The more we understand the products that the skin needs to maintain a healthier and revitalized appearance, the more we can make informed choices to build a proper skin care regimen.

Cleanser

Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is an important first step in a daily skin care regimen. Alkaline cleansers can leave the skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. An inappropriate cleanser can neutralize the positive benefits of other skin treatments.

Exfoliants

Exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) removes the top layer of dead skin. When dead skin is removed, dry skin appears less dull and flaky and oily skin has fewer blocked pores. The most effective AHA is glycolic acid, which dissolves the protein bonds that bind dead skin cells together, allowing the skin cells to slough off. Newer, healthy cells appear on the surface leaving skin revitalized. When glycolic acid is formulated with an Amphoteric System^TM, which actually controls the release of free acid molecules onto the skin, higher concentrations may be tolerated.

Astringents

Astringents remove excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural protective barrier. Women who have very oily skin benefit from daily application of an astringent. By using an astringent with glycolic acid, they have the added benefit of exfoliation, while removing excess oil and reducing blackheads.

Moisturizers

Skin needs moisture. A hydrating cream should only be applied on the dry areas of the skin. Humectants such as petrolatum and glycerin retain moisture from the air and form an occlusive barrier on the surface of the skin.

Eye Products

Skin around the eyes is thinner than other areas of the face. Thus eye contours need extra care and products especially formulated for this sensitive skin. Glycolic acid or retinol products should not be used close to the eyes.

Night Creams

When you’ve had a good sleep, you can wake up looking years younger. This is because while you sleep, the skin repairs itself from the damage that occurs during the day. The skin at night is therefore more apt to absorb a product’s active ingredients. Choose a night cream that contains restorative vitamins and reap the benefits while you sleep!

Wrinkles are a result of scarred and damaged collagen, a natural result of aging. Topical application of a night cream containing retinol (vitamin A in its purest form) speeds up cell turnover and unclogs pores, allowing sebum to flow freely up towards the skin’s surface. Retinol visibly improves the appearance of mature skin helping it create a smooth, supple texture and skin tone.