One of the first things anyone notices on a person is their skin. Despite the obvious beauty benefits that caring for your skin offers, it is also monumentally important for your health. The healthier your skin is, fewer microorganisms will be able to penetrate the skin. This results in fewer breakouts, irritations and less sensitivity. If the barrier of your skin is compromised, the skin will be more sensitive to anything including pollutant molecules and ultraviolet rays. For this reason, it is very important to keep up with a daily skin care routine that encompasses the following six easy steps.

1. Remove any makeup and residue on your skin

Before beginning the cleansing process, it is crucial to remove all makeup from your skin. Leaving makeup on for an extended period of time leads to breakouts and is not very healthy for your skin. A great makeup remover is Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water. The micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harsh rubbing. It is not only gentle on the skin but removes makeup easily without causing smudging.

2. Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser

The next step would be to use a cleanser of your choice to softly massage and cleanse your skin from any residue the makeup remover was not able to remove. Most dermatologists recommend Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser as it works very well for any skin type. However, this depends on how your skin reacts to the cleanser, so the cleanser you use is a personal choice. There are cleansers specifically for certain skin types including dry, oily, and combination skin. Ensure that the cleanser you choose is what works best for your particular skin.

“I use the Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser and it has honestly changed my skin for the better. I never break out anymore and my skin is much softer too,” senior Eve Adan said.

3. Exfoliate skin once a week

Exfoliation is important but should not be done more than once a week. Exfoliating too often is harsh on the skin and can have the opposite effect of helping your skin. Your skin is constantly repairing and replacing itself and because of this, you can be left with layers upon layers of dead skin. Exfoliating helps rid your face and body of these leftover dead skin cells, revealing healthier, brighter skin immediately after.

4. Use a face mask as suggested (once a week)

Some face masks can be applied every day and others only recommend to be used once a week. Each face mask does something specific for your skin. Many will help hydrate skin, remove excess oils and help improve the appearance of your pores. They are also an excellent way to help pull out impurities. Apart from the skin benefits, they are a great and fun way to bond with close friends and family.

5. Apply a facial toner

A toner preps the skin for moisturizers and serum while getting rid of excess oil and stubborn dirt or makeup leftover on your face after you wash it. Toners also help balance the pH level of the skin. To use toner you simply put some on a cotton pad and swipe it over your face and neck. A very popular and effective toner is Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner.

“I love using toners, it solidifies the cleansing I have done on my face and ensures there is nothing left too. I can always tell the difference when I do not use the toner,” senior Lisvey Perez said.

6. Set and moisturize your skin with serums and moisturizer

Once these steps have been completed, you must never forget to moisturize your skin after stripping it of its natural oils by cleansing it. Any moisturizer will do the trick and some people go the extra step of applying their favorite serums.

With these easy to follow steps, you will be on the road to healthier and brighter looking skin. Not only is it essential for your health but also helps with those pesky breakouts that no one wants to deal with.