The Basic 4-Step Skincare RegimenStep 1: CleansingSimple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. See the best cleansers for your skin type. There's no need to spend $40 on a fancy wash. Avoid bar soaps as they tend to dry out the skin. Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a clear cleanser if you have oily skin. Be careful not to cleanse too often. Washing at night should do you. Simply apply cream, then wipe off, no water needed (if you have hard water it can be especially harsh on skin). Most women prefer the water method: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need (we find it's great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Step 2: Exfoliate Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. If you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive mechanical exfoliation of the skin which provides reduction of fine lines, sun damage, post acne scarring, pore reduction. You will see immediate amazing results in one treatment. In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face. Retinoids (such as Retin-A or the more moisturizing Renova) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. Collagen is the skin's structural fiber. As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores." Skincare experts disagree on all sorts of things, but most of them consider retinoids to be a miracle skin saver. Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not. Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. Buy one. Use it. Enjoy it. Step 3: Moisturize A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. (The only exception is those with acne). Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to overmoisturize -- this can clog pores. Are eye creams necessary? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to "thicken" this area. Step 4: Apply Sunscreen Sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare regimen. It is a secret you can pass on to your daughters. The number one cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: One for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 24/7 and can aggravate skin. |
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