Good habits reap good results. Not only is it important to take care of your skin on a daily basis, it is also wise to give yourself weekly treatments as a means of prepping your skin for the week ahead.

In this article, we’re highlighting two treatments that have been touted by many as ideal ways to manage good skin health, youthfulness and beauty. These two treatments are -- exfoliations and facial masks.

Do you need to exfoliate your skin?

Exfoliation is the process of removing old, dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. Proper exfoliation leaves your skin fresh, smooth and touchable.

As we get older, it becomes increasingly important for us to exfoliate. It is recommended that you do it once or twice a week. Here’s a simple trick to find out if you need to exfoliate: put a piece of clear tape to your forehead and rub gently. If you see tiny pieces of flakes adhering to it when you remove it, that’s when you know that it’s time to exfoliate.

Granular exfoliation for teenage skin

If you’re a teenager who suffers from acne, then granular exfoliation is best for you. The fine grains in these exfoliators are handy when removing dead skin cells. All you need to do is use a wet sponge to remove the scrub from your face.

Cream exfoliation for mature skin

For women who are between the ages of 40 and 50 years, cream exfoliation is the ideal solution.

Cream exfoliation involves the application of a thin layer of cream that is left to dry. When it is finally dry, simply rub it off with dry fingers.

Enzyme exfoliation for acne-prone skin

Usually used with a steamer, enzyme exfoliation works well on older skin types and those suffering from acne. Cream is applied, and then the steamer is used to activate the enzymes.

It is then removed with sponges.

Microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation for polished skin

These aggressive treatments require special machinery and experienced professionals to oversee the process. You can go to the spa and choose between crystal microdermabrasion and diamond tip dermabrasion to give your skin a more polished finish.

Alternatively, chemical exfoliation can be selected to remove any spots, blemishes or acne scars.

Why are facial masks necessary for healthy skin?

If you’ve noticed that you have dull and lifeless skin, you can’t go wrong with a facial mask to give it an extra boost. But don’t just wait until you have a special event to attend – we advise that it’s a good idea to use facial masks regularly and religiously.

It’s quite easy to underestimate the importance of using facial masks in your weekly skin care regimen. Used after thorough cleansing and exfoliation, masks are useful for absorbing excess oil from your skin and keeping pores clean. If you happen to suffer from severe acne, masks that contain acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid are effective in keeping your skin clear and revitalized.

As you get older, masks that contain alpha hydroxyl acids are recommended to speed up cell renewal and diminish fine lines.

Taking care of your skin should be a top priority if you are looking to put your best face forward. But don’t just stop at cleansing, exfoliation and using facial masks. Learn how to give yourself a facial so that you have a cohesive regimen that will keep you glowing for many years to come!