for many reasons including moisturizing or hydrating, but it also works to protect your skin from external factors. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type. For a dry skin type, you will want a deeply hydrating moisturizer that is very creamy and almost heavy in consistency. This type of moisturizer will keep dry skin hydrated all day. A lightweight moisturizer is best for normal to combination skin. A lightweight moisturizer will provide just enough moisture for your skin without leaving your skin feeling greasy or heavy. For oily skin types, find a moisturizer that will control oil and shine throughout the day. New technology in moisturizers for oily skin include, 'mattifiers' and 'microsponges', which soak up excess oil on your skin throughout the day. Choosing the correct moisturizer for your skin type will balance out your skin and give your face the hydration it needs. A moisturizer should be used after your toner on clean, dry skin.

Protect: Protecting your skin is the final step in your basic skin care regime, and arguably the most important. Protecting your skin against harmful UV rays helps prevent skin cancer and premature aging. The easiest form of skin protection is sunscreen. If you work primarily indoors throughout your day, using a skincare product with a SPF 15 is sufficient to protect you from a minimal amount of sun. However, if you are working outdoors or plan on being outdoors for the majority of the day, using a skincare product with SPF 30 or higher is sufficient defense. Sun protection is important for not only your face, but your entire body. SPF can be found in various makeup products including moisturizers and foundations, but it's important to remember that using products with SPF could clog your pores. Using a proper skincare regime of cleansing, toning and moisturizing - as described above - will help eliminate clogged pores and keeps your skin looking healthy and strong.

Remember, a basic skincare regime is really that basic. Four steps are all you have to remember to get started on the road of beautiful and healthy skin.

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