“I typically recommend an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer,” Farber says, “as this will be well tolerated in [all] skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive.” This moisturizer not only hydrates the skin, but also provides lifting and firming benefits. “I created this rich-texture cream as I needed something that could get me through the dry winter months.
In fact, when in your 40s and 50s, you have about 50% less hyaluronic acid then when you were in your 20s. When applied topically to the skin, hyaluronic acid provides hydration, plumpness and a bounce-y, springy feel that looks healthy and luminous. Key ingredients include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene and glycerin. The first four ingredients are all sunscreens that provide broad UVA/UVB protection.
Treatment
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin damage, with ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrating the skin’s surface and causing premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Women, in particular, may experience hormonal shifts during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
“For ingredients to absorb properly, you need clean skin that’s totally free of oil and grime,” says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, which is where double-cleansing comes in. In fact, the sooner you start, the better, says dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. “You’re never too young to start protecting your skin,” she notes. If you’re a beginner, start with the above routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF—the holy trinity, IMO), and slowly add in products depending on what your skin needs. If you prefer firm, hydrated eyes and a formulation that combats dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this is an excellent choice to consider. The hero ingredient, arbutin (which is sourced from the bearberry plant), is known as “nature’s hydroquinone,” reducing spots in the eye area as well as future hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production. This product is somewhere between a toner and a cleanser, effectively ridding your skin of pollutants, soothing the skin, and making pores feel tighter.
The Lancôme Visionnaire collection is aimed at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fading dark spots, common issues in mature skin. The Advanced Skin Corrector is packed with sodium hyaluronate and rye seed. Rye seed extract works to firm skin and reduce wrinkle depth and length, making them appear shorter and more shallow. The Crescendo Dual-Phase Night Peel (a leave-on nighttime formula) exfoliates to help diminish fine lines, large pores and discoloration in the form of dark spots as a result of acne scars or melasma. This product features glycolic acid, salicylic acid, fruit acids and quinoa husk to target wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, pore size and general texture. Estée Lauder launched Night Repair in 1982, and one of its many claims to fame is that it’s the beauty world’s first serum.
By removing makeup, dirt, and excess oils, cleansing keeps your pores clear and allows your skin to breathe. There are five main skin types as discussed above—normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Determine your skin type by observing how it behaves, particularly after cleansing. While this ultra-hydrating formula is packed with five different ceramides, as well as moisturizing squalane, jojoba oil, and macadamia seed oil. You could wear this lightweight lotion under makeup, or layer it over a retinol at night. “It was formulated to be bio-identical to the lipids found the skin barrier,” says Dr. Gohara. In fact, ceramides are naturally found in our skin’s protective barrier, or stratum corneum.
When choosing a cleanser, go for one that’s gentle, alcohol-free, and non-abrasive. These cleansers won’t strip away too many skin oils that help you maintain a balanced skin barrier. However, different skin types may require more hydrating or oil-reducing ingredients. Instead of doing detective work, it can be easier to follow popularity and opt for skincare products (and ingredients) with a cult following, especially in the age of beauty influencers.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
Retinol is one of the most potent exfoliating agents and helps to slough off dead skin cells to give skin back its radiance. Queen of meadow extract is an astringent that can help reduce excess oil. Hydration comes courtesy of panthenol (a provitamin of vitamin B5) and honey. Finally, allantoin and arnica help soothe to prevent irritation that can occur from the retinol in this formula. All in all, this is a well-rounded lotion that targets a variety of common skin concerns but is best suited for normal, oily or combination skin. Don’t hide behind makeup and heavy foundation – instead, work with the right products to get the skin you deserve.
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Note, you may want to steer clear of facial steamers if you have dry skin, sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema. It’s not a necessary step, but if your skin is still feeling parched, applying a face oil can be a great way to help lock in moisture overnight.
Morning and night, spot treatments can help you to make individual pimples go away, fast. The same products work both times of day, but cream products—which are more visible than pimple patches—may be better at night than during the day.