5 EASY TIPS FOR FLAWLESS SKIN
Have you ever thought, “I’ve got blackheads!” or “I want to get rid of my pimples?” Ever wondered why that girl has got such flawless skin, and you don’t? Don’t envy her. You can have flawless skin as well if you follow these steps.
How to Choose a Moisturizer
Some of the most common skin complaints, like irritation and breakouts, are caused by using the wrong moisturizer. Here’s how to find the right one:
For oily skin: It may sound obvious, but what you want is an oil-free lotion, such as DDF Ultra-Lite Moisturizing Dew.
If your skin is dry: Try a thick cream with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which draw in water like Clarins HydraQuench Cream .
if you break out easily: Choose a lotion or gel instead of a cream, and make sure it’s noncomedogenic. It should say so on the bottle. Try Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer .
If you have sensitive skin: Use a fragrance-free product.
How to try New Products
To sample new creams without breaking into a rash, stick to testing one at a time. If the new product has ingredients that may cause irritation—such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acids—keep everything else simple: a basic cleanser Cetaphil, no exfoliation, no antioxidants, and a plain moisturizer like Clinique Moisture Surge. When you test it, slather the new product on the side of your neck rather than on your face so that you can cover any reaction with your hair. If it passes the neck test for three days, it’s ready for your face.
How to wear Sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen that’s marked “broadspectrum,” meaning it fights both burning UVB rays and wrinkle- and skin-cancer-causing UVA ones. Go with an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis, and 45 when you’re in the sun. Dermatologists say that women rarely apply enough sunscreen to get the full SPF listed on the bottle; a high SPF is a little extra insurance. Apply sunscreen right out of the shower instead of body lotion so you don’t forget, and make sure to get every spot, including the tops of your feet, the crooks of your arms, and the backs of your hands. For your face, don’t forget to coat your hairline, neck, ears, and earlobes.
How to fight lines
Every morning: Slather on a broadspectrum sunscreen—it’s the best antiaging product, period.
Every night: Dab on a lotion containing retinol. If it ends up making your skin red or flaky, dilute it in your palm with some basic moisturizer, and be sure to apply it when skin is completely dry.
Every other night: Use a glycolic acid peel to speed up cell turnover. (Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel.) Just be sure to use it at least a half hour before the retinol—because the two ingredients deactivate each other.
How to treat chapped lips
The trick is to prevent them from getting cracked in the first place. When you’re going to be spending the day outdoors, especially in sunny, or cold weather, apply a thick balm with SPF 30, like Kiehl’s All-Sport “Non-Freeze” Face Protector SPF 30 . When you’re back indoors, switch to a medicated goop with mostly petrolatum.