With all the skin care products available and the claims that companies make, like Instantly clear your complexion! Look more radiant! Take years off your face! it's easy to start believing that there really is a magic product out there, to believe that if you find just the right one, all your skin care woes will vanish.
Unfortunately, skin care doesn't work that way. While there are some great products available to help you naturally fight the signs of aging and even your skin tone, the truth is there is no substitute for the skin care fundamentals.
The Basic Three No Exceptions
No matter how old you are, what skin type you have or what your skin care goals are, there are three basic tenets to healthy skin that everyone must observe:
Cleanse
Every day, you need to help your skin breathe by removing the layer of yuck that accumulates whether it's makeup you applied in the morning or invisible dirt and other toxins you're exposed to on a daily basis. However, cleansing shouldn't strip your skin of its own protection. To effectively cleanse without over-drying, you should:
- Use a gentle cleanser that's formulated for your skin type. Generally, use soap-free cleansing milks for dry skin; cleansing gels for oily skin.
- Use lukewarm water.
- Pat dry.
Dermatologists are divided on just how many times daily you should wash your face. Some insist that morning and evening cleansing are a must while others say that evening cleansing with a morning rinse is really all that's necessary. Your skin tone will likely dictate what's best for you.
Moisturize
The very act of cleansing removes some of the oil that helps trap moisture in your skin, and water evaporation at your skin's surface further allows natural moisture to escape. That's why no matter what your skin type, you need to moisturize. Adding a moisturizer tailored to your skin type will help to keep your skin hydrated, preventing overproduction of oil by sebaceous glands in oily skin and flaky redness in dry skin.
Protect
Sun protection is the number one defense against UV radiation that accelerates aging and promotes the development of skin cancers. To ensure adequate protection, use a product with at least SPF 25. Wait until your moisturizer and any other skin care treatments have had adequate absorption time before applying sun protection.
Do I Need Toner?
Some skin care professionals say that without exception, every needs to apply a toner between cleansing and moisturizing. We don't really agree. Because many toners have a high alcohol or other drying agent content, toners often irritate or exacerbate dry skin conditions. However, toners do help to restore a natural pH balance on the surface of your skin, which is extremely important for those battling acne. If you're not sure if a toner is right for you, consult your dermatologist.
The Added Extras
The three basic skin care skin care steps will help you maintain skin health, but there are products that can enhance it. Retinols promote mitosis, and new skin cells can both thicken delicate tissues and replace dead skin cells to rejuvenate your complexion. Other advanced skin care technologies include:
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- Antioxidants to topically combat reactive oxidative stress (ROS) at the cellular level
- Skin brighteners to even out hyperpigmentation
- Hyaluronic acid to significantly increase your skin's hydration capacity
The advanced skin care treatments you need should be selected based on your unique skin care goals. When you've identified the right strategies, explore Hale Cosmeceuticals' full line of quality skin care products to find the formulas that are right for you."
