We can cover anything with the right make-up, but great skin shines through. Beautiful skin (for most people) takes a lot of work! Because of the environment that we live in (a depleted ozone layer, pollution, stress), our skin takes a beating every day.

Here is a list of the items that I believe everyone should be using on a regular basis:

1. The first thing everyone needs is a good Sunscreen (remember SPF= your normal sun burn time x the SPF number (15,25,30, etc.).
2. The second thing you need (believe it or not) is a good foundation. Foundation sits on the surface of your skin and blocks the pollution and any dirt from getting into your pores. When you wash your face, off comes the foundation and the pollution with it.
3. Cleanser: most people don’t break out from anything other than not cleansing properly. If you’re prone to breaking out, when you wash your face, use your hands, not a washcloth. Most people spread the bacteria around when they use a washcloth, a sponge or a brush causing more break out.
4. Toner: toner is part of the cleansing process. Use an alcohol free toner and sweep it over your skin with a cotton pad after you’ve finished cleansing. You’ll be amazed at the amount of “stuff” that comes off on the pad. It should also PH balance the surface of your skin and prepare it for moisture.
5. Moisturizer: don’t bother buying a good moisturizer if your not going to exfoliate! You’re just moisturizing the dead skin on top. You want to be able to at least try to get to some of the cells under that dead skin. Find a moisturizer with hyluronic acid. This is an ingredient that attracts water and binds it to your skin. It’s in most good moisturizers. Also remember that you can still be oily but dehydrated. Use an oil-free moisturizer if this is the case and you don’t like to feel oily.
6. Eye Cream: eye creams are formulated for the thin skin around our eyes. Most facial moisturizers cannot penetrate this skin and just lay on the surface and cause puffiness. Eye creams (unless otherwise specified) should NOT go on the eyelid. They are meant to go on the orbital bone surrounding the eye.
7. Neck Cream: the skin on the neck is actually very similar to the skin under the eyes. The big difference is that you don’t want excessive moisture on the neck due to the fact that water is heavy and will weigh down this delicate tissue (over time causing the dreaded turkey neck).
8. Exfoliant: I mentioned exfoliation under cleansers. Also see my extensive post on the differences between them and which one is best for you.

Serums and masks are generally used to supplement your daily routine with a boost of something that you feel is not being addressed with your daily product regimen. If you have a specific concern (such as spots, wrinkles, clogged pores, hydration, exfoliation, puffiness, firming or any number of other issues) search for the serum that best suits your needs.

Your daily routine should consist of a morning and evening ritual. I’m constantly surprised by the number of people believe that since they washed their face before they went to bed, they don’t need to wash it again in the morning. WRONG!!! Your skin is active when you sleep. It secretes waste that needs to be washed off. It seems like a lot, but your skin and the mirror will thank you.

Popularity: 6%

Dr. Perricone’s Nutritive Cleanser (officially: N.V. Perricone, M.D. Alpha Lipoic Acid Nutritive Cleanser with DMAE)

This is an excellent cleanser for sensitive skin. The Alpha Lipoic Acid actually helps to repair the skin as it cleans.

If you’re not familiar with the line, the basis of most (if not all) of the products (including his diets described in all of his books) is to aid in the reduction of inflammation within the body. I personally found the diet virtually impossible to follow, as I don’t like most fish (especially salmon) and I have to have my salt. If I can at least help my skin, maybe some of the benefits will seep into my body?
Getting back to the cleanser, it has a great scent, a pump (which makes it perfect for the shower) and it deep cleans without leaving your skin feeling over-dried.
$35.00

Available at Nordstrom.com, neimanmarcus.com and sephora.com

Popularity: 2%

Exfoliate: (ex·fo·li·ate) v.- to remove or shed a thin outer layer from something, for example, skin

Exfoliation is an essential step to healthy looking skin.
We exfoliate for a number of reasons. First, to eliminate the flaky layer of dead skin from the surface so that our moisturizer has a chance to penetrate better. Secondly, to diminish the appearance of surface dehydration lines and third, in the case of dermabrasion, to erase deeper lines or scars from the skins surface.

Within the cosmetic department, there are three general types of exfoliation…

Manual exfoliation: a gritty substance suspended in some type of liquid or cream is used to scrape off the dead skin from the surface. This method can sometimes be too harsh for a sensitive skin type, as it can also damage the tissue under the dead skin.
Acid Peels: Glycolic, Alpha Hydroxy, Beta Hydroxy, Retinol, etc. essentially dissolve the substance that holds the cells together allowing for an easier release when you wash afterwards. This method is safe and effective but (again) for a more sensitive skin, you may have a tingle or burning sensation.
Enzymes: enzymes are relatively new to the group of cosmetic terms used in the industry. The companies have probably been using them, but it wasn’t a “buzz” word until the last year or two. Most of the enzymes used in cosmetics dissolve the protein that actually is the dead skin on the surface. They cause very little or no irritation and they take very little time.
I personally use enzymes and occasionally a glycolic. I haven’t used a scrub (on my face) for about 10 years. Depending on your own needs, you decide what’s best for you.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You’d rather get pampered and exfoliation by an expert? Find a SPA near you and enjoy!

All Spa Types Resort & Hotel Spas Destination Spas Day Spas Medical Spas Connoisseur Spas Mobile Spas Dental Spas Casino Spas

Popularity: 6%

Sjal n. (swed): spirit, heart, mind and soul

This “mom and pop” or more literally “mother and daughter” line has only four products, but they pack in the benefits that most of us need for a simple, daily routine.
Here’s an excerpt from their website:
‘After years of being skincare enthusiasts, Karen and Kristin noticed skin care lines creating all-too-detailed and often confusing regimens. They were unable to find a skincare system that successfully addressed common skin concerns but eliminated the need for multiple products. Karen and Kristin set out to challenge the market by creating a fast, simple, yet effective regimen that clearly works to benefit the skin - a “true cosmeceutical skin care line.” ‘

My favorite product in the range is primarily sold as a line and wrinkle reducing serum, although, this multi-tasking product also contains many ingredients to keep the skin moist as well as being a powerful anti-oxidant (fighting external environmental foes).

$235.00

It can be found at Bergdorf Goodman (ask for Seril, he’s very knowledgeable) or at Barneys, New York

Popularity: 1%