Monday, April 6, 2009

Skincare Solution

Finding the right skincare regimen can be a bit daunting if you are unsure of your true skin type. You will either have dry, normal, combination or oily skin. Of course your skincare regime is completely dependent on your skin type, so be sure to thoroughly examine your skin and decide your skin type.

The Basic 4-Step Skincare Regimen

Step 1: Cleanse. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. Here's the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover. Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). You can try Mary Kay TimeWise 3 in 1 cleanser which comes in two option, normal to dry or combination to oily. You can also try Mary Kay Velocity Cleanser, this cleanser is targeted to younger populations.

Remember if you have oily skin, you want to use a cleanser that is oil free

Step 2: Exfoliate... Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion (Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set $55), chemical peels and retinoids. Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. Exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good.

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not. Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt. Depending on your skincare needs, this may or may not be a necessary step.

Step 3: A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. TimeWise Age Fighting Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 15 $22.

Are eye creams necessary? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to 'thicken' this area and keep it sturdy. Try Mary Kay TimeWise firming eye cream $30 or Mary Kay TimeWise age-fighting eye cream $26.

Step 4: Apply Sunscreen. The number one cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen from your early years and on. Even in the winter and on cloudy days, you need to wear a sunscreen. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: one for night and one for day that includes UV protection.

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