Know Thy Skin
To determine your skin's personality, try this simple test: Wash your face, skip the moisturizer, wait an hour and then take four pieces of transparent tape and place each one in a different area of the: chin, forehead, cheeks and across the nose. Gently pull off the tape and observe the sticky side. If it holds flakes of skin, you have dry skin in that area. If it has a greasy print, you have oily skin. Then take a closer look at your face. Do you see a few pimples? You may have minor acne. Do you frequently have a redness or irritation? Your skin is probably sensitive.
Cleanse Faithfully
Always use a cleanser suited to your skin type. If yours is oily or acne-prone, come clean with a liquid, gel formulation. Dry skin calls for a creamy cleanser that won't strip the skin. Recommended ones to try are: Glymed Gentle Facial Wash (for oily or acne prone skin), SAMPAR Velvet Cleansing Milk (for dry skin).
Combination skin has its own set of concerns: It's usually oily in the T-zone and the cheeks are dry. If your skin is sensitive, go for tried and true cleansers that contain no alcohol and don't over lather. Try: SAMPAR Daily Dose Cleanser.
Moisturize Religiously
Skin of any type needs a barrier between it and the environment; the elements can damage it and age us before our time. What to look for in a moisturizer? Dry skin requires ingredients like hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA and glycerin, commonly known as humectants, to draw moisture from the air to the skin. One to try: Ultra Hydrating Fluid with mint and white lupine.
Exfoliate or rejuvenate
Use exfoliation products to reveal soft, smooth and glowing skin. Exfoliants come in three forms: gentle scrubs that remove surface dead skin, proteolytic enzymes and chemical preparations like alpha-hydroxy acids. AHA's such as glycolic or lactic, provide a deeper exfoliation, but caution: AHA use thins the top layer of skin and making it more vulnerable to burning, daily use of sun protection with an SPF of 15 or higher is a must! Exfoliating products to try: Equalizing Foam Peel (a peel with essential oils and mild AHA's).
Don't worship the sun
As the years go by, (and the ozone layer is depleted) doctors are seeing more and more cases of melanoma. It's always a good idea to protect skin from sun damage year-round. Use moisturizers with an SPF of 15 during the day like Photo-age Protection gel. (especially if you're using a product with AHA's). For extended outdoor activity (outdoor sports or a day at the beach) and sun exposure, use a full-fledged sunscreen that contains protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, with an SPF+ like dermatologist recommended COTZ SPF 58 with micronized titanium and zinc.
Honor your eyes
Skin around the eyes is prone to fine lines, dark circles or puffiness. In some cases, circles are due to heredity or they're an indication of illness or lack of sleep. In addition to getting more rest, you can use certain products. Puffiness can be reduced with products containing certain peptides that act as a decongestant around the eye area. Remember to apply eye creams on the bone around the eye, not directly under it, to keep the cream from getting into the eye. Recommended products to try: Splendid “Eyes” Elation with biopeptides. Recommended treatment: Biotone anti-aging eye treatment a gentle microcurrent that lifts and tones delicate eye tissue – helps get rid of dark under eye circles.
Keep an even tone
Hyper-pigmentation can be caused by everything from acne, and hormonal changes to burns and sun damage. To even out skin discolorations, look to the ingredient hydroquinone, which acts by breaking up melanin formation. Over-the-counter drug preparations, generally come in concentrations of 2%. Try Desert Bloom's Skin Blemish Formula. When teamed with alpha-and beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic or salicyclic acids), hydroquinone can deeply penetrate the skin. NOTE: skin lightening creams should ONLY be applied directly to the areas of discoloration.
Thou shalt visit thy skin care professional
Facials can stimulate blood circulation and the flow of oxygen to purge skin of toxins imbedded in pores. For the best results, get monthly facial treatments, including deep-cleansing, in which pores are unclogged through exfoliation, steaming, extractions, massage, masks or glycolic acid. A strong exfoliating peel (like a Jessner's peel) can smooth and brighten skin tone.
Visit Your Doctor
If you have severe acne, or special concerns like flesh moles, eczema or anything that looks suspicious, consult a medical professional.
Be committed to thyself
Beautiful skin requires consistent effort and love. It's all about drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to cleanse your system and making sure your diet includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and fiber to keep your body hydrated and rid of toxins. Supplement your diet with vitamins, especially A, C, E and B complex. Do not skimp on sleep.