Clean Start, Clear Skin

It is time to get ready for your prettiest, most confident year yet. So why don't you kick your skincare routine into gear with these easy blemish-busting and pimple-preventing tips, in order for you to get flawless skin for the new start to the year.

Cleansing:
STEP ONE - Always wash your face before bed. Not washing away the day's grime that has built up on your face during the day (whether you wear make-up or not)? There is still dirt lying on the surface of your skin which can lead into congestion on the skin. Use a cleansing wipe to remove the top layer of the dirt of the surface of your skin.
STEP TWO - Wash your face with a suitable cleanser for your skin. It should take you 30 to 45 seconds to cleanse your skin, as this is the amount of time that it takes you to clear all the dirt and oil off your face.
STEP THREE - Use lukewarm water when washing the cleanser off your face. This is as the hot water dries your skin out of any impurities and opens your pores, whereas cold water won't open up your pores.
STEP FOUR - Be gentle to your skin! Scrubbing your skin too hard will leave it rough and red. Don't fight with your face. Skip using any harsh scrubs and even washcloths, which can be too rough on your face and cause irritation. It is better for your skin if you use your hands. Make sure that your hands are clean, or you will end up transferring acne which can cause dirt and oil to come back to the surface of your skin.
STEP FIVE - Activate the products in your hands, before applying them onto the skin.This is as they will be more effective when they are applied to your face.
STEP SIX - If your skin still feels oily after you have washed it, then try an astringent after cleansing. When you over wash the skin is can make your skin produce even more oil!
STEP SEVEN - Left over cleanser equals left over dirt and oil on the skin. Wash the skin with warm water until the skin feels clean and smooth, and no longer slippery / soapy.
STEP EIGHT - Exfoliating the skin removes any layers of dead skin cells and dirt that are blocking your pores. You can even exfoliate in the shower - the steam opens up the pores, so the grains can penetrate the skin further to remove even more dirt from the layers of you skin.
STEP NINE - Don't forget to cleanse your skin in the morning! Any hair styling products get absorbed into your pillowcase then they transfer onto your skin. If it's not cleared away in the morning, it clogs your pores!
STEP TEN -  Pat the skin dry.

Blemish Busting:
STEP ONE - If you have a acne skin, dermatologists recommend fighting it with a 3 step regimen: a salicylic acid cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment and by the use of a daily moisturizer.
STEP TWO - Use a clay mask; the ingredients will penetrate deeper into your skin and clean out any excess oil and bacteria. It also exfoliates to open pores and get rid of the dirt that is clogged inside.
STEP THREE - Make sure to keep it simple with your face products. As too many products can irritate the skin.
STEP FOUR - Popping a pimple / spot can cause infections and  cause it to spread making the situation worse.
STEP FIVE - If you have a pimple / spot problem, try a simple and easy home remedy! Cook some oatmeal as directed on the package, let it cool and then stir in some lemon juice and an egg. Dot the mixture onto the pimples with a cotton bud and leave overnight. The oatmeal's antioxidants will bring down the swelling, whilst the acid in the lemon kills the bacteria in your pores. The vitamin E in the egg will tighten the skin, so it appears evenly smooth.

Preventing Spots:
STEP ONE - Cleanse, Exfoliate, Tone and Moisturize daily (Morning and Night).
STEP TWO - Wash your makeup brushes regularly with a brush cleanser or baby shampoo. If you use makeup sponges, use disposable ones and discard them after each use. Therefore you can accumulate bacteria, which can lead to breakouts. Dirty brushes = Breakouts on the skin!
STEP THREE - Gently stroke toner onto your skin using a cotton pad. Your T-zone may be oilier, so it needs more love. Use an oil-free moisturizer with SPF every day to keep your skin smooth and protected.
STEP FOUR - Sunscreen isn't just for summer, your skin needs protection every day, even in winter. Look for a daily moisturizer and a foundation that contains SPF, preferably 'lightweight' / 'oil-free' / 'oil-controlling'.