Do have a proper face skin care?
The first signs of aging usually appear in our faces… So, you should start taking proper care of your face skin.
Here’s an useful article, written Paula McCooey from The Vancouver Sun, entitled “Happy face: 10 products to cleanse, moisturize, tone and brighten skin”
Face Skin Care
Here’s the deal: Turning back the clock is not an option. But to improve the look of your skin and maintain its firmness and texture so it’s in good condition 20 years from now, products can and do help.
Here’s the other thing: A product may cost $9 or $900, but if it doesn’t suit your skin type, then you might as well toss your cash out the window.
We asked Corina Clouthier, an esthetician at Murale to give us the lowdown on 10 products and how they can help improve your skin.
CLEANSER
What it does: Cleans and removes impurities, including makeup and environmental damage.
How to use: Available in a milk, gel, foaming cleanser or emulsion. Milk and cream cleansers can be tissued off or rinsed with warm water; best for sensitive skin than a foamy or gel cleanser. Clouthier says it’s best to speak to a skin-care specialist if you’re unsure. Most cosmetic boutiques offer free consultations.
Examples on the market: Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser, $26; Juice Beauty Green Apple Cleansing Gel, $28; DDF Non-Drying Gentle Cleanser, $34; B. Kamins Vegetable Cleanser, $38
TONER (ALSO KNOWN AS LOTIONS)
What it does: Clouthier says it’s a fallacy that toners are loaded with alcohol to tighten pores. In fact, toners are used as a moisture prep after cleansing. “This is your first step in replacing moisture,” says Clouthier. “Because if you went ahead and put your moisturizer on right away, [it] is not going to go the distance for the day because your skin is so thirsty after being cleansed.”
How to use: Apply toner-soaked cotton over face and neck to prep skin. “It’s to keep that pH and moisture balance in a happy place in between treatments,” she says.
“Because if there’s not enough oil, your skin is going to try to produce more and that’s where you start to get that oily T-zone or breakout.”
Examples on the market: Nuxe Lotion Tonique aux 3 Roses Gentle Pureness, $22; Moisture Prep Benefit Toning Lotion, $34; Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24, $55
EXFOLIANT
What it does: Sloughs off dry/dead skin and removes blockages to allow other treatments to deeply penetrate. Skin will feel softer, more hydrated and supple.
How to use: Some are in a peel form with alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid, a blend of fruit acids.
Clouthier suggests using these in “baby steps,” starting with five minutes and gradually working up to a 15-minute treatment once a week.
There are also granular scrubs for a more intense dermabrasion effect, ideal for dry skin.
Examples on the market: B. Kamins Bamboo and Rice Facial Polisher, $45; Darphin Mild Aroma Peeling For Face, $67; Natura Bisse Vitamin C+C Scrub, $80; Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel, $45
MASK
What it does: A purification and brightening treatment to draw out impurities and decongest skin. Clouthier describes it as “a nice big glass of water for your skin.”
How to use: Spread over chest, neck and face, avoiding eye and mouth area. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse or tissue off with warm water.
Examples on the market: Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Mask, $35; Clairns Hydra-Quench Cream Mask, $39; Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask, $83; B. Kamins Diatomanus Earth Mask, $56
SERUM
What it does: These fluidlike gels are targeted treatments to be used before a moisturizer. Sera are lighter than moisturizers so they penetrate deeper to protect the skin. Clouthier says they often include vitamins and antioxidants for nourishment and protection.
How to use: Apply on face after cleansing, toning and exfoliating. Sera can target specific concerns, including aging, oil production, breakouts and brightening.
Examples on the market: Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum, $48; DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer, $98; B. Kamins C-Reservatrol, $125
DERMA FILLER
What it does: Mimics the effect of Botox by relaxing the skin, making lines appear smoother. Effect typically lasts up to eight hours, depending on the product. Since this is a “target” treatment, it should not be used all over.
How to use: Apply on lines on the forehead, around the mouth, between your eyebrows. The product relaxes the area, fills in the lines and plumps them out. Clouthier suggests layering serum, derma filler and moisturizers.
Examples on the market: Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum, $160; B. Kamins Therapeutic Diamond Radiance Deep Wrinkle Concentrate, $240; Natura Bisse Inhibit Tensolift, $900; StriVectin-HS Hydro Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum, $153.
BRIGHTENING/CORRECTIVE CREAM
What it does: Designed to break down pigmentation and discoloration caused by age spots, sun damage and melisma (pregnancy mask). Results should be noticeable after three months.
How to use: Use daily. Apply to face and neck and massage gently. During the day, use a sunblock to protect skin. Also use on hands, which are prone to spots from sun exposure.
Examples on the market: Caudalie Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, $79; Lancome Visionnaire, $100; Darphin Melaperfect, $115
NECK/SCULPTING CREAM
What it does: Tightens and sculpts the neck and decollete to prevent signs of aging.
How to use: Apply to neck and decollete, morning and night.
Examples on the market: Clairns Advanced Extra Firming Neck Cream, $72; StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream, $99; Natura Bisse Tensolift Neck Cream, $250
EYE TREATMENT/ MOISTURIZER
What it does: Designed to smooth out lines around eyes. Available in gel or cream. Gels are fantastic for cooling, depuffing and tightening. Creams are more moisturizing.
How to use: Because the skin is more sensitive around the eye, use your finger to gently massage cream or gel along the orbital bone. Avoid eyelids.
Examples on the market: Nuxe Nirvanesque Contour des Yeux, $41; Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Eye Treatment, $48; Darphin Arovita Eye and Lip Contour Gel, $100
MOISTURIZER
What it does: Replaces water lost due to cleansing and dryness caused by exposure to wind, heat and cold. Clouthier lists moisturizers among her top three must-have products (along with cleanser and toner) because “you’ve got to protect that skin.”
How to use: Rub all over face until absorbed. Use firm, upward strokes, particularly around the neck, jawline and chest area.
Examples on the market: DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew, UV SPF 15, $46; Darphin Hydraskin Essential, $67.
So, just go grab these 10 products to have a proper face skin care!