Blame it on the late nights, date nights, work nights, kids driving you crazy nights that stops you from washing your face before you go to bed. We are all guilty, claiming we are so exhausted we can’t even think about putting our skincare needs first. Well get this: while we think everything is going to be fine (and maybe one night will be but consecutive short falls can wreak havoc on our complexion) our facial skin is screaming and suffocating for help. Bacteria, oily make-up, sweat and environmental toxins are all GUNK factors that take away from that FRESH look.
STEP 1: CLEAN- Please do your skin a favor. Don’t scrub it like you would your floors. Gently cleanse at least twice a day. For most it’s when we wake up and go to bed. Those with moderately oilier skin should carry Cleansing Towelettes-Try Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes $6, burtsbees.com; Biore Towelettes $6.99, Ulta. My facial skin is categorized as dry-normal. I have found that cleansing my face with only water in the morning works then cleansing my face with Cetaphil in the evening is very beneficial. This is so I rinse away all the GUNK factors at night. BENEFIT: works great, cost effective, and prevents further drying of my skin.
STEP 2: EXFOLIATE- Its best to exfoliate twice a week. Depending on your skin type you may need to exfoliate more or less. I LOVE my baking soda exfoliate (see my June 2011 posting The Newest Exfoliate for details).
STEP 3: MOISTURIZE- As we get older we have less enzymes and natural oils that keep our facial skin from looking plump and soft. Fewer enzymes lead to the inability to break down healthy lipids that lock in moisture. Find a moisturizer that works best for you. You may need to change moisturizers depending on the season (i.e. winter=dryer; summer=oily). I use Shiseido Day Moisture Protection, $40.50 (Nordstrom or Sephora) for fall and winter. Don’t forget to buy moisturizer with SPF. Try Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Daily Facial Moisturizer, $20 or Best drugstore Moisturizer Eucerin Facial Moisturizer with SPF, Under $10.
EXTRA CREDIT:
Dark Spots: Usually from pregnancy, sun damage or aging. Look for products with lightening agents such as hydroquinone and hexylresorcinol.
Acne: Usually from hormones, genetics, and stress. Look for products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur.
Redness: Usually from Rosacea or sun damage. Look for mild, fragrance-free products.
