Cleansing and moisturizing are essential steps for having beautiful and healthy skin.
Healthy skin serves as a “barrier,” which prevents water loss to the environment and keeps toxins and pollution out. And moisturizing can sometimes help restore diseased skin to its normal function. Skin that is moisturized is often softer, suppler, more elastic and more resilient to damage. Therefore, moisturized skin looks better and is healthier too.
People of all ages should include moisturizing as a daily ritual, since dry skin can occur at any age. Even women in their 20s should us a good moisturizer to keep their skin young and supple for many years. The best time to apply moisturizer is after cleansing. This traps the moisture that the skin has absorbed and it replenishes some of the good oils in the skin that were lost during cleansing.
Which moisturizer you use is really dependent on your skin type?
- Oily, In-betweens, and Combination Skin Groups: Always look for non-comedogenic moisturizers (won’t clog pores). Use light lotions, rather than heavy creams.
- Balanced (Normal) Skin Group: Fortunately, you have fewer skin problems than many other groups. Stick to products from reputable companies, since many of today’s new products moisturize well and do not clog pores. Use creams or lotions and if you are on the dry end of the spectrum, look for products that contain some emollients.
- Dry Skin Group: People in this skin group need all the help they can get. Look for creams with emollients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, or lanolin, and also some ceramides.
- Sensitive Skin Group: Always make sure your products are marked for “sensitive skin.” If you have sensitive oily skin, use products that are non-comedogenic and labeled for sensitive skin.
There are so many products out there from which to choose. Don’t be fooled by the price tag, more expensive does not necessarily mean better. Start moisturizing when you are young and keep those laugh lines and fine wrinkles at bay. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to begin a good skin care program.
For more information go to my website drdalia.com.
Simple Advice on Cleansers
Many people think that when it comes to cleansing, “dry means clean” - this simply is not true. While it is true that we need to remove dirt and excess oil that accumulate during the day, we do not need to strip our skin too much of its oils by using harsh cleansers. Therefore, I recommend mild cleansers for every one of all skin types.
Some years ago, the cosmetics industry realized a need for a cleanser that was less drying than even the mildest bar soap, one that provided more moisturizing, and which was less irritating to the skin—this is what led to the creation of liquid cleansers. Finally, as time went by, even newer categories of facial cleansers emerged:
- Foaming cleansers: These lather well and give a good clean feeling; however, in some instances, foaming cleansers tend to be slightly more drying than non-foaming ones. Foaming cleansers are the result of the mixture of water and air, which creates bubbles. Examples: Self Foaming Gentle Cleanser & Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser.
- Non-foaming cleansers: These do not lather as well as the foaming cleansers, but they are less drying and, therefore, less irritating. I usually recommend these for people who belong to the extra-dry skin group or the sensitive skin group. Non- foaming cleansers can be used with or without water. Therefore, they can be used just as wipe-offs, which make them very convenient for removing makeup. Examples: Azulene Cleansing Milk & Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
- Woven Cleansing cloths: These come in two groups: those that need to be wetted with water, and those that are pre-moistened. Examples: Olay Daily Facial Express & Dove Sensitive Essentials Cleansing Towelettes.
Some other things to keep in mind are that if you have oily skin, be sure to use a cleanser that does not clog pores (i.e., non-comedogenic) and if you have sensitive skin, be sure to eliminate ingredients that may cause an irritation, allergic reaction, or excessive dryness.
Learn more simple secrets to skincare by reading my book, Simple Skincare: Less is More. On sale now!
Skin Enhancing Products
Are you confused by the vast number of rejuvenating products available on the market today? Are you tired of high-end, expensive products that claim to provide the fountain of youth in a jar?
My advice:
You need only a few products that work: use mild cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers, and 1-2 skin-enhancing products. Ingredients in skin-enhancing products that I recommend: retinol (except sensitive skin) and peptides.
Sun protection is your first line of defense against the aging process.
Visit my store today for all your skin care product needs and get free shipping with orders over $50 (hurry, limited time only).
Dr. Dalia
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