My clients ask many interesting questions about skin, one of the most common is “what is a good skin care routine?” the answer may vary slightly depending on your skin type. To start, your daily regime should be cleanse, tone and moisturize with sun protection/SPF. I also tell my clients whatever you do to your face, make sure you do the same for your neck. There is nothing worse than seeing a “black ring” around the neck, this is usually due to a build up of dead skin and other debris on the skin. Don’t forget to mask at least once, and exfoliate twice weekly.
Make certain the products you use are designed for your skin type. As an example did you know there is a difference between toners and astringents? For the longest time I thought they were the same thing. Toners usually have an alcohol content of as much as 15%, they are perfect for normal or combination skin. They tone or tighten skin. Astringents have an alcohol content of up to 35% and are good for oily or acne skin. They can be drying so I do not recommend them for all skin types.
- Use alcohol to cleanse your skin, it burns the skin and is very damaging!
- Use only water to cleanse the skin. Water will not cleanse dirt from the skin, you need a facial cleanser to fully remove anything on the surface of the skin.
- Do not use the same facial products that you used when you were a teenager, if you don’t have acne there is no reason to use products that are targeted to clear acne like Noxzema, Clearasil etc.
- Soap can be very drying and highly alkaline, I don’t recommend soap unless it is a moisturizing bar such as oatmeal, goat’s milk or olive oil.
- Don’t skip the sunscreen! This is critical, it protects your skin from risks of skin cancer, aging and other harmful effects.
H2O+, has really great skincare products. Also the majority of their products are made here in Chicago. They have products targeted for different skin concerns.
I did not know they were made in Chicago, great info!
I am so nervous about trying new products especially on the skin. As of late I use the Ambi line of cleaner and mositurizer but Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner. My skin is oily only in the Tzone area a little sensitive so I don’t know what else to try since I am not 100% happy with the Ambi…HELP
Black Opal is good and so is Dermalogica