As you get older, your makeup habits will change. Those fine lines and wrinkles that have developed over time are great places for pigment to pool. You will wind up sporting a more natural look to avoid pigment streaks.
Consistency makes the difference. It’s time to develop a routine that works for you. The simpler the routine, the easier it is to follow.
Cleanse
Wash your face appropriately to remove dirt, oil, makeup, toxins and bad bacteria. Cleansers are based on skin type. Squeaky clean is not the goal when you’re out of your teens.
Use a makeup remover or cleansing wipe to first rid your skin of makeup and sunscreen. Cleanser doesn’t always completely remove makeup.
Choose a cleanser based on your skin type. You can assess your skin type based on how it feels an hour after washing. Oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from a gel or foaming cleanser. Dry or sensitive skin takes to a cream cleanser. A lotion cleanser works well for combination skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Treat
You likely have some skin condition you want to improve. Winter dryness, sun damage or fine lines are frequent complaints.
Apply a skin serum formulated to treat your specific issue. A serum is a highly concentrated solution or lotion that contains ingredients to target a particular problem. For sun damage or brown spots, look for ingredients like vitamin C. Fine lines and wrinkles do nicely with niacinamide, vitamin B3 and retinoids.
Protect
Always use sunscreen when the sun is out at all. Sunscreens with zinc and titanium protect you from aging UV rays.
Nighttime requires a good moisturizer. Use a thicker cream if your skin is very dry.
Eye cream isn’t a good idea for those who get milia (white bumps). Eye gels and serums can prevent those cysts. Moisturize your eyes properly.
Listen as Dr. Jessica Wu joins Dr. Pamela Peeke to give you the lowdown on skin care.
Dr. Jessica Wu is a Cosmetic Dermatologist in Los Angeles, California, where she has practiced for 20 years.