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It is easy to be overwhelmed by the variety of skin care products available and just as easy to spend a lot of money on the latest products without knowing if they are really needed. But what do you really need to take care of your skin?
As your body‘s largest organ, it‘s important to protect your skin‘s health. But, taking care of your skin doesn‘t have to be complicated. Five basic products are all you need to help prevent damage and soften the effects of aging.
Cleansers
Your skin doesn‘t have to feel tight and dry after cleansing your face. Your cleanser should have active ingredients for your skin type allowing cleansing agents to lift impurities and oils, gently exfoliate dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling fresh and clean.
Serums
Serums are made of very small molecules; active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively. Serums are great for preventing photo-aging, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting good skin health. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C is a great start; an antioxidant providing eight times the skin’s natural protection against photo-aging and defense from environmental aging.
Anti-Aging
Start using a product that has growth factors and peptides. Growth factors will help to support the extracellular matrix (brighten the overall tone and texture of the skin.) Add a Retin-A at night to help exfoliation and speed up your cell turnover. Start with a low strength or a slow release 2-3 times a week to get your skin adjusted. Over time you will notice a difference in fine lines, even skin tone and some coarse wrinkles.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are used to prevent dryness in our skin. They contain varying combinations of emollients and humectants to achieve their beneficial effects. Even if your skin is on the oily side, you still need to moisturize. SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer or SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel are good choices for those with oily skin.
Sunscreens
Sunscreens are important because they protect the skin from damaging rays. However, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Many sunscreens are dual action as they are a moisturizer as well. Glytone Hydra Lipid UV SPF 40 and Revision Intellishade SPF 45 are both great choices.
