by Artemis
So many skin care products, so little time! The first secret
to loving your skin is prevention. That is to say prevention from new
environmental damage. When I was 15, I preferred to slather on
something or nothing that would not protect my skin from the damaging
rays of the sun, but would bake me into a beautiful golden tan.
Then, around the time I got married, I had a facial and discovered,
through their skin analysis machine, how much damage I had caused my
skin by doing this! I have to say that I was unpleasantly surprised,
because at face value, I couldn't see much damage, but according to
this special photo, my goodness!!!! What a mess!!!
So, of course I wanted the cure to the ailments of hyperpigmentation
and fine lines that were going to show up some time very soon if I did
not take care of my skin. I was in my twenties. Oh, and the reason why
I scheduled that appointment was because I already had blemishes!
Prevention:
Spf 15 (though I prefer 30) and antioxidants that will fight off free
radicals, like little tiny soldiers in battle! Free radicals are excess
oxygen molecules that cause damage to your skin. Very much like when a
piece of metal oxidizes and rusts so does your skin.
You must get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day for the rest
of your life. Zinc Oxide, titanium dioxide, and Parson 1789 are
the broad-spectrum ingredients that will block UVA/UVB rays. UVA rays
reach deep down into the skin and beak down collagen and cause
wrinkles, while UVB rays actually cause sunburn and skin cancer.
The prescribed amount for maximum protection is about a teaspoon, not a pea size.
You can get your antioxidants from ingredients like green tea,
pomegranate, grapeseed oil, idebenone, vitamins C and E, all of which
can be found in moisturizers. Also, eating or drinking these substances
have a way to working from the inside out as well!
Try:
Neutrogena Sun Protection products with Helioplex
Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer
Ole Henriksen Sun-Light Protection Creme With Green Tea SPF 30
Cleansing & Toning:
Should be done no more than twice a day. Creamier cleansers and
cleansing oils are definitely the gentlest on the skin, but if you are
oily, you may prefer a gel. If your cleanser makes you squeaky
clean, then it is over drying your skin.
Removing your eye makeup is a part of cleansing, but be sure to use an
eyemakeup remover. They are specifically formulated for this sensetive
area. Also rubbing back and forth to remove mascara will break your
lashed. Soak a cotton pad in some eye makeup remover and gently press
it onto your lashes to loosen the mascara, and then gently wipe it away.
I personally use a spray toner. Many of them are very drying on
the skin, but if you wish to use one, make sure that it has no alcohol.
Try:
Cetaphil Cleanser
Shu Uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Cleansing Oil Fresh
Decleor Paris Foaming Cleanser
Nars Eye Makeup Remover
Apivita Aromatherapy Refreshing Spray - Green Tea Water
Exfoliate:
Exfoliate no more than twice a week. This action rubs off the outer
layer of the skin. Choose scrubs with tiny beads. Think fine sugar
crystals, jojoba beads or oatmeal.
Try:
Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant
Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream
Fresh Sugar Face Polish
Be Fine Pore Refining Treatment Scrub
Moisturize:
Whether you are dry or oily, everyone needs to use a moisturizer.
My favorite ingredient n a moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, which is a
humectant that helps skin balance its moisture levels and plumps up
fine lines at the same time!
Look for a moisturizer that has sunscreen and antioxidants already in them!
Apply your moisturizer immediately after you have washed your face while your skin is damp to seal in water right away.
Try:
Prescriptives All You Need Fast Acting Moisturizer for Oiler Skin
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Replenishing Hyaluronic Acid/Peptide Capsules
Eye cream:
The skin around the eyes is four times thinner than the rest of the
face. A separate product is ideal, not so much for moisture but for the
specific needs of the eye area... dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and
wrinkles.
Using your ring finger, tap (don't rub) a small amount of eye cream around the eye.
Try:
Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream
Korres Mastiha and Vitamin E Eye Cream
Givenchy No Surgetics Wrinkle Defy Correcting Eye Contour
Special Ingredients:
• Retinoids & Vitamin A derivatives help to boost
collagen in the skin and slow down the aging process. This is a night
treatment and should not be used with alpha hydroxy because they will
cancel eachother out. Also, wear spf during the day when using products
like these.
Try:
Philosophy Help Me
• Alpha Hydroxy acid (glycolic and lactic acid) thin
the outer layer of the skin and must be used with sunscreen, otherwise
you will be defeating your purpose.
Try:
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
• Vitamin C will help to even out skin tone, but
should not be used with retinoids because they will also cancel each
other out, and also should not be used with alpha hydroxy acid because
it can be irritating to the skin.
Try:
MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum
• Acne treatments
Salycilic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoid are the most popular
ingredients. Combining them can be irritating to the skin, as can
overuse of these ingredients. If you skin dries out too much or flakes
or becomes red, use them every other night. Be patient, they will work,
but not overnight. Also note that prevention is easier than treating it
for the first time.
Try:
DDF 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel with Tea Tree Oil
Benefit Boo Boo Zap
