by Dashmini Parasuraman

Created on: February 13, 2008

With millions of beauty products on the market these days, how do you make the choice that's right for you? If you are a woman, chances are, you have a cabinet overflowing with products. Which one product must you absolutely have, if you ever find yourself stranded in a deserted island? Will it be the moisturizing lip balm? What about that SPF lotion? Without which your skin will be so exposed to those harmful UVA and UVB rays.

I thought that I had expertly figured out a streamlined beauty routine for myself. That is until I rediscovered my very own stash of numerous beauty products that I've purchased overtime and long forgotten.

I booked a facial appointment in order to reacquaint myself with a basic beauty regime. As usual, I had chosen to get a deep cleansing facial-specifically for oily skin. However, my esthetician examined my skin under the lights and mentioned that I have some dry areas - as a result of using products that are too harsh for my skin. The same products that I used during the summer time to control oily skin are now striping my face of essential oils and nutrients, during the winter time. My esthetician reminded me that skin is often changing. From morning to night, from summer to winter and as years go by-with aging. It is important to adjust our skin care regime according to these changes. No wonder that we women are left with so many products in our cabinets.

The following is a basic outline of a beauty regime and names of some great products with natural and healthy ingredients that won't harm your skin.

1. BEGIN WITH CLEANSING
Cleansing is the most important step and it should be done in the morning and at night to rid your skin of oil, dirt and makeup. Gently massage some cleanser over dampened face and neck using circular motion and finish by rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.

For Normal to Dry Skin:
Look for cleansers that are mild, PH Neutral with emollient rich ingredients (e.g. soybean, jojoba oil and lanolin) and humectants (e.g. glycerin and mineral oil).
Try Carotene Face Cleanser containing carrot oil extract and vitamin A available at http://myskincaresite.com, a website that sells health products and natural beauty products.

For Combination to Oily Skin:
The problem with most cleansers designed for oily skin is that they tend to strip the skin of natural oils that are vital to the skin. Opt for cleansers containing natural ingredients like aloe vera and tree tea oil, that remove excess oil and dirt without clogging your

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