How to Have Flawless Skin at Any Age

I have found through many years of trial and error that there are a few key points you absolutely cannot omit from your skin care routine. Yes, I said routine. In order to have the most flawless complexion possible, you will need to get into the regular habit of a skin care routine. This will not eat up all your time, but if your present skin care consists of soap and water, you are going to need to allow a few more minutes each day to get the most from your skin. This applies to both men and women, depending on your interest level. Proper skin care can subtract years from your face. I find that most of us are interested in staying as young looking as possible, without resorting to surgery. 

• First and foremost, the most important thing you can do for your skin is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is one sure way to accomplish your hydration goals. Aim for at least 6 eight ounce glasses of water a day, to start. You’ll find that as you keep up with this small amount to start, you will start to respond to your body’s need for water and will most likely end up drinking more.
• You need to do some investigating and find a skin care line that works for you. I originally started with Clinique’s skin care line. Oil of Olay makes some awesome products. Pond’s is another good manufacturer of affordable products. Lancôme, while pricey, is really good. The point is this: find one you like and can afford long term. You’ll need to keep using it.
• Sunscreen is our gift of the ages. Always use one outdoors. No exceptions are allowed.

 Now that you have your tools, let’s go on to the regimen. For morning skin care, I recommend the following:

1. Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. Pat dry.
2. Tone with a mild toner. This will help clear the pores, and get them ready to accept the moisturizer. I was told once, that if it wasn’t tingling it wasn’t working. Wrong! Usually if you’re feeling a strong tingling/burning sensation, the toner is too strong for your face. Your skin will increase oil production which can lead to acne flare-ups. More often you will be left with red, dry splotches which are not the goal of a good skin care routine.
3. Moisturize. I use a moisturizer which contains sunscreen. Find a light moisturizer for the day. Most women will continue with makeup, which does not work well with a heavy moisturizer as a base layer.
4. If you need some extra help in the eye area, use an eye cream to help minimize wrinkles and fine lines. Consistent use is the key to successful results.
5. If the moisturizer you are using does not contain a sunscreen, you will need to apply sunscreen now. Men can stop at this point.
6. For women over 35, I have to recommend a tinted moisturizer rather than a heavy foundation. Foundations can collect in fine lines, which is what you’re trying to avoid highlighting. I use my tinted moisturizer in addition to the light moisturizer. Once I’ve applied concealer to the dark circles under my eyes and the tinted moisturizer, a good powder to set it in place will last all day. Splurge on a good powder. You will not regret it.

 For nighttime skin care, use the following steps: 

1. Remove your makeup with a makeup remover. This is extremely important. You do not want to use your skin cleanser to remove makeup. There are some really nice shortcuts out there these days in the form of little pads you moisten to activate the cleanser, then just wipe the makeup from your face. I use an eye makeup remover on my eyes. The skin there is fragile enough that I want to use the least force possible to remove any mascara or eyeliner in that area.
2. Once your face is cleaned of all makeup use your cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your face (men can start with this step). In this way, you’ll be able to really get into the pores to clean them out thoroughly, thus reducing the chance of a break out.
3. Tone your face with a mild toner.
4. Use a heavier moisturizer for night time. As you sleep, your cells experience repair from the day and a really good night cream makes the most of this natural occurrence.
5. If you are using an eye cream, apply it now.

 That’s all there is to it. Consistency is the key to flawless skin. I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and always am complemented on my skin as well as my youthful appeance. Before I started being faithful with my skin care, I was the embarrassed recipient of both wrinkles and pimples!

You should start noticing good results by the end of two weeks of faithful adherence to your new routine. You may have a few breakouts the first week, due to more rapid cell turnover, but this trying new development will be over soon enough. Keep going with your skin care regimen, drink plenty of water, and be prepared to reap the rewards!