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Top Store-Bought Skin Care Regimens

Apr 11, 2013 03:10AM ● By Erin Frisch

 

Our skin is the one thing we wear every day for our whole lives. It’s important to treat it well and keep it safe from harmful UV rays. We all have different skin types—oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination—and products on the market cater to each type. While some skin care products are very costly, there’s no need to spend more than you can afford. You can create an effective skin care regimen with quality products at modest prices by mixing and matching the best brands out there that make products specifically for your skin type.

Skin Type: Normal or Combination

Some people call it normal, and some call it combination—this is skin that’s free of obvious issues but is usually dry on the cheeks and oily along the T-zone (forehead and nose). This situation calls for products with dual functions. Use a gentle, non-soap cleanser that won’t strip away too much oil, that will retain moisture, and that will still wash away dirt and dead skin cells trapped in pores. CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides that do just this. For moisturizing, you want something lightweight and oil-free with an SPF of at least 15. Try Bioré’s Nourish Moisture Lotion SPF 15. Overnight, creams with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol help reduce fine lines and unclog pores, but apply them sparingly. A good overnight treatment for this skin type is Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Time Cream. All of these products are available at local drugstores.

Skin Type: Oily

Those of us with oily skin have pores that clog easily, and while we have a tendency to use products that dry our skin, they can actually cause rebound greasiness. Oily skin needs moisture too; just ensure that you choose products that won’t cause blemishes. Wash morning and night with a cleanser containing salicylic acid, like Bioré Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser. This soothing, self-heating formula cleanses away pore-clogging dirt and oil as it helps control blackheads and prevents acne. For a bit of moisture and protection from the sun, look for an oil-free lotion with SPF 15. Garnier’s Moisture Rescue Lightweight UV-Lotion with SPF 15 provides just that. At night, use a retinol night cream to firm skin and dry up sebum, like derma e Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Creme (available at vitaminshoppe.com). And for the occasional blemish, try Avon’s Clearskin Professional Invisible Blemish Treatment to spot treat (avon.com).

Skin Type: Dry

Dry skin needs plenty of moisture. It also tends to show signs of aging more quickly than other skin types since it doesn’t produce enough natural oil. Aim for something creamy that’s gentle on the skin, like Cetaphil Cleanser, which is mild and recommended by dermatologists. It’s also free of chemicals and perfumes that can irritate skin. For a moisturizer, try L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition, a deep moisturizer with a number of natural oils to soothe dry skin. For nighttime skin care, stay with the L’Oréal Paris product line, and try the Revitalift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair. This cream includes retinoids that are known to even out skin tone. If your skin is particularly dry, supplement your routine with a soothing mask once a week. Check out the Hydrating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid by derma e. Hydrating plant extracts act as antioxidants to soothe and moisturize your skin. These products are available at local drug and beauty supply stores.

Skin Type: Acne Prone

Acne-prone skin needs products that both soothe and contain salicylic acid. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Gentle Scrub meets these needs, cleaning dirt from pores and buffing away dead skin while soothing with aloe and chamomile extract. This skin type needs moisturizing too and protection from the sun. Again Neutrogena’s Oil-Free line does the job with its SPF 35 lotion. It’s light, absorbs quickly, won’t clog pores, and is medicated to treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. At night, try Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Moisturizer (skinceuticals.com). It contains alpha-hydroxy acid that will shrink pores, along with other natural acids that gently exfoliate your skin. And to spot treat your breakouts, no surprise—it’s Neutrogena again with On-the-Spot Acne Treatment containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to heal your acne and glycerin to prevent any drying or irritation. Neutrogena products are available at your local drugstore.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Sensitive skin needs products that are fragrance-free with as few ingredients as possible. Alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, and other acids will irritate sensitive skin, so opt for products with oatmeal and other calming ingredients. Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Foam Cleanser is gentle and soothing to sensitive skin. Oil of Olay’s All Day UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 is 100% oil-free, fragrance-free, and PABA-free. It is dermatologically tested to provide moisture and protect sensitive skin from the sun. At night, try a cream with antioxidants like Lumene Sensitive Touch Comforting Night cream. This product includes a combination of Arctic blueberry extract, which protects against signs of aging, and soothing ceramides that strengthen the skin. These products are all available at your local drugstore.

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