CTM Routine - Begineers Guide & DIYs || Go Let's Live

                                            Face is the index of mind!!!

Everyone needs clear, healthy and youthful looking skin, but most of us doesn't give our facial skin the pampering that it needs, which leads to dull, dry and aged skin. In order to achieve healthy and supple skin one needs to follow Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing (CTM) routine. CTM is the basic skin care regime which every woman needs to follow twice a day without fail, irrespective of the season. Many of us know what CTM is, but do not follow due to expensive CTM products and lack of availability of the products nearby. Guys, what if I say that you need not buy expensive stuff for CTM?  Yes!! You can do with the products that are easily available at home and with the one's which we use regularly. In this post I am gonna give you a brief about this CTM routine and the products (both homemade and store bought) I use.

Cleansing: It helps in removing dirt, makeup, sebum and bacteria that accumulated on the surface of the skin. Always use good face wash on a daily basis. I suggest, to use two different kinds of face washes, a mild one for cleansing in the morning and a deep cleansing one for the bedtime. Those, who love makeup need to follow double cleansing method. Though I do not use heavy makeup (I just use Kajal & compact) I still use double cleansing method to clean my face and neck.

In double cleansing we will remove make up first.  Take either Cleansing milk OR any Oil on cotton to wipe off the makeup using circular motions. I use Parachute 100% pure coconut oil for this purpose. Coconut oil not only removes the make-up it does also nourish our skin. Once makeup is removed, use a deep pore cleansing face wash. This prevents the clogging off pores and lets your skin breath. Since we use deep cleansing face wash in the night it is always suggested to use a mild face wash in the morning, since the chances of dirt getting accumulated on face is less during night. I use Aroma Essentials face washes during morning and Mcaffeine Neem face wash during the night.

Apart from cleansing we need to exfoliate our skin at least once a week. Exfoliating removes all the dead cells on face and help in achieving radiant, glowing, smooth and fresh looking skin. All you need is a good scrub for exfoliating. You can choose from a gentle scrub available in the market or the below two simple homemade DIYs.

1. Home made besan (Gram Flour) powder mixed with raw milk works as a wonderful exfoliator. Since I am lazy, I bought Anuhya Sunnipindi, I just mix it with Rose water or curd and apply to my face, after about 10 minutes when it starts becoming dry I massage with wet hands for good 3 minutes and then will wash off.

2. Mix Extra virgin olive oil with sugar and then gently massage your face and neck till the sugar melts for about 3 minutes and then wash off. 

This cleansing and exfoliating is little tricky process. You just need to check out which order works best for you. You can either use face wash followed by scrubbing or else scrub and then followed by face wash. When I scrub using first method, I do double cleansing first and then use scrub. If I use second process, then I'll first remove dirt using oil followed by a scrub and then cleansing with face wash.

Toning: Most of us ignore this step, but if you know what toner does to your skin, you will never ever ignore this. Toning removes the impurities and residue left by the cleanser. Toning clears the skin from within, as it is light the toner penetrates into the pores which are opened during cleansing and removes the dirt from them and then helps in closing or reducing the pore size. If ignored, the dirt which is in the pores results in acne. Regular toning shrinks the pore size. Toning maintains the natural pH balance of the skin. Toner Hydrates the skin and makes it ready for absorbing moisture. We have hell lot of toners available in the market, make sure you choose alcohol-free and hydrating toners. You can also use face mists in place of toners. This step reduces acne problem and also inflammation. 

I use Pure Rose water as a toner during morning. Recently came across Lass Naturals Cucumber Mint face Freshener and toner, which I use during night. Just simply dab rose water on cotton and pat it gently on the skin for about at least two to three minutes.

I also use the below DIYs as Toners:

Blend and extract juice from peeled off cucumber (Keera), strain the juice and freeze in ice cube trays. Massage with these cubes daily. 

Apply fresh aloevera gel, keep this for 15 mins and wash off with cold water. If your skin is dry, DO NOT use aloevera gel. You can also use store bought aloevera gel, in this case, you need not wash.

Moisturizing: Moisturizers form a barrier between outer atmosphere and your skin thus prevent moisture loss from the skin. Always apply moisturizer on damp skin. Don't wait till your skin becomes dry after applying toner. No matter what your skin type is, always use a good moisturizer based on your skin type.

During the day I use face butter from Satliva.  During the night I use Argan oil or sweet Almond oil. 

Tips:

* Never use Soap on Face

* Never use either too hot or too cold water on face, always use lukewarm water.

* Never skip Moisturizer

* Do not moisture on wet skin, your skin should be just damp enough.

* Do not use toner or moisturizer around your eye, if you are using chemical products.

* Do not forget your neck, CTM routine should be done on the neck too.

* It is better to exfoliate your skin twice a week.

* Do not use the same towel for your body and face. Always pat dry, using a smooth cloth.
* Sometimes based on season you might have to change the products, keep a track on it.

So Guys these are the basic three steps of skin care regime which needs to be done twice a day to get healthy and beautiful skin. Initially you might face difficulty in choosing the right products that suit your skin type. Listen to your skin to find out what works best for it. Once you figure out the products, stick to your routine. Your skin takes time to get used to the products before showing results. If you do not see any improvements even after a month, then change the products and try with other products.

Hope you find this post helpful. Start this upcoming New Year with this beautiful CTM routine for flawless skin. Do let me know your CTM routine and any queries if you have, in the comments section below and also join the Girls Gang to get a free email notification whenever I post something new.

 "Happy New Year in advance"