There are those who think that gold is the most valuable substance on earth.

You probably know that gold is a soft, malleable and ductile metal. But did you know it's also the most malleable and ductile of all metals? It can be beaten into sheets so thin that light passes through them. Because of its high reflectivity and resistance to tarnishing, gold is often used for decorative purposes such as jewelry ornaments. It also conducts heat well and has good electrical conductivity properties which make it useful in electronics applications such as wiring circuits inside computers or cell phones where wires need to transfer electricity efficiently without losing any energy along their path from one component (like a CPU) over another component (like RAM).

But while gold may be known as one of the oldest precious metals, platinum is a relative newcomer to skincare, but it comes with quite a pedigree.

But while gold may be known as one of the oldest precious metals, platinum is a relative newcomer to skincare. It comes with quite a pedigree though:

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Whether you're in your late 30s, early 40s, or somewhere in between, it's a good idea to start thinking about your skin-care routine as you approach the big 5-0.

I know, I know: You're not supposed to think about getting older, but this isn't just about vanity; it's also about preventing wrinkles and other signs of damage due to sun exposure. So let me help you get started on the right foot with these five steps:

Step 1: Cleanse your skin.

Step 1: Cleanse your skin.

• For dry skin, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

• For oily skin, use a mild facial cleanser and toner. If you have very oily skin, exfoliate twice per week (once with an exfoliating pad or cloth) to remove dead cells that can cause acne breakouts. Use moisturizer in the morning and evening after cleansing but avoid using it immediately before applying sunscreen—the sunscreen will leave a white film on your face which will make it more difficult for the moisturizer to absorb properly into your pores.

If you have dry skin, use a creamy or thicker moisturizer. Use lightweight facial moisturizers for oily skin, but avoid alcohol-based ones. If you have very oily skin, try using oil-free products that are labeled “noncomedogenic” (meaning they won’t clog pores).

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