Carol ItohSummer Skin Care
July 29th 2009 08:54
Don’t apply too many face products at once, no matter how eager you are to try them out. “Using too many products can irritate the skin,” says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.
Do nourish your skin with a nutrient-packed moisturizer—in other words, rather than use a bunch of different formulas, find a multitasking hero product that takes care of your needs in one go. Look for one that contains vitamin C, to even skin tone and minimize blotchiness, and potent antiagers like retinoic acid and niacinamide.
Don’t take too many showers. Yes, it’s summertime and you’re working up a sweat, but taking multiple showers throughout the day can wreak havoc with your skin: Though you might think it’s hydrating, topically, water can have a drying effect on your epidermis. To avoid looking like a prune, douse in small doses and always moisturize immediately after showering.
Do drink plenty of water. While topically water can hinder your skin, drinking 64 ounces of water daily is essential for a healthy complexion because it flushes out toxins and keeps your insides running efficiently. Whether you drink bottled, filtered, or tap water doesn’t matter—getting your eight glasses in matters most. Remember that fruits and veggies are also good sources of H20.
Don’t use harsh scrubs or scrub too often. “Avoid crushed nuts that are jagged. They can cause tiny lacerations in the skin, making the skin vulnerable,” says aesthetician Kate Somerville. While the general rule is to exfoliate twice a week, your skin type plays a factor. Oily skin can handle exfoliation sessions up to four times a week, whereas dry or sensitive skin should stick to once- or twice-a-week scrubs.
Do exfoliate with natural fruit enzymes. Fruit acids from pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple, for example, dissolve dead skin cells gently yet effectively. Happy with your current product but want to get fruity? Pump up your scrub by squirting a little lemon juice into it for instant brightening and buffing action.
Don’t sunbathe. A little sun can perk up your complexion, but even a slight tan represents injury to your largest organ (your skin). The incidental sun exposure you get while driving in the car or walking to lunch is enough to meet your daily vitamin D quota, so don’t neglect your skin sunscreen-slathering duties. Using a formula that’s SPF 15 or higher is essential, and it should be reapplied every couple of hours.
Do apply self-tanner. There’s nothing wrong with sporting a faux glow! And with today’s odor-blocking technology, avoiding that nasty smell is a cinch. For foolproof self-tanning, be sure to exfoliate skin the night before you apply product, and don’t forget to moisturize (dry skin is more prone to streaking).
Do use the “zipper” technique when applying antiaging creams and serums to fine lines and wrinkles—this will create a crevice-free surface so that the cream/serum can effectively penetrate. Here’s how to do it: Using your index finger and middle finger, gently push the skin on either side of the line outward. Keeping fingers spread, use a finger from your other hand to “zip up” the smoothed-out area in between with product.
Always remember to take the best care of your skin because that care will last a lifetime. What your skin goes through at 20 may show up to haunt you when you are 40 so be good to your skin if you want it to look good on you all your life!
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