With new cosmetic products emerging all the time, dermatologists urge consumers to limit skin care tools. Using the essentials and focusing on regular skin protection are the best ways to achieve healthy skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes only three items necessary to daily facial care: those that help you cleanse, moisturize and avoid ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Still, your skin periodically needs help exfoliating, or sloughing off dead surface cells. Dead skin may hold dirt or other irritants. Address any minor damage with an occasional intensive facial to repair and renew skin. A few inexpensive cosmetic gadgets help you get the job done.
Daily Products
To prevent skin problems, the AAD recommends using gentle yet effective cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen on your face every day. Cleansers include gel, foam, liquid or bar soaps formulated for facial care. Moisturizers include oil-free products for acne and oily skin and lotions and creams for dry and sensitive skin. You may wish to add a spritz of cosmetic toner between cleansing and moisturizing, to attract and trap water on the skin surface.
Sunscreens should be purchased in SPF 30, 45 or 55 formulas and worn during the day. Anti-aging skin care tools may be specially designed for night use, to support your skin's natural rejuvenation process. These cosmetic products may include healthy skin boosters such as collagen, retinol and salicylic acid.
Periodic Facial Care
When skin tone looks dull, it's time for a facial. You can steam your pores open with an electric humidifier made for cosmetic facial use. After regular cleansing, you may try a cosmetic exfoliant, such as an exfoliating scrub, or a natural exfoliant, such as a tablespoon of baby oatmeal moistened into a paste.
Hydrating masques, clay masques and astringents are effective skin care tools. If skin is dry, apply a hydrating masque. For oily skin or uneven tone, use a drying masque with a kaolin clay ingredient. Add cotton squares and a bottle of witch hazel to your healthy skin shopping list; lightly swipe with them to close facial pores.
Skin Care Tools
Blackhead removers, eyebrow shapers and manicure tools can aid your daily and periodic skin care efforts. Even healthy skin forms blackheads when sebum (oil), dust, pollution and dead skin cells lodge in pores. A professional blackhead remover can be sterilized in alcohol and is therefore better than your fingernails for invading the epidermal layer.
Tweezers, a mirror and a wax kit help you trim brows as part of your facial care. A manicure kit includes nail clippers for fingers and toes, an emory board or metal file and a pumice stone for smoothing rough skin.
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