Are you shying away from a proper skin care regime for all the wrong reasons? You’re not alone.
Many people limit themselves to a two-step regime—cleansing and moisturizing—and avoid using additional products because they’re afraid of making their skin look worse. The truth is that adding a few extra steps can transform your tired, dull skin giving it a radiant healthy glow.
“I have oily skin. Using moisturizers will only bring on an acne attack.”
Oily skin gets dehydrated just like any other skin type. This can be caused from harsh soaps, changes in humidity, or from using drying acne medications. In fact, one reason skin can become oily is because it’s actually lacking in moisture and trying to compensate. Use a water-based moisturizer or try a hydrating beauty water for more sensitive skin, such as Shiseido Eudermine Revital.
“My skin should feel squeaky clean after I wash. That’s how I know I’ve done a good job.”
Squeaky-clean skin is a no-no! That tight feeling after washing means your skin has been stripped of moisture, and that will cause dead skin cells to build up on the surface. Try switching to a more moisturizing cleanser and be sure to apply daytime and nighttime moisturizer.
“I don’t use a night cream because they’re all too oily.”
Not any more. In the old days, night cream was often made up of heavy moisturizing ingredients, especially oils, which tended to be greasy. Many of today’s night creams are designed to be much lighter so that they don’t clog pores.
Using night cream is an important step in your skin care regime that shouldn’t be missed. During the night, our skin rebuilds and regenerates—if it has been provided with the moisture it needs.
“As long as I use a moisturizer, I don’t need a serum.”
Facial serums should be used in addition to moisturizers. While they can give you added moisture, the real benefit of a facial serum is that it delivers nutrients to the deeper layers of your skin that regular moisturizers don’t reach. Serums help your skin by slowing down the aging process (try Lancôme Visionnaire Serum or Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10), brightening the skin (Lise Watier Flash Eclat Vial or Clarins Beauty-Flash Balm), lightening dark spots (Strivectin Get Even Serum), and even by helping to prevent acne breakouts.
Apply a serum to your clean, dry face, wait three to five minutes until it’s absorbed, and then put on your moisturizer.
“I don’t need a separate eye makeup remover. My cleanser works just fine.”
Some cleansers will remove makeup, especially creamy cleansers. However, many experts recommend using a separate makeup remover designed specifically for the fragile skin around the eye area.
“Exfoliation is a no-no. It breaks down the skin’s natural barriers and makes it more sensitive.”
Not true. Exfoliation is a key step required for hydrating the skin and reducing uneven colouring, breakouts, and signs of aging. It’s a simple process that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the body.
Just be sure to do it properly. Exfoliation should leave your skin feeling softer and looking healthier, not red and irritated. Use a product designed for your skin type and be careful not to exfoliate too much—just once or twice a week, depending on how sensitive your skin is. Your London Drugs beauty advisor can help you select a product that is right for your skin type.
“Aren’t facial masks just overkill? I already wash my face twice a day.”
Nothing cleanses the skin like a facial mask. Masks remove excess oil, dead skin, debris, and environmental pollutants. By unclogging pores, facial masks can help to deliver nutrients and moisture deep into the skin.
Applying a facial mask once a week helps revitalize the skin, keeping it smooth and youthful. Apply the mask to cleansed skin and leave it on for about ten to twenty minutes, wash with lukewarm water, and then apply moisturizer.
I just don’t have time for any extra beauty steps.”
Then look for products that serve more than one purpose, such as Marcelle’s BB Cream. This multi-purpose skin care cream is a moisturizer, tinted corrector, and make-up base all in one. Speak to your London Drugs beauty advisor about other products that can save you time. Be the first among your friends to try this great new product by contacting your beauty advisor at your favourite London Drugs store to reserve yours today!
