What skin-care products do I need?

When patients first come to me looking for help in boosting their skin health, I often ask them to bring in all their products so I can see what they use and where they may be going wrong. In most cases, they dump all their current supplies and start over. It’s highly likely that you have been overtreating your skin with multiple products, many of which could be harsh and exacerbating—rather than relieving—irritation and inflammation that can lead to breakouts and other skin conditions. I also look to see that their products are noncomedogenic. If you see the term oil-free on a label, you’re safe.

I recommend doing the same here and starting fresh. Just the thought of going out and buying a few items to replace your old ones has a psychological plus to it. And you don’t need to go further than your local drug store to pick up the following: a gentle cleanser you can use every day, and two good moisturizers, one with sunscreen for daytime use and another for nighttime use. Your daytime moisturizer can be extra special with antioxidants and your nightly cream can include an over-the-counter retinol product if you so choose.

If you have acne, get yourself an anti-acne formula as well, such as benzoyl peroxide, and while you’re at it, pick up any kind of gentle exfoliator you want. It can be a salicylic acid toner or a fruit-enzyme-based formula with jojoba beads. The bottom line is this: Don’t overdo it! Keep it simple. I see too many women who overtreat and overscrub their faces clean to the point that they defeat the purpose. Instead of boosting their natural glow and cell turnover, they end up causing irritation and inflammation. They trigger a cascade of localized stress-response events that lead to dryness and breakouts.

From The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Less Stress, Gorgeous Skin, and a Whole New You by Amy Wechsler.

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