When it comes to skin care tools, dermatologists recommend that you use what works for you--every day. A regular routine is essential. Skipping facial care and switching products frequently do not contribute to healthy skin. Because the skin is an active organ, it must be replenished and maintained daily for optimal performance.
Skin that functions well looks great. You can keep your epidermis in top shape by protecting yourself from the sun, washing away pore-clogging debris, and smoothing the skin with moisturizer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that people with sensitive skin can avoid reactions with cosmetic products by choosing those with little or no fragrance, color, formaldehyde or other preservatives.
Cleanser
Clean skin is the first step toward healthy skin. Daily facial care should include cleansing morning and evening with a gentle soap that's appropriate for your skin type. Oily or acne-prone types should choose soaps made for face skin that contain glycerin and/or alpha hydroxy acids in oil-free gel or foam formulas. Dry skin needs more hydration from mild soaps in lotion or vegetable oil bases.
One skin care tool that you shouldn't use is a washcloth. Avoid facial abrasion by lathering cleanser and a little water over your face, using fingertips to gently massage dirt away. The right skin care tool coupled with the correct method removes the excess sebum, or skin oil, and any impurities that it has trapped.
Moisturizer
Stripping away oil, however necessary, does dry the skin. Moisturizer is a facial care product that is scientifically proven to aid hydration. This skin care tool comes in different strengths, from light lotions to heavy creams. Facial creams have greater oil than water content and may be light for day wear or heavy for night repair. Many contain vitamin A, vitamin C, retinol and other nutrients needed for healthy skin.
Hand and body lotions contain more that 50 percent water, which is essential to hydration. Again, your application tool should be your fingertips.
Sunscreen
Cosmetic sunblock products work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays before they can penetrate healthy skin. Sunscreens are labeled by their sun protection factors (SPF), which reflect the strength and duration of their action. Popular formulas are SPF 15, 30, 55 and 75.
Doctors at the AAD suggest using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on all exposed skin every day, reapplying after you sweat or shower. Sunscreen types are specially designed for facial care and sport use and for babies and other people with sensitive skin.
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