by Kimberley Heit

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 30, 2010

Unlike some reptiles, we are only blessed with one skin, so it pays to nurture it. Alongside the right care, you also require the right skin care tools. This article provides a brief overview on the must have skin care tools to help you maintain healthy skin.

The correct P.H cleanser

Effective skin care is dependent on using the right products for your skin type. So you need to take care to choose a cleanser that is suited to your natural skin's disposition. When it comes to choosing a cleanser you want to look for one that has a P.H level between 5.5 and 7. Any lower then 5.5 and it will not be effective at removing dirt and excess oil and any higher then 7 is too harsh. In general, if your skin is oily you should choose a cleanser that has a P.H closer to 7, because they are more effective at removing oil. In reverse, if you have dry or sensitive skin you'd be better suited to a cleanser with a P.H of around 5.5. If you skin is fairly normal, then look for a cleanser with a P.H of around 6 to 6.5.

A balancing toner

One of the main purposes of toner is to restore the correct moisture balance to your skin after cleansing. Therefore didn't skin types benefit from different toners. If your skin is dry you need to steer clear of alcohol based toners and instead look for hydrating toners. If you have oily skin you may benefit from an astringent toner, but still avoid toners that have a high alcohol content because over time they can cause the skin to produce more all to compensate for the drying effect.

The right moisturizer

Again, choose a moisturizer that is suited to your skin type. Dry skin needs a rich formulation, but oily skin benefits from an oil free moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin you will probably need to look for a hypoallergenic moisturizer free from fragrance and colors. This will help you avoid red blotches and irritated skin.

Some form of exfoliating tool

Exfoliation helps slough away dead skin cells. There are many tools that can help you perform this task from scrub products, to brushes, loofahs and Alpha Hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliants. You will need to experiment to find which one is best for your needs. AHA exfoliants and scrubs can be too harsh on sensitive skin, but can work wonders on other skin types.

A face cloth/washer

The skin on your face is delicate and the direct spray from a showerhead can damage the fine capillaries just below the surface. This can cause red blotches and irritation. It is therefore beneficial to use a face cloth or washer to clean your face with.

Make up remover

If you regularly wear make up, it is very important that you take the time to remove it adequately before the end of each day. If you leave it on overnight it will mix with bacteria and block your pores and this can lead to breakouts, or irritated skin.

Specific tools for your skin type

Different skin conditions can require specialized tools, for example if you suffer from blackheads you might like to use pore strips or extraction tools. If you suffer from acne you might like to use an acne spot treatment or medicated concealer. If you suffer from eczema, or other allergies you might benefit from products specialized tailored to these conditions.

Finally, the last tool your skin requires is the benefit of a healthy lifestyle. The way we treat our body, is just as important as what we slather on it. Try to eat a well balanced diet, drink lots of water, get regular exercise and incorporate some relaxation time into your daily life.

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