Choosing a cleanser that is specifically formulated for the face (rather than the body) is the first essential step in a basic skincare routine. Either way, you'll be happy to know that experts tell us that a true and honest skin care regimen only needs a few important elements. And, in fact, most of us would probably be better off sticking to the simpler ending of things. The basic steps of a skincare routine are a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, Emily Newsom, M, D.
Seriously, that's all you have to do. In fact, there are very few situations where people need to use a lot of products, Temitayo Ogunleye, M, D. Although there is no inherent problem with using a ton of products if you enjoy them and they are not irritating, she says, “First you have to try these very simple things and then we'll see. You'll need a cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, excess oil, dead skin cells and environmental impurities that end up on your face naturally throughout the day.
The moisturizer will help the skin's protective barrier work properly and make the skin feel soft and smooth. And possibly the most important element, sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and aesthetic sun damage. In the morning, wash with a cleanser and then apply moisturizer and sunscreen (or combine both with a moisturizer that has a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher). In the evening, wash with the cleanser again and apply moisturizing cream.
Yes, you can use your SPF moisturizer at night if you want, Dr. You may find that you prefer something thicker at night, but there is no rule against using the one with SPF before sleeping, he says. From there, it is important to pay attention to how the skin reacts immediately after using the product and in the following days. Do you notice tightness, greasiness, redness or breakouts? If you are on the oily side, you may need to hydrate less often or use a lighter formula, for example.
If it's on the dry side, you may need to use a heavier moisturizer. If your skin is very dry or sensitive, you may only need to wash your face with a cleanser once a day at night while rinsing with water or micellar water in the morning. But if your skin is especially oily or you wear a lot of heavy makeup, you may need to clean more often or even double cleanse at the end of the day. If your skin is sensitive, you may notice some irritation (redness, itching, peeling), which is a sign that you should back off and call a dermatologist.
You'll probably need to be careful in the future to avoid products with certain ingredients, such as fragrances, that can be irritating. However, everyone still needs to apply sunscreen every day. Here's how to find one you don't mind using. You might be surprised how, after a few weeks of following these basic steps, your other skin problems calm down.
But if they don't, your next steps will depend on your skin's specific needs, said Dr. If you have acne, you can change a cleanser for salicylic acid, a mild chemical peel, or the occasional spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide. For wrinkles, fine lines, or sun damage, you may want to add an OTC retinoid to begin with (and maybe a prescription version later). Are you interested in managing hyperpigmentation? Brightening agents such as hydroquinone or vitamin C may work.
But be sure to add only one product at a time, Dr. Newsom says, and give it at least two weeks before adding anything else. If you add several things at once and you have a bad reaction to something, it will be impossible to know which product was responsible without patch testing, said Dr. Or if you see positive results, you won't know which product was responsible for the change.
It is also important to avoid adding too many products that do the same. If you already have a retinoid or an exfoliating acid in your line, you may find that adding another one doesn't help and, in fact, is more irritating. In addition to using too many products, Dr. Ogunleye says that one of the biggest mistakes rookies make is giving up too easily.
But as SELF explained earlier, both over-the-counter and prescription treatments take weeks or months to produce noticeable changes. Ogunleye argues that it is important to adjust your expectations and be prepared to offer new products for two to three months before you get discouraged and give up on them. If you're trying to find gentle day-to-day products and can't seem to find one that works with your skin, it's time to talk to a dermatologist, Dr. Alternatively, if you're trying to address a specific skin problem (such as acne or hyperpigmentation) and don't see any improvement, a dermatologist can help you solve the problem and possibly prescribe a stronger medication that might be more effective.
And of course, if you find that your skin reacts badly to products and you're not sure why, definitely talk to a dermatologist. They can help you determine what might be causing that irritation and give you guidelines on how to avoid it in the future. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
Beauty expert David Pirrotta from David Pirrotta Brands has the answer. He has spent countless hours in the company of a true alphabet of brands. Through his more than 20 years of industry experience, he even cut his teeth on cosmetic floors in Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys New York City. So, you could say that you've seen it all.
