Wednesday, September 1, 2010

5 Worst Skin Mistakes

Found on MSN

1. I'm too tired to cleanse
(I've never said that... yeah right!)
The 2 minutes it takes to cleanse before bed helps ensure a fresh-faced look for years. Sleeping with dirt, oil, and/or makeup on causes acne and enlarged pores. To easily remove debris, keep no-rinse face wipes in your nightstand.


2. SPF is for summer (with 4 seasons, it made sense... no?)
Exposure to UVA rays, the primary culprit behind aging, happens all year long. And because they can penetrate glass, you're susceptible even when you're indoors. The number one way to guard against this and keep skin looking youthful: Every day, use a sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF 30 that's labeled broad-spectrum. For the best protection, choose one that contains either avobenzone, Helioplex, Mexoryl, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

3. Products are too pricey (isn't that the truth! But I do believe my skin is worth it)
To save, shop at drugstores. Studies show that mass products are as effective as (and sometimes more than!) more expensive lines. Look for active ingredients, not fancy labels. The most effective anti-agers include retinoids, AHAs, peptides, vitamin C, and hydrators such as hyaluronic acid.

4. My efforts are futile
It can take at least 8 weeks to see the results of many ingredients, so give products time to deliver their benefits. Another must: Incorporate new products slowly—one about every 2 months. Your skin needs to build up a tolerance to aggressive anti-agers. Going overboard can cause inflammation, which accelerates fine lines, brown spots, and sagging.

5. My skin is too sensitive
Getting rid of dead cells helps soften wrinkles and brighten skin, but aggressive scrubs can lead to redness and irritation. To slough safely, choose a chemical exfoliator, such as glycolic acid, or gentle cleansing beads. Avoid scrubs with an uneven texture, such as walnut shells. Exfoliate just once or twice a week; if you're using an OTC or Rx retinoid or AHA, it alone provides sufficient skin sloughing.

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