Great skin isn't just a matter of DNA, your daily habits actually have a huge impact on what you see in your mirror, and depending on the product advice you apply or the doctors you consult, there are an overwhelming number of opinions on everything from how you moisturize to how you protect yourself. From UV rays, in the end, taking care of your skin is a personal matter that is simply up to you, here is what you should do and consider when taking care of your skin.
Skin care tips before you start
Three main steps
Think of your skincare routine as consisting of three main steps:
*Wash your face - cleansing.
*Skin balancing - toning.
* Moisturizing and softening the skin - Smoothing.
The goal of any skincare routine is to adjust your skin tone so that it is at its best, and also to troubleshoot or target areas of your body for improvement, says skin care specialist Christina Holly, " Cosmetic procedures are an opportunity to notice the changes that are happening inside you." Because your skin needs changes with age, so do your products. "It's not about creating perfection," she adds.
Give it time
Science in skincare products has come a long way, but there isn't such a thing yet as an instant fix. You need time to reap the rewards, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan-based dermatologist. "Results can only be seen through continued use." ". In general, aim to use a specific product for six weeks or less once or twice a day to see a difference.
advice:
With any skin care product, apply in order of consistency, from thin to thick, eg: cleanser, toner (if you use), serum, then moisturizer.
disinfection
says d. Carlos Charles, MD, a dermatologist in New York City, says washing your face is the essential step in any routine. "Our skin comes into contact with dirt, environmental pollutants, and other agents every day that must be removed." I wash twice a day am/pm to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.
Find your own facial cleanser
The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping healthy, essential oils. Take it easy with a scrub (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed nut shells or abrasive ingredients.
For everyday cleaning, here's what you're looking for
What does non-comedogenic mean exactly?
This term is often seen on product labels and used by skincare experts but is not defined in plain language. Here's a quick explanation: It means it's a product that won't clog pores or cause acne.
toning
How to use toner?
Think of them as supplements. These thin liquids provide an extra dose of nutrients, helping other products in your system absorb better, and keep your skin balanced. Keep in mind that a toner is optional, says esthetician Jordana Mattioli. Certain ingredients may not be available in your other products or add another layer of skin renewal." If you have the time and inclination, here are some key ingredients to look for:
- Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and reduce dullness.
- Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, maintain moisture and plump skin to subtly address fine lines.
- Rose water and green tea to soothe irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Vitamin C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.
How to use toner?
"Toners should be used after cleansing and before applying anything else," says Mattioli.
The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and swipe it across your face, but as Mattioli points out, "you end up losing a lot of product."
advice:
Using a toner with clean hands is the most effective, just pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and then blot it quickly, if you prefer cotton you can use a cotton pad so that it is not too thick before applying the toner on it, most formulations can be used p/m but you may want to use Those that contain acid peels only at night or every other day.
The serum
Simply put, serums are skin's powerful ally. Filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients, these elixirs can ease a number of issues, from dark spots to wrinkles. "Even if you don't have any specific issues, everyone still needs a general antioxidant serum in the morning to protect against daily aggression," says Mattioli. While there are "unlimited choices" for ingredients, Nazarian singles out her hard-working favourites. To deal with specific issues, look for these products:
- Hyaluronic acid locks in hydration and strengthens the barrier function (the top layer of your skin) to prevent moisture loss.
- Vitamin C to help brighten dull skin and reduce dark spots with continued use.
- Retinol, Vitamin B3, and peptides to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins in the body that help prevent lines and sagging skin.
- Colloidal Sulfur, Niacinamide to calm redness and irritation by reducing inflammation, and improve acne with its antimicrobial effects.
Helpful hints and pointers
If you have multiple concerns, you may want to use multiple formulas. "I recommend treating different areas with different products," says Mattioli. Just use any combination prescribed by your dermatologist to avoid any potential reactions.
To save time, don't try mixing your serum into your moisturizer. This "reduces the serum's ability to absorb effectively," says Dr. Nazarian. Products should be applied one at a time.
