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What Do I Really Need?
1. SUNSCREEN:
Ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun are damaging to the skin. Exposure to sun can cause sunburn, premature wrinkling, skin rashes and skin cancer. Wear sunscreen DAILY.
2. MOISTURIZER:
Skin serves as a primary defense against the environment. It is a barrier to microorganisms, irritants and immune challenges and to the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. Skin plays a vital role in temperature regulation and is a major sensory organ. To function optimally, adequate hydration of the skin is mandatory. Skin hydration is essential for skin health. Skin hydration also improves skin appearance. Although skin has its own mechanisms to prevent water loss, the system is not perfect. Under most conditions, water has a tendency to evaporate from the skin into the environment. When used properly, effective moisturizers prevent water loss from the skin's surface yielding a more hydrated, healthier skin, that performs its functions optimally. If your skin is dry, moisturize twice daily. It's good for you!
3. CLEANSER:
There is NO consensus on how often a person with healthy skin should wash their face with a cleanser. An unpublished study of over 500 women between 30-65 years of age with healthy skin revealed that almost 50% of women wash their face with water only. And the majority of them do so while in the shower. Almost all wear some type of foundation, eye makeup and color cosmetics on a daily basis. Even the mildest cleansers cannot distinguish the unwanted dirt and sebum from the necessary proteins and lipids the skin needs to maintain hydration. Using daily cleansers on healthy skin may cause dry, flaky skin. Use of a mild cleanser is optional. Decide what works best for your skin. (Ample scientific studies, however, do indicate that teenagers with acne or oily skin benefit from washing their face with a mild cleanser twice daily.)
- Fragrance is one of the most frequent causes of contact allergic reactions; therefore, fragrance-free skin care products are recommended over scented products.
- Physical Sunscreens (also referred to as "sunblocks"), are those containing the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunscreens are less likely to cause skin reactions and are, therefore, recommended for individuals with sensitive skin.
- Individuals with acne, rosacea, eczema or other skin conditions should consult their dermatologist for routine skincare recommendations.
- Select products with the fewest ingredients to minimize the chance of allergic reactions.
In the morning:
CLEANSE the face with warm water. The use of a mild cleansing beauty bar or lipid free cleanser is optional for most skin types, but may be preferred for oily skin.
MOISTURIZE the face. Moisturize the body after showering especially in cold dry climates.
SUNSCREEN Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daily wear. Option: You may prefer to apply a combination moisturizer/sunscreen that contains an SPF 30 or higher. Apply liberally. For outdoor activity: Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher to all sun exposed areas. (Reapply every two hours with increased activity or swimming.) For individuals with sensitive skin, physical sunblocks (products containing titanium and/or zinc oxide) are recommended. For normal skin, the choice of chemical versus physical sunscreen is a personal preference. Moisturize the body after showering especially in cold dry climates.
Note: Other than sun avoidance, sunscreen application is the single most effective anti-aging preventative.
In the evening:
CLEANSE the face with warm water. If you prefer, the use of a mild cleanser will help remove make-up, sebum from oil glands, and environmental dirt.
MOISTURIZE the face to hydrate the skin. Apply a body moisturizer if the skin is dry especially in cold dry climates.