The 4 Step Routine

Beauty is not hard to achieve when things are done in the right way. Your skin needs maintenance and care. It is essential that you follow a regular routine to have a beautiful glowing skin. Mentioned below is the famous 4-step routine that helps you maintain a healthy looking, fresh skin.


The 4-step Routine for a beautiful face

1. Cleansing
2. Toning
3. Exfoliating
4. Moisturising
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Step 1 Cleansing
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What is Cleansing?

The skin is a barrier that protects you from dust, pollution, grime, dirt and harmful radiations. The dirt and grime get accumulated on the skin causing the pores to clog which results in the deterioration of the skin. This makes the skin look dull and unattractive. It could also lead to infections and acne problems. Remember, the skin needs to breathe. The pores should be unclogged and this step of removing dirt or makeup is known as cleansing.

How often should it be done?

This step is to be performed atleast twice a day, preferably in the morning and in the evening before you go to bed. If your skin is exposed to high amounts of dust or if you tend to use a lot of makeup you may need to cleanse more often.

Types of cleansers

There are various cleansers available in the market. Typically a cleanser is usually an oil based cleanser, rich cream cleanser, gentle exfoliating cleanser or a foaming cleanser. A cleanser also could be a mild soap.

How to choose a cleanser?

Know your skin type. If you have,

1. An oily skin - use an oil control cleanser
2. Dry skin - oil based cleanser
3. Normal skin - Normal cleanser
4. Combination skin - You may have to use 2 types of cleanser suited for the particular area

The cleanser should leave your skin feel fresh and soothing. It should not contain harsh chemicals. If you feel irritation in your skin or if it leaves your skin dry and stripped of oil or if you don't see positive results, its time for a new cleanser.

How to cleanse?

1. Take a small amount of cleanser in your hand
2. Massage the cleanser in your hand
3. Apply it on your face and concentrate on your problem areas where you have black heads or pimples.
4. Massage it thouroughly on your face for a couple of minutes. Work your fingers in a circular motion and work it upwards. Use your knucles too.
5. Sprinkle few drops of luke warm water and massage it again so that the cleanser emulsifies.
6. Wipe it off with cotton or wash it off with luke warm water. Donot use extreme hot or cold water on skin.
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Step 2 Toning
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What is toning?

Toning is the process of removing any residual cleanser, makeup, excessive oil or impurities from the skin.
A toner is also called an astringent.

When should it be done?

Toning should be done after cleansing.

How to choose a toner?

A good toner will not strip of the natural oils and would not leave the skin dry and flaccid.
Avoid alchohol based toners as alchohol dehydrates skin.

How to apply?

1. Apply the toner on a damp cotton pad
2. Wipe the face with the cotton pad
3. Concentrate on the areas where the cleanser hasn't effectively removed oil.
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Step 3 Exfoliating
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What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is a process of removal of the dead skin build up on the face. This process brings back the glow on your face and makes it look fresh and clean. This also makes the beauty products work well on the face.

When should it be done?

Exfoliating follows after the toning process.

How often should it be done?

This step is to be done atleast once a week. For a very oily, dry or mature skin, or a skin prone to blackheads, exfoliating can be done two to three times a week. Donot exfoliate for more than three times a week.

Types of exfoliators

Exfoliators can be a mild cream exfoliator or a granular exfoliator.

How to choose an exfoliator?

Know the type of your skin. If your skin is excessively oily or dry and if you happen to use a lot of make up use a granular exfoliator. If your skin is sensitive, less oily and dirt free use a mild exfoliator. Donot use a highy abrasive scrub for an exfoliator. Make sure that your skin doesn't feel irritating and dry.

How to apply?

1. Take a sufficient amount of the product in your hand.
2. If you are using a granular exfoliator, add a little water to it.
3. Massage the product all over your face using your finger tips and knuckles.
4. Concentrate on the areas of blackheads and acne like the sides of your nostrils.
5. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
6. Pat your face dry.
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Step 4 Moisturising
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What is moisturising?

Moisturising is the process of locking in the moisture of the skin making it look fresh, smooth and not dry.

When should it be done?

Moisturising is needed by all skin types. It is a very important and should be done after the skin is cleansed, toned or exfoliated. A moisturiser should be worn before applying any makeup.

How to choose a moisturiser?

A good moisturiser would retain natural moisture and leaves your skin feel fresh and rejuvenated. Choose a moisturiser with SPF 15 or higher regardless of your skin complexion. Investing in a good moisturiser is worth it. There are different moisturisers such as oil-based, cream or liquid moisturisers which has to be chosen according to the skin type.

How to moisturise?

1. After cleansing your skin, take a generous amount of moisturiser.
2. Massage it gently into the skin.
3. This should leave behind an even surface feeling fresh and smooth.
4. Apply makeup after moisturising.