Skin Care 101

Cleansers, lotions, day creams, night creams, serums…  There are so many skin care products available that it can become very difficult to know which products are right for you.  Considering all the conflicting information, finding the perfect skin regimen for your skin type can be very confusing; but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Start with the basics: cleanse, tone and moisturize and work up from there if necessary.

Cleansers should be gentle and non-irritating, but still strong enough to remove makeup.  Many people make the mistake of using very harsh cleansers or even soap on their face which only leads to worsening dryness, redness, breakouts and flaky skin.  Skin typically gets drier as we age, and a cleansing oil may be more suitable for mature or very dry skin instead of a cream or gel based cleanser.  Cleanse twice a day, morning and night, with the exception of those who work out in the afternoon, then cleanse a third time after going to the gym.

Toners work to restore the pH of the skin after cleansing.  Most cleansers are alkaline and in the process of cleansing away makeup, dirt and oils, they also raise the pH of the skin.  Toners work to bring down the skin’s surface pH back to a slightly acidic level.  Use a toner that is botanical based, non-irritating and does not contain alcohol.  Alcohol only dries out the skin, leading to dry flaky patches and rebound oil production.  Tone the face and neck every time after cleansing.

Every skin type needs a moisturizer.  Moisturizers come in every strength from a light oil free hydrating gel to rich heavy balms, so there is something for all skin types and ages.  Typically younger people will need lighter products and will need progressively richer products as they age.  Most people will also need a heavier moisturizer in the winter than in the summer.  Many moisturizers will also contain anti-aging ingredients such as vitamins A and C, Co-enzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, plant extracts and copper-peptides, making quality lotions and creams an ideal and cost-effective  first step in preventing aging.  Separate day creams and night creams are also good for those looking to prevent or treat aging.  Day creams are lighter, usually contain sun protection and are ideal to wear during the daytime under makeup.  Night creams tend to be richer and contain higher doses of anti aging ingredients that work to repair the skin while you sleep.  Moisturizer should be applied twice a day to the face and neck after cleansing and toning and those looking for simplicity should always use a product containing an SPF of 30 or higher.

A basic skin care routine is something that will benefit everyone and is easy to implement.  Using well chosen, quality products will improve the look and feel of your skin now, as well as in the future.