Cleanse your face with a gentle, pure natural soap. "Commercial soap is not only drying, but it is usually made with ingredients that have been decolorized and deodorized to make them cosmetically neutral and more appealing. This very “refinement” neutralizes their beneficial properties as well. Make sure you rinse with lukewarm water because hot water can aggravate the skin and inflame capillaries.

In the old days, toner was analogous to harsh. But there are a multitude of toners on the market today that are gentle and formulated to balance the skin. Some recommends using a gentle toner over your face and neck after you have rinsed thoroughly. This removes the last traces of your cleanser and restores the pH balance of the skin so it won't over-secrete or under-secrete oil. For oily or combination skin, you can use a toner that is more astringent. For oily skin, look for ingredients like witch hazel. It's true they are drying, but oily complexions may need this drying effect.

The purpose of gently exfoliating the skin is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that causes breakouts. Also, you want to smooth the skin's surface so your treatment products can be absorbed more evenly. But don't use exfoliators that are too harsh. Look for very fine abrasives. Scrubs that contain ground-nut shells or apricot pits may irritate the skin because the edges are uneven and can cause microscopic tears. Never use loofahs and buff puffs on your face. "Your face is not a floor and should not be scrubbed like one,". "Over-exfoliating will only result in removing healthy new skin."

Gently steam your face once a week for five to ten minutes as part of your deep-cleansing ritual. Place a handful of chamomile in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Turn the flame off and let the mixture "brew" and cool. When it's cooled enough so the steam doesn't burn you, place a towel over your head for a tent-like effect and expose your face to the vapor. However tempting it may be, do not squeeze or pick any blemishes after you have steamed.

Facial masks are used to revitalize and tighten the skin. For those with oily skin, clay- based masks are best. Hydrating gel masks or cream masks should be used by those with dry or sensitive skin. If you have combination skin, apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, which is the center of the forehead, nose and chin and the center of cheeks. For a real at-home "spa experience," soak two cotton balls in rosewater and then apply to eyelids while the mask is drying. Some recommends doing a "patch test" on your leg before applying a new type of mask to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to it.

Regularly moisturizing your skin is critical to maintaining young and healthy looking skin. Another very important reason to wear a daily moisturizer is for protection against the sun's damaging rays. Moisturizers should be used every morning and every night for maximum results. (Even oily complexions need some sort of moisturizer. Just make sure you find one that's non-comedogenic and formulated not to block pores.) Nighttime is the best time to apply repairing treatments such as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams. During the day, make sure you use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15.

Good for Sensitive Skin

Lots of women struggle with allergies, acne, dryness and clogged pores from unfriendly commercial makeup. Mineral makeup lets you enhance skin care with positive beauty choices, not create more problems.

Nourishes your Skin

Mineral makeup contains triple-milled minerals like titanium, gold, zinc, magnesium and aluminum. These ingredients naturally relax and refresh the skin, as if you just spent the day in the spa. It offers a beauty solution in the comfort and privacy of your own home..

Wrinkle and Fine Line Friendly

Mineral makeup does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. It creates real health and glow like we had in our teens and 20's through essential vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that actually hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles. Traditional makeup and foundation can be cakey and feel heavy on the face. It's texture is lighter, different and allows your skin breathe. Even with more coverage, experts say you will see a natural, translucent glow.

Doesn't Feel like a Mask

It's also more forgiving than commercial foundations, because each sheer shade can be used on a wide range of skin tones. This is because the natural minerals reflect light instead of absorbing in the way other makeup does. The makeup is invisible and it feels like you're wearing none at all.

Calms and Soothes Skin

Skin procedures such as lasers and peels are common. Mineral makeup are the natural choice to calm and soothe red, bruised, itchy, inflamed and flaking skin. Anti-inflammatory minerals cool the skin and promote faster healing. It can camouflage imperfections and block harmful sunrays, which is crucial after aggressive treatments.

Help Protect Skin from Sun

The sun is said to be the number one aging agent. Mineral makeup's zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offers natural UVA-UVB protection.

You can Sleep in It

Dermatologist always stress the importance of removing all makeup before you go to bed. This is because traditional makeup can be heavy and doesn't allow your pores to breath overnight. With mineral makeup, you can actually sleep wearing it if you need to for those nights when you are just too tired to take it off. It also last longer than traditional makeup and still look freshly applied after a long day or a sweaty workout.
By: Eileen Sutton
iVillage