Following this four-step approach will make a world of difference to your skin’s condition now and in the future. From Trish McEvoy: The Power of Makeup by Trish McEvoy
1. CLEANSING
No matter how tired or short on time you are, regular cleansing is an important part of healthy skin maintenance. Do not neglect this step! Its purpose is to remove makeup, debris, and dead skin cells.
CHOICES: Cleansing balms, cleansing creams, cleansing washes, and cleansing bars. As a general rule, drier
skins do better with creamier textures, and oilier skins do better with washes or bars.
2. EXFOLIATING
The difference between dull skin and glowing skin is right on the surface. The most common cause of dull complexions is a decreased rate of cell turnover. Exfoliation helps the skin look its freshest by refining the surface and restoring its natural radiance. Everyone can benefit from this vital step of removing dead skin cells, which results in a smoother complexion. Exfoliation also allows better penetration of treatment products and moisturizers. Always remember to use your sunscreen in conjunction with any kind of exfoliation, because the new skin you expose is especially vulnerable. How often you exfoliate depends on how your skin looks. If your skin looks dull or if makeup catches on your skin as you apply it, you need to exfoliate. Some people make it a part of their daily skin care regimen, and others do it no more than twice a week — the minimum I would recommend.
CHOICES: You have options here. There are different types, some that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AEAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and some that don’t. Check the label to determine what, if any, acid is included.
MASKS AND SCRUBS:
Considered the first generation of exfoliation and still popular choices, especially when AHA or BHA is not an option because of skin sensitivity. When purchasing a scrub, look for one that contains smooth, synthetic spherical beads, which are more gentle on the skin.
AHAS AND BHAS:
Many exfoliants contain acids, which have the ability to exfoliate and smooth the skin’s surface, as well as speed up the generation of new cells.
ALPHAHYDROXY ACIDS. The most common is glycolic acid, considered the most effective at improving the overall appearance of the skin since it has the smallest molecule, which allows for the deepest penetration. Glycolic acids can be irritating to extremely sensitive skin types.
BETAHYDROXY ACIDS. More commonly known as salicylic acids, BHAs are slightly milder than AH As. They are used to target acne and clear pores as well as improve skin tone and reduce inflammation.
3. MOISTURIZING
Moisturizers deliver water to the skin, temporarily plump up fine lines, and smooth and soften the appearance of the skin. They also lock in the water that is already there. It’s just a matter of choosing which formula is right for your skin type. Use an oil-free moisturizer if you have normal or oily skin; if you have dry skin; you can use a more enriched formula.
4. PROTECTING
This is a must! Nothing will help you avoid sun damage and wrinkles more than using a daily sunblock or sunscreen. An SPF of 15 with UVA and UVB protection should be the minimum you wear. Apply sunscreen thirty minutes before going outside.
DAILY SUN CARE. On the days when you have limited sun exposure, a moisturizer with a sunscreen is a good choice. It should have an SPF of at least 15. The great part is that it’s as easy as applying a moisturizer — a true no-brainer.
OUTDOOR SUN CARE. If you know you’ll be spending considerable time outside (for instance playing golf or tennis or going to the beach), step up your sun care regimen. Increase your protection factor to an SPF of 30 and remember to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming and vigorous exercise.
SENSITIVE-SKIN SUN CARE. Nonchemical sun products work by creating a physical barrier over the skin. Look for ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Zinc oxide, which traditionally is white and opaque, is now also available in a transparent form to give even the most sensitive skin a broad spectrum of protection.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trish McEvoy, author of Trish McEvoy: The Power of Makeup (Copyright © 2003 by Trish McEvoy), is the founder of Trish McEvoy Beauty and the cofounder of Trish McEvoy/Dr. Ronald Sherman Skincare Center in New York City. She has received numerous honors and awards for her work and has been featured in many magazines and newspapers and appears frequently on television. She also believes in helping women grow strong and is a supporter of the Girl Scouts U.S.A.
MORE ARTICLES BY THE AUTHOR
LEARN MORE
- Read an excerpt from Trish McEvoy: The Power of Makeup
- See the book’s Table of Contents
- Browse more books about beauty
