Daily Skin Care
All skin types can benefit from a gentle, non-drying cleanser, an exfoliant and broad-spectrum protection from sun damage. Most bar soaps contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which dries skin by stripping away natural oils. A non-soap facial cleanser will remove dirt and bacteria while moisturizing the skin with emollients and humectants. Even if you’re not prone to breakouts, a topical exfoliant such as a lotion with alpha hydroxy acid will remove sun damage and keep skin supple as you age. Finally, using a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays daily will prevent wrinkles and skin cancer.
Recently Answered
- Q What is a good morning skincare routine?
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Dr. Doris Day, DermatologyFirst thing in the morning, do the following: Step 1: Use a gentle cleanser with circular motions of your hands. Rinse off with a splash of water or with a wash cloth wrung out in warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel. You may also use a mild soap,... Full Answer
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- Q What is a good nighttime skincare routine?
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Dr. Doris Day, DermatologyBefore bed do the following: • Use your cleanser again just as you did in the morning. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before cleansing, and try to get the hang of taking each lens out directly from your eye rather than pulling the skin... Full Answer
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- Q Who should not use sunscreens?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySunscreens should not be used on infants younger than 6 months of age, as the risk of side effects is greater for children so young. Infants younger than 6 months should not be exposed to the direct sun. Children older than 6 months should have... Full Answer
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- Q What is a clinically proven or scientifically proven skin care product?
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, Dermatology"Clinically" means that testing of some kind was done on animals or people, while "scientifically" refers to testing in a laboratory. The manufacturers themselves usually do both, so you have to question the validity of the testing, since the data are... Full Answer
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- Q Why does smoking damage your skin?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineCigarettes not only damage your arteries to contribute to the formation of wrinkles, but they're also responsible for vertical lines above the lips. That's partly because cigarettes deplete levels of a gas called nitric oxide from the inner lining cells... Full Answer
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- Q How is mulberry extract used to treat skin?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyMulberry extract is a botanical with both astringent (skin tightening) and antibacterial properties. Full Answer
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- Q How is mineral oil used to treat skin?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyMineral oil, also called liquid paraffin, liquid petrolatum, white mineral oil, and white paraffin oil, is used to prevent skin drying and irritation. Full Answer
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- Q How are amino oligoelements used to treat skin?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyAmino oligoelements, a class of compounds that includes minerals such as zinc or copper linked to amino acid peptides, are used as healing, anti-aging ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Full Answer
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- Q What types of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be found in skincare products?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyIf your product contains one of the following ingredients, it contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA): glycolic acid lactic acid glycolic acid plus ammonium glycolate alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid plus ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate ... Full Answer
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- Q What is carnauba wax and why is it added to skincare products?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyCarnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees used primarily as a thickening and film-forming agent in cosmetic preparations. Full Answer
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