What should your daily skincare routine include?
What should your daily skincare routine include?
Looking good is about more than just having a healthy diet and regular exercise. Taking good care of your skin is just as important, since it's the largest organ in your body. It's also one of the first things people notice when they meet you. If you want to maintain a youthful appearance well into your older years, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin healthy with daily skincare routine—even if you're already past 40!
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day.
A good rule of thumb is to use a gentle cleanser that is specifically formulated for your skin type. For example, if you have dry or sensitive skin, look for labels such as "for dry/sensitive skin" or "hypoallergenic."
Try using a clean washcloth or soft cloth to wash your face morning and night; warm water helps open pores and make it easier for products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis. Rinse well, then dry thoroughly so any leftover residue doesn't clog up pores!
Moisturize, even if you have oily skin.
Moisturize, even if you have oily skin.
If you're worried that a moisturizer will make your face look and feel greasy, don't be! A lightweight, water-based formula with an SPF of at least 30 can help keep skin healthy even if it's prone to shine. Look for one that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin--these ingredients are known for their ability to improve hydration levels while sealing in moisture. And remember: the best time to apply a moisturizer is right after washing your face (rather than before), so make sure there's no residue left behind by rinsing thoroughly first!
Treat breakouts with an acne treatment.
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Treat breakouts with an acne treatment.
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Wash your face twice a day, morning and night, with a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($8). This will help remove dirt, makeup and excess oil from the day before so that you can start fresh in the morning!
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Use toner after washing to balance out PH levels on skin's surface (and make it feel extra clean). Our favorite is Pixi Glow Tonic ($20), which contains glycolic acid for exfoliation benefits.
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Finish up with moisturizer--we recommend one with SPF 30 or higher if you'll be outside often during daylight hours (even if it's just walking around town). The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($30) has been voted best moisturizer by Allure magazine six times running (that tells us something!).
Apply sunscreen every morning and reapply throughout the day.
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Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.
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Apply to all exposed areas, including the back of your legs, tops of feet and ears.
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Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you'll be swimming or sweating.
Use a sunscreen that absorbs well into your skin and doesn't leave a white cast behind.
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. First, make sure the formula is light enough for your skin type. If you have oily or combination skin, look for something that's labeled "oil-free" and has an SPF of 30 or higher (you should also choose water-resistant formulas). If your complexion tends toward dryness, look for moisturizing sunscreens that contain hyaluronic acid or ceramides (both help lock in moisture) as well as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide--these ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA/B rays while providing extra hydration.
Secondly, consider the texture of the product: Does it feel heavy on your face? Are there any ingredients in there that could cause irritation if they come into contact with sensitive areas like around eyes? If so then try another brand with different ingredients instead of sticking with what doesn't work out well!
Choose a moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients that are right for your skin type and concerns.
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Choose a moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients that are right for your skin type and concerns.
If you have oily or combination skin, look for a light, non-greasy moisturizer that won't make your complexion look shiny or clog pores. For instance, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($13) contains hyaluronic acid (a powerful humectant) to attract moisture from the air and lock it into place on the surface of your face. If you have dry skin, pick up something richer like Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream ($18). This formula contains shea butter--a natural emollient known as an occlusive because it creates a barrier between itself and water--as well as sodium PCA (another humectant) to hydrate in multiple ways at once: by attracting water molecules from within deeper layers of skin; by sealing them inside; and by preventing evaporation of existing moisture via its occlusive properties."
Taking good care of your skin can help prevent future issues like dryness, wrinkles, and sagging
Moisturizing your skin is an essential step in your daily skincare routine. Dry, flaky and irritated skin can lead to severe problems like wrinkles and sagging.
If you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy, it's important that you choose a moisturizer that suits your needs. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (a natural substance found in our bodies) which helps the skin retain moisture; ceramides (lipid molecules found naturally in the skin); jojoba oil, shea butter or avocado oil which all provide intense hydration; aloe vera which soothes irritation while providing antioxidants; green tea extract because it contains polyphenols which fight free radicals that cause damage to cells; tangerine peel extract because it contains vitamin C which boosts collagen production; rosehip oil because it has anti-inflammatory properties
When it comes to your skincare routine, there are a lot of different products out there. It can be overwhelming to try and figure out what works best for your skin type, but we hope this guide has helped give you some insight into what kind of products might work for you. We all want healthy, beautiful skin--and with the right routine in place, it's possible!