Page 61 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2021

Step #1
CLEANSE
Step #2
MOISTURIZE
Step #3
PROTECT
The general rule of thumb is to cleanse twice per day — once in the morning, once in the evening. Cleansing in the morning will help to remove any evidence of sweat or oil from overnight, while cleansing in the evening helps to remove skin care products and makeup that you applied in the morning, as well as excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, pollutants, and other debris that collect on the skin throughout the day.
When choosing a facial cleanser, experts say that beginners should opt for a gentle, hydrating one. If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free options that include ceramides and moisturizing properties to restore and maintain the skin barrier. Dry skin? Skip the cleanser and opt for plain water in the mornings.
Moisturizers come in many forms, from formula type to specific skin concerns. An oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer is a great place to start, regardless of skin type.
A few common moisturizing agents include hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin and restores lost hydration, ceramides, which improve skin barrier strength, and vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection and can brighten skin.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may think that skipping moisturizer is the right choice, but over-washing without using moisturizer can actually cause your skin to produce even more oil in an effort to replenish dry skin.
Now that your skin is cleansed and hydrated, it’s time to make sure you have the proper protection. Sunscreen is your first line of defense against skin cancer and should be applied daily as a last stop in your skin care routine.
When choosing which type of sunscreen to apply, there are two routes to go: physical or chemical. Physical or mineral sunscreens work as a shield, blocking the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin, thanks to ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens protect the skin against UV rays by absorbing them, converting them into
heat, and releasing them from the body.
Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before heading outdoors, as it takes a while for sunscreen to activate. Darker skin tones actually need more sun protection because hyperpigmentation is harder to correct.
Looking to amp up your skin care routine? Talk to your dermatologist to find out if additional products are right for you based on your skin concerns. From toners and exfoliants to serums and masks, skin care is an important stop in your hygiene regimen that can be customized just for you.
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