Nothing has the power to make you feel self-conscious quite like a blotchy, saggy, uneven complexion. The desire to keep the soft, firm, supple skin of your youth is natural, but the sheer volume of products available is more than just a little intimidating. There are hundreds of creams, serums, cleansers, exfoliators, astringents, moisturizers and cosmetics, each one marketed to sound more promising and essential to optimal skin care than the one before it. How do you choose among them? Since everyone has different needs, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. However, there are certain characteristics all of the best facial products have in common. The products you use should contain ingredients that will nourish your skin, fight the effects of aging, and protect against sun damage. The following is a list of some of the best facial products.
Cleansers
The right cleanser for you will largely depend on your skin type, as well as any special concerns you have, such as acne, wrinkles or large pores. For normal skin types, Consumer Research suggests Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Clinique Liquid Facial Soap. If your skin is sensitive, you should choose a gentle product, such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming Facial Cleanser and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. For skin that is oily and prone to acne, Consumer Research recommends products, such as Biore Blemish Fighting Cleanser and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. It is recommended to cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once again in the evening, for the best results.
Moisturizers
A good moisturizer will keep your skin skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. Choose one that contains the same ingredients as your cleanser and is appropriate for your skin type. From its Best of Beauty Master List, Allure recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream for normal skin, and Vichy Laboratoires NormaDerm Pro Mat Ultra Mattifying Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 for oily skin. Estée Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF 15 are both recommended for dry skin types, and for sensitive skin, Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 is the product of their choice. Moisturize your skin twice a day, once in the morning and once again in the evening after cleansing, to lock in the moisture that will keep your skin looking and feeling soft.
Sunscreens
According to Go Sun Smart, "up to 80 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun." The ultraviolet rays from the sun break down the collagen in skin, resulting in wrinkles, freckles, enlarged pores, and overall loss of skin tone and firmness. If you want to protect your skin, you must wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 everyday. Allure recommends Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 for normal skin and Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 30 for sensitive skin. It can be applied after moisturizing, or in some cases in place of a moisturizer if you choose a product with SPF already in it, such as Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15.
Masks
For deep cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating benefits, you should incorporate a weekly mask into your skin care regimen. Masks will give you a softer, firmer, healthier complexion. Be sure to choose a product compatible to your skin type and designed to address any special concerns, such as enlarged pores or acne. For oily skin, Allure recommends DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask Sulfur 10 percent Acne Treatment, and Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask for dry skin. Apply your mask to your clean face, leave it on for the prescribed period of time, then remove it according to the product's instructions.
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