Effective skin care is part diligence and part application of the right cosmetic products. If you were born with fair, delicate skin, you'll need greater sun protection. If you tend toward acne outbreaks, you'll require a drying component in the products you buy. You'll need to avoid certain ingredients, such as fragrance and formaldehyde, if your skin reacts easily to irritants and allergens. Doctors at the Skin Sciences Institute (SSI) offer product recommendations based on beneficial and detrimental ingredients.
Cleanser
Facial and body cosmetic products use different types of surfactants as cleansing agents. Because your skin care routine should include cleansing once or twice daily, soaps should be as gentle as possible. Deodorant and antibacterial body washes should be used sparingly. Moisturizing beauty bars or liquid soaps are gentler.
For healthy skin, facial cleanser formulation by skin type is essential. Deodorant, antiseptic and de-greasing soaps should be avoided. Dry skin needs the conditioning aid of a humectant such as glycerin or lanolin. Oily skin needs an oil-free and noncomedogenic formula that won't clog pores. Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) say that a benzoyl peroxide solution is effective in managing acne.
Moisturizer
Moisturizing cosmetic products are engineered to draw water toward the epidermis from deeper, internal skin layers. They also enhance healthy skin's natural barrier to prevent evaporation. In doing so, moisturizing creams and lotions contribute to healthy skin by making it fuller and more elastic, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Lotions contain more water and are light enough for overall body protection; creams have greater oil content for heavier coverage of thinner facial skin.
Researchers at SSI recommend emollients and humectants that help good moisturizers do their jobs. When shopping for skin care products, look for ingredients such as mineral oil, dimethicone, allantoin, glycerin, lanolin and aloe vera.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the top cosmetic products recommended by AAD dermatologists because it actively prevents damage to the skin's outer layer. This protects your appearance and promotes healthy skin. You'll still have to shop with care, however, because less-effective skin care products for sunblock abound.
Dermatologists suggest choosing broad-spectrum sunscreens that absorb both UVA and UVB rays. Because most products do contain UVB protection, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests screening ingredients for UVA absorbers. Choose sunscreen products that have avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Professionals disagree on the sun protection factor (SPF) needed for effective action, but the AAD stands behind an SPF 30 or higher strength.
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