However, when it comes to putting your best face forward, it says that it is four simple goals and four types of products to achieve them. Cleaning your face can be more complicated than it seems, as finding the right product is a bit like Goldilocks's search for the “perfect” porridge. “It is important to properly wash the skin and remove any impurities and makeup without removing essential oils from the skin or altering its protective function,” says Pirrotta. Recommend a product such as VERSO Foaming Cleanser, which has a soothing and purifying formula suitable for daily use.
Leaves skin translucent and clean without leaving residue. Another option to explore is Tatcha Pure One-Step Camellia Cleansing One-Step Cleansing Oil, which is inspired by geisha and blends camellia and rice bran oils for a gentle two-in-one makeup remover and cleanser that melts even waterproof makeup. It is important to always follow facial cleansing with a moisturizing product to restore and nourish the skin. Pirrotta likes to keep it in the same brand family when it comes to moisturizers with VERSO day cream.
Why this cream? It not only moisturizes, but also has a Retinol 8 complex that helps activate the skin and stimulate its natural production of collagen, thus reversing the signs of aging. In addition, the addition of vitamin B3 increases the radiance of the skin, which basically means that you will look freshly radiant and radiant. The cream also contains sunscreens that can help protect the skin from premature aging. However, there is a lot to be said about a few pharmacy moisturizers that do an excellent job.
In fact, some beauty editors trust them think Aveeno's Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer or Neutrogena's Oil-Free Moisturizer. SPF is a VIP when it comes to a solid skincare regimen. Pirrotta likes Drunk Elephant's Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 to combat the signs of aging. And leaves a glossy finish.
The paraben- and sulfate-free formula uses all-natural zinc oxide as sunscreen, and is also infused with sunflower bud extract, astaxanthin (a potent carotenoid), raspberry seed oil and marula oil to leave skin healthy and protected without residue or grease. While C E Ferulic from SkinCeuticals doesn't exactly smell nice, the results make me use it as a perfume every day for the rest of my life if I had to. In my experience, it instantly brightens, unifies and erases any marks of rupture or persistent scars. I apply a few drops in the morning and notice a difference both instantly and over time.
The price is high, but there is no other formula that I would recommend so vehemently (with the exception of Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970, which comes next). Zeichner agrees, pointing out that I think a cleaner is very important. However, you can get great cleaners from your local pharmacy at a much lower price. I tell people to save money for anti-aging products.
The only other thing missing from your regimen is a daily sunscreen, either in a moisturizer with SPF or in a pure sunscreen. We tested Dr. Barbara Sturm's hyaluronic serum to see if it's worth the hype. The more damage you can prevent to skin cells from sunlight, the better your skin will be for years to come.
I contacted some of my favorite and most trusted dermatologists to minimize my collection of favorite skin care products. While all the products in your skincare routine are equally important, a daily moisturizer is especially necessary to protect your skin. However, some masks, such as sheet and night masks, do not require any rinsing and are instead designed to be completely absorbed by the skin. Morning cleansing is sometimes controversial, and many wonder why you need to clean your skin in the morning if you have wiped your face before going to bed.
If you have normal to dry skin, it is best to use a cleanser that does not dry or remove oil from the skin, and a liquid cleanser, in particular, may be ideal for this. For me, a person who admits to being fairly high maintenance and being meticulous in the skincare department, answering that question was a difficult task. Be careful when using retinol with or near other products, such as chemical peels, especially if you are sensitive. When you're cleansing your skin, you remove the buildup of oil and debris, which is great for purifying the skin.
Still, even with these questions, it's a good idea to use a repair cream that contains the important vitamins A, C and E along with other skincare essentials. Although not absolutely essential, retinol (or vitamin A) is highly effective in treating signs of aging and acne, and is widely used and recommended by dermology and skin care professionals. So it struck me when the American Academy of Dermatology, the highest authority on skin care, said that you really only need to use four total products in your routine to have healthy skin. The sensitive eye area may need a little extra care when it comes to skin care, especially since it is prone to showing signs of aging.
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