Women today are plagued with sun damage, stress, poor diets, and air pollution, and their skin shows it. With so many skin damaging components in our everyday lives, our skin needs special attention.  One of the basics of skin care is lotion. Lotion is extremely important because it helps the skin maintain its moisture. Hydration is a key to having great skin. Skin that is not properly hydrated will become dry, dull, and irritated. Even oily skin that is not hydrated will become troublesome. Therefore, it is important to use lotion at least twice a day on your skin.

There are different types of lotion for different areas of skin. You should always use a hypoallergenic lotion that is free of mineral oil so it will not clog your pores. The best types of lotions are those made with plant derived oils and butters (e.g. Shea Butter, Aloe Leaf Extract, Avacado Oil, Grape Seed Oil, etc.  Facial lotions tend to be referred to as moisturizers most often and include products such as Night Creams. Lotions for other areas of your body are usually called body lotions. Make sure you are using the proper type of lotion on each area of your body. Body lotions are often too harsh for your face, so beware. Lotions are also broken up into moisturizing intensities. If you have dry skin, you will need more moisture. If you have oily skin, do not make the mistake of thinking you don't need lotion. Your skin is producing oil because your hydration levels are off. Use a light moisturizer for oily skin.

For most women, facial moisturizers and a good body lotion are adequate, though if you are looking for a once or twice a week pick-me-up for your skin, a mask is the way to go. Masks can be found for any skin type. They also come in many varieties containing many different ingredients. You can find masks with mud components to soothe and smooth your skin. You can also find masks that will help with acne. All masks work to help tighten your facial pores and smooth your skin's appearance.

Masks should be used once or twice a week. Most masks are made so that you just apply them to your skin and wait. While you wait the mask will begin to dry and you may feel your face tightening. This is normal and indicates the mask is doing its job. After waiting for 10 to 15 minutes, you will need to rinse the mask off of your face. You can do this with a wash cloth, or you can use water alone. After using your mask, dry your face completely and apply a moisturizer. Since masks take a little hydration from your face, you must replenish it.

Knowing about lotions, ointments, and masks will help you get the skin you desire. The most important basic skin care technique is proper hydration. Be sure your skin is always hydrated with lotions and that you are drinking adequate water to also support hydration from the inside out.  Proper and consistent skin care is the key to having the fresh radiant skin that all women dream of.