Skin Care Articles

Most dermatologists advise regularly following a daily skin care regimen. Such a routine does not have to be complicated or tedious. It can be executed by itself or as preparation for more advanced skin care treatments.

Progressive Cures

For most adults the general regimen will not prove to be effective so it is best to add some type of secondary medication after doing some research on well known products. However, the results from advanced skin care products partly depend on whether you properly integrate them with your basic routine. For example if you try and use the secondary product without proper cleansing, it will not be 100% effective because it will not work past the oil and dirt on the skin. The over use of the cleansers can also reduce the results of the medication, so be sure and do the research prior to mixing treatments.

Optimize for You

The steps of the basic regimen should be changed to fit your skin type. You should remember that your skin type may change with the season, diet and age. One huge change can come from menopause, women have been know to go from oily skin to dry skin when going through menopause. A change in the diet can also change the skin, a diet that contains more fat will cause the skin to produce more oil.. Although UV rays can damage any skin, the color of skin makes a difference in the kind of sunscreen needed. Light skin needs more care while dark skinned.

Typical Systems

A typical skin care routine would include the following steps: washing/cleansing, toning (optional depending on skin type), moisturizing and sun protection.

Protection from ultraviolet light (both UVA and UVB) is important for any skin care regimen. A good UNA+UVB sun block should be put on top of your moisturizer or other products as a final step of your regimen if sun exposure is expected. It is always recommended to use a product made for protection from UV rays, however some people like to use cosmetics that contain sunscreen to save time.

For most people, performing the routine twice daily is optimal. Some patients with dry and/or sensitive skin may do better with once daily washing/cleansing but moisturizing 2 or more times a day. Some experts feel that exfoliation should also be part of a basic regimen. However, daily exfoliation can be excessive and may lead to chronic irritation in some people. one or two times a week is sufficient for exfoliation, however some can go without any exfoliation.

A good time to apply active products is soon after you washed/cleansed, rinsed and slightly patted your skin with a towel, when the skin is clean, warm and still slightly moist. Most of the active treatments contain some type of moisturizing compound so the need for additional moisturizer is minimal. If it is required wait for the other treatments to do the job before adding anything.