Perfect Skin Dos and Don'ts
Experts reveal the dos and don'ts for an enviably clear, smooth complexion.
By Jessica Prince
#1: IF YOU'RE SENSITIVE
Your Biggest Mistake: Using too many products with harsh ingredients that cause your skin to become inflamed. "Test glycolic, vitamin-C, and vitamin-A products on a small patch of skin before using them all over your face," says Wexler. "Try only one at a time so if you develop a reaction, you know which product caused it." Once inflammation occurs (characterized as dry, flaky, scaly skin on your nose, cheeks, chin, or scalp), your epidermal barrier has been compromised, and any products you use, including heavy creams, will irritate your skin even more, explains Brandt. The solution? Desensitize with calming ingredients like zinc, green tea, and chamomile.
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#2 IF YOU'RE DRY/AGING
Your Biggest Mistake: Waiting until your 40th birthday to make your first wrinkle-reducing purchase. Take action before lines and wrinkles make an appearance. "Women should start using antiaging products as early as possible-even in their early 20s," recommends New York and Miami dermatologist Fredric Brandt. "It is easier to prevent damage from occurring than to fix it later on."
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#3 IF YOU'RE OILY
Your Biggest Mistake:Product overload! Stop overdrying your skin with alcohol-infused toners, peels, and exfoliators. While you may think you're clearing up breakouts, you're actually stripping away naturally occurring oils, causing even more sebum production. When selecting products, choose alcohol-free serum- and gel-based formulas, and avoid anything with occlusive ingredients like petroleum and mineral oil, which can clog pores. And if you're using prescription acne meds, Sadick recommends alternating them every other night with an oil-free moisturizer to avoid dehydrating your skin.
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#4 IF YOU'RE NORMAL
Your Biggest Mistake:Just because you don't have to deal with daily skin crises, acne, or irritation doesn't mean you can neglect your skin. "One of the biggest misconceptions people with normal skin have is that they don't have to do anything because they aren't seeing problems," says Brandt, "and by not moisturizing and exfoliating, they aren't taking the essential steps to retain the youthfulness of their face." To maintain healthy skin, use products with sunscreen, retinol, and antioxidants daily.
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
