As it is the time of year when families are getting back to having set routines in their lives I thought this week I would write about the benefits of a regular, simple 5 minute skin care routine for everyone. The entire human race could benefit from cleansing, toning and moisturising!

The most important task in a women's skin care routine is to make sure she cleanses her skin properly. What with the advances in long lasting foundation and the horrible artificial colours used in so much make up it is vital to get a thorough cleanse before bed, so a double cleanse is the best habit to have. The best way to perform this double cleanse is to use an oil based cleanser before using a regular cleanser to break down this new generation of make up. After skin feels and looks totally clean I would advise the use of a hydrating toner and moisturiser to suit her skin type. Once a woman reaches the age of 25 she is advised to use a multivitamin based eye cream and only a tiny bit is required per time.

Mothers often ask what age their children should start caring for their skin. I believe once a child reaches twelve years of age, they will benefit from a short daily routine of cleansing and moisturising greatly. It can be a help for parents to book their child in for a consultation with their skin care therapist to get advice on how to start their journey into the world of skincare. This would normally be a free service offered by your therapist and is a great way of monitoring any signs of skin problems starting, such as the dreaded acne. It is thought that the earlier a skin problem is treated, the smaller the long term problem will be. What is so great about this session with child and parent is that you get to educate this often confused preteen about how best to care for their individual skin and what pitfalls to avoid, for example squeezing spots. An oat based cleanser is excellent for young skin as it is aids healing as it cleanses. The best moisturiser to use is usually a light weight, oil-free one with an inbuilt SPF.

When males seek help with their skin the first warning they usually give therapists is that they do not want any fussy, time consuming plan of action but do value healthy, youthful skin. Unlike their female counterparts, men do not have the luxury of camouflaging their skin with make up when they feel they look tired or aged. For men all we ask for is 5 minutes in the morning and night time to perform a low maintenance routine that will guarantee clean, exfoliated and rejuvenated skin.

So September is a good time to adopt or customise your skin care routine to give your skin every chance of looking the very best it can.
Good luck!