Issue link: http://www.finelinesmagazine.com/i/1351222
5 Easy Steps to Maintain Youthful Skin USE SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY I've seen many clients who only use sunscreen when they plan to be outside. This common mistake stems from not understanding how sun damages the skin. Sun damage is cumulative. It is the pileup of small doses of daily damage that leads to wrinkles, skin sagging, and sun-related pigmentation issues. Tip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's built into your moisturizer to get one-step SPF protection for the face all day. UNDERSTAND WHAT TONER DOES Toner helps remove residue left behind from your cleanser and makeup after preliminary cleansing. If your toner contains a humectant/hydrator (most do), the application of your toner becomes the first step of hydration after cleansing. The most important function of a toner, though, is lowering the pH of your skin's surface. Lowering the pH sets up the right environment for other products, such as an alpha hydroxy acid serum, to work most effectively. Most importantly, recent research indicates that keeping the skin at a lower pH helps prevent skin inflammation that can cause the formation of enzymes that destroy collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. This is especially important in older skin. Tip: Mist alcohol-free toner on your face with an atomizer. Spraying helps cover all areas and is easier than using a cotton ball. Blot off the excess with a clean towel. Do not rinse after toning! AVOID SOAP Washing your face with soap is almost as bad as deliberately tanning. Clients who have used soap tell me they think they are getting cleaner finelinesmagazine.com 13 because of the foam, ease of rinsing, and the feel of bubbles. The problem is that most soaps are very alkaline and leave a wax residue on your skin. Tip: To substitute for soap, find a gentle, light-foaming cleanser that rinses easily, and remember to use a good toner afterward. BABY YOUR EYES Skin in the eye area is very different from other areas of the face and it needs a special level of humectant, which hydrates, and emollient, which soothes and softens. You might be unaware of the need for a separate eye cream and don't know how to use it correctly. Have your esthetician show you how to apply eye cream and how to incorporate it into your home-care regimen. Tip: If you wear contact lenses or worry about sensitivity, see if your skin care therapist carries an ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free eye care product. DON'T SNOOZE ON NIGHTLY SKIN CARE Don't shrug off night routines because you are tired. This is a critical part of your home care. Don't let it slide. Tip: Simplify your night care by using easy-to-use packaging, spraying toner, etc., and perform your night care early in the evening. See what other tips your esthetician has for keeping you on track. ▪ Mark Lees, PhD, MS, CIDESCO, is an award-winning speaker, clinical skin therapist, and product developer specializing in acne and sensitive aging skin. He is the author of Skin Care: Beyond the Basics (Milady, 2011), The Skin Care Answer Book (Milady, 2010), and Clearing Concepts (Milady, 2013). marklees.com In addition to your skin care appointments, here are five of the easiest ways you can help keep your skin healthy and youthful for years to come. by Mark Lees, PhD