Your skin is ever changing, literally. Skin cell renewal replaces your entire epidermis about once a month. Factors that affect the skin change with age: sun exposure most affects young people, while hormonal or other aging changes affect older adults. All cosmetics and cleansers, however, are not appropriate for all skin types and conditions. Find out how to get the right skin care for your time in life by consulting experts and choosing cosmetic products that will help protect your skin effectively.
Hypoallergenic
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends certain hypoallergenic cleansers, moisturizers and other skin care items for daily use. Ingredients in hypoallergenic cosmetic products may contain less fragrance, color or formaldehyde than their regular counterparts. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, hypoallergenic products promote healthy skin with fewer possible irritants. The AAD publishes a monthly newsletter.
Hypoallergenic cosmetics pioneers Clinique and Almay, while commercial manufacturers, have devoted decades to researching skin care. They make a daily three-step routine possible by offering cleansers, toners, exfoliating scrubs, moisturizers, makeup and makeup removers that are hypoallergenic. These items also come in different formulas to suit various types of skin. All of these authorities offer science-based information on caring for your skin.
Cosmeceutical
These same resources offer reliable tips on the validity of cosmeceutical statements, such as the effectiveness of anti-aging or anti-acne products. Cosmeceuticals include facial creams and serums such as retinoids or collagen applications whose makers claim promote healthy skin. Soaps that promise a certain benefit, like deodorant or moisturizing properties, are considered cosmeceuticals as well.
The AAD sponsors Aging Skin Net, which tracks skin health issues related to aging, such as how to counteract reduced collagen and elastin production. You can look up info on the safety of active ingredients in the cosmetic products database provided by Cosmetics Info. Items are evaluated for efficacy and safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, a consortium of independent scientists.
Medical
Skin care is an important medical concern for people who have conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and diabetes. You can go straight to the source of expertise on your condition, such as Eczema Net or the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Or you can get an overview on how and why to maintain healthy skin from medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic.
Individuals with chronic skin conditions must take special care in choosing cosmetic products, so dermatologists at the AAD or Eczema Net make suggestions that won't interfere with your health. Diabetics, whose wound healing abilities are impaired, need specific information on how to care for skin, especially on the feet. Both the ADA and the American Podiatric Medical Association provide step-by-step healthy skin tips for diabetics.
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