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Back to Basics

Sometimes the assortment of specialty skin care products can be overwhelming, especially for someone who is just beginning to incorporate skin health and maintenance into their daily routine. Before digging into the world of creams with snake venom and at-home light therapy, create a firm foundation of basic skin care necessities. Whether you’re a skin care beginner or a skin care veteran aiming to de-clutter your bathroom counter, here’s a list of four simple steps to get you on track to well-adjusted, balanced skin.

Cleansing
For a clear, healthy complexion, cleansing is a must. Not only does it remove all of the yucky things you don’t want on your skin (like oil and dirt), it makes skin more receptive to the nutrients and moisture your skin care regimen provides. Choose a cleanser that’s designed to work with your skin type and use it every morning and evening.

Normal skin: White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser by Korres – all-natural and extremely gentle, this soap-free cleanser provides rich lather, moisture and a fresh, relaxed feeling.

Oily skin: Purifying Facial Cleanser by Neova – invigorating yet gentle, this effective cleanser relieves the skin of oil for a perfectly clean finish without dryness or irritation.

Acneic skin: Decongestant Cleanser by Bioelements – keep blemishes away without drying your skin! Free of colorants and fragrance, this cleanser foams up and rinses away dirt, makeup and excess oil for a clear, comfortable finish.

Dry and sensitive skin: Dry Skin Cleanser by Pevonia Botanica – essential oils and natural extracts remove impurities while restoring a healthy moisture balance for increased suppleness, comfort and radiance.

Toning
Using a toner (also called lotion) benefits your skin by shrinking pores, removing the last traces of makeup, oil and dirt, and creating a blank canvas for perfect penetration of treatment products and moisturizers. Many toners contain alcohol which may be overly drying to some skin types, so be wary of ingredients if your skin is dry or sensitive.

All skin types: Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion by Phytomer – exceptionally gentle and absolutely perfect for all skin types, this aromatic toner improves skin without the use of alcohol. It also works well as an eye makeup remover.

Moisturizing
Skin appearance and health is greatly affected by moisture. Without a healthy amount of moisture, skin can be ailed by premature aging and dullness. Plus, since water intake plays a huge roll in the overall health of your body, skin conditions such as dryness, sensitivity and acne can be hugely aggravated by insufficient moisture levels. Not to mention dry skin is extremely uncomfortable and, unsurprisingly, boasts nothing but a dry, unattractive texture.

Normal skin: Sweet Black Tea & Rich Facial Moisturizer by Juara – created with the skin nourishing rituals of Indonesia in mind, this luxe formula restores moisture, essential fatty acids and vitamins for a boost in health, comfort and appearance.

Oily skin: Rosehip Whip Moisturizer by Eminence – moisturize dry areas without exacerbating oily skin with this all-natural formula. Skin is left with a fresh, matte appearance and increased suppleness.

Acneic skin: Hydrasoft Lotion – Clear by Sonya Dakar – calm breakouts, protect against free radicals and smooth roughness with this aromatherapeutic formula. Oil-free, lightweight and gentle for a clearer, calmer complexion.

Dry and sensitive skin: HydraContinue by Phytomer – luxurious without feeling heavy or greasy, this moisturizer frees the skin of discomfort and flakiness associated with excessively dry and easily irritated skin.

Protect
Protecting your skin from the sun is the number one way to keep your skin from becoming prematurely wrinkled, saggy and pigmented. By regularly applying a protective product with SPF, your risk of skin cancer is decreased, moisture levels stay balanced and skin tone maintains an even appearance. Honestly, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Normal skin: Anthelios 15 by La Roche-Posay – the lightweight texture and non-sunscreen scent lays comfortably on the skin while an SPF of 15 provides UVA and UVB protection.

Oily and acneic skin: Sun Defense Minerals by Eminence – available in six sheer shades and 100% natural, these protective minerals dust lightly onto the skin for long-lasting, non-greasy SPF 30+ protection.

Dry and sensitive skin: Kinerase Lotions with SPF 30 by Kinerase – this comforting sunscreen combines an emollient moisturizer, plant oils and exceptional sun protection (SPF 30) with kinetin, a natural anti-aging ingredient for complete skin management.

No matter what your skin type, a firm skin care foundation is necessary for your skin’s health and comfort. Research and choose your products carefully to find the right match for you and enjoy the many benefits of having a good relationship with your skin.

Article posted 1/03/2008.

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2009-11-07