Not all serums are applied with the same frequency. "It varies with the ingredients," says Dr. Nazarian. "I prefer antioxidants in the morning because they give you extra protection from the environment, and most of us don't use enough sunscreen," says Mattioli. However, some ingredients are best when stirred in overnight. For example: "Retinol is not stable to sunlight and will degrade if used in the daytime," explains Dr. Nazarian. Bottom line: Read label instructions carefully.
wetting
The primary function of a moisturizer is to moisturize and soften the skin. "Essentially, moisturizers help prevent water loss through the outer layers of the skin," explains Dr. Charles. "They can also complement naturally occurring protective oils and other building blocks within the skin, such as ceramides." This is one of the products doctors recommend for year-round use for all skin types. Dr. Nazarian insists, "Skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture as we age, and daily activities, such as washing, can strip natural moisturizers from the surface."
How to choose a moisturizer?
"Everyone needs moisturizing, but the texture of your moisturizer will vary depending on your skin type," notes Mattioli. Consider this your cheat sheet, courtesy of Dr. Nazarian.
The difference between day cream and night cream
The creams you apply in the morning are equipped to protect your skin from the environmental aggressors you encounter when you leave the house - many contain antioxidants to reduce pollution-causing free radicals and sunscreen to protect you from UV rays. They usually have a lightweight consistency. On the other hand, night creams focus on repairing any damage you may have with ingredients like retinol to speed up cell turnover and counteract dark spots. These creams also replenish moisture levels, which naturally dip in the evening, with emollients often creating a thick, rich texture.
Description of eye creams
Can you live without eye cream ? Absolutely. But if you have specific concerns—like hyperpigmentation, dryness, or puffiness—you might want to try one of these. "The skin around the eyes is very thin and sensitive, and it's more likely to react to irritating ingredients than other areas," says Dr. Nazarian. "Therefore, dermatologists usually recommend an eye cream that takes into account potential allergic reactions and has more tolerable concentrations of active ingredients."
Mattioli says caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can be soothing for under-eye bags and inflammation. "Dark circles can be due to visible veins or actual discoloration that is common in darker skin tones," she says. "Look for brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide." Insider tip: Stay away from strong retinols (Which can cause stinging and redness) and fragrance, to avoid any eye irritation.
Protect with sunscreen
All the experts unanimously agreed on one thing: sunscreen is the most important skin care product. "It is of the utmost importance as part of your daily regimen throughout the year," notes Dr. Charles. Daily, consistent use of sunscreen helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, textural blemishes, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. Most importantly, daily use of sunscreen can help prevent the formation of some skin cancers.” To make it easier to remember, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.
Decoding sunscreen formulas
There is a lot of debate about which sunscreens are the best and safest for your skin. You have two types of ingredients in the formulas:
- Chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, that are absorbed into your skin to counteract damage from UV rays.
Positives:
- Lightweight, easy to apply and sheer on the skin.
cons:
- It can irritate and cause reactions in people with sensitive skin.
- Some ingredients like oxybenzone have raised health concerns and carry a "high risk" rating in the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.
- Physical ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that sit on top of your skin to deflect or block UV rays from entering your body.
Positives:
- Very little risk of irritation or health concerns.
cons:
- They often leave a white or gray cast on the skin, especially in those with darker skin.
Insider tip: "I usually advocate sunscreens that contain a mixture of physical and chemical blocking ingredients," says Dr. Charles. "These will provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and usually don't create any visible residue."
Applying sunscreen 101
Consider this your rule of thumb, according to Dr. Nazarian: "Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours." Chemical sunscreens should be applied directly to clean skin, while physical sunscreens can be applied last. "Skincare regimen, but before applying makeup. About two tablespoons of sunscreen is adequate to cover your face and exposed areas of your body; within this amount, use a nickel-sized dollop to cover your face."
Daily, consistent use of sunscreen helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, textural blemishes, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. Most importantly, daily use of sunscreen can help prevent the formation of some skin cancers.” To make it easier to remember, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.
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