Fine Lines

Volume 1, Issue 3

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www.ascpskincare.com 13 Susannah Courteau, Brevena Laboratories' skin expert and advanced practice esthetician, has outlined six bad skin care habits and how to break each one—resulting in healthier skin. BAD HABIT #1: Not wearing sunscreen every day Premature aging is caused by many factors, but the number- one cause is sun damage! Most of this damage is done when you don't realize it: riding in the car, winter days with cloud cover, and even sitting by a window at lunch. We tend to only use sunscreen when we know we're spending a day out in the sun, but the truth is, you need it every day. It is easy to find a sunscreen you like. Aim for at least SPF 30 and apply generously (at least a teaspoon for your face and neck) after your morning moisturizer. BAD HABIT #2: Not exfoliating One of the easiest ways to achieve glowing skin is with exfoliation. Many different products help your skin release dry, dull cells, but my favorite is a cleanser or toner with glycolic or salicylic acid. (I still have the occasional breakout, and scrubs seem to aggravate my blemishes.) Using an overnight acid-based brightening serum or a gentle scrub (rotating brush, washcloths, or even baking soda paste) will help cell turnover and reveal fresh skin. BAD HABIT #3: Popping pimples Pimples have the best (or worst) timing. It might seem like a great idea to give it a squeeze, but popping a pimple is an easy way to introduce bacteria and cause a minor bump to morph into a mountain worthy of its own zip code (leading to long-term redness and scarring). As tough as it is, the best cure for a pimple is to leave it alone and become a master of disguise with some strategic makeup placement. For the best results, apply an ice cube to minimize swelling, apply a spot treatment (my favorites contain benzoyl peroxide to help kill bacteria), and find a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone, lightly applying thin layers until covered. To keep it hidden, don't forget to set with translucent powder. BAD HABIT #4: Using too many products Like many things in life, simple is best, skin care included. A good cleanser, serum, sunscreen, and moisturizer in the morning is a good base for cosmetics. In the evening, a cleanser (wash your face!), serum, and night cream will get you through the night. If you have other products you love, like an eye cream or lip conditioner, feel free to use them, but know that the basics are enough. Skin care doesn't need to be complex, just consistent. BAD HABIT #5: Being face-focused Your face isn't the only part of your body that shows its age. Those same ingredients you apply to your face will help firm, tone, and tighten everywhere! When you apply your skin treatments, take time to massage a bit into your neck and chest. Taking time to put sunscreen on these areas daily will help prevent premature aging. A spot we often overlook but that needs some TLC is your hands. Apply hand cream before bed, and don't forget to put on sunscreen in the morning and after you wash your hands. It will help keep your hands soft and free of those pesky brown spots. BAD HABIT #6: Addressing one skin care concern at a time This bad habit is common for those who are age 25–35, who still get clogged pores and breakouts, yet they are noticing fine lines and wrinkles. For these issues, you need the best of both worlds. While you may want to dry out your breakouts, this can cause your skin to overcompensate with oil production, leaving you greasy, flaky, and red. To give acne and fine lines the boot, use a salicylic acid toner and a lightweight moisturizer to balance your skin. ▪

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