The daily skin care routine can differ for each individual depending on his or her skin type and age, among other factors. There are a few steps that should be taken each day to care for and protect the skin; generally, discussions of daily skin care regimens apply mostly to the skin on the face. The skin on the body needs to be cleansed and moisturized as well, but it is not as sensitive as the facial skin. In general, the best tips for caring for the skin on a daily basis include finding a gentle cleanser to use once or twice a day, applying a moisturizer appropriate for the skin type, and wearing sunscreen before going out into the sun.
The first step of daily skin care is finding a good cleanser. In general, a cleanser should be labeled as "gentle" unless it is necessary to use one for acne, in which case the cleanser may include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. People with normal to oily skin will generally want to use a cleanser twice a day, in the morning and before bed to remove the dirt and toxins from the day. People with dry skin may find that using a cleanser just once a day is sufficient; however, it might be a better idea to try a gentle, moisturizing cream cleanser twice a day rather than just washing the face once.
Toners can be part of a daily skin care routine, but typically only for people with acne-prone or oily skin, as they can be quite harsh on dry skin. For most people, applying moisturizer after cleansing is just fine for a daily routine. In the morning, a light moisturizer that contains sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is often the best bet. Moisturizers that contain antioxidants are often recommended for people of all ages; in addition, if the moisturizer itself does not contain sunscreen, it is important to apply it before going outside. At night, a heavier moisturizer can be applied to help repair some of the skin damage done throughout the day.
For people with acne-prone skin, purchasing a cleansing system designed to target this problem is often the best bet. These frequently include spot treatments to use directly on blemishes to heal them more quickly. In addition, exfoliation is important for people with all skin types; though this should not be done as part of daily skin car. The skin should typically be exfoliated at least one or two times per week, again depending on skin type.