Skin Essentials

Have you ever wondered about your skin type or if you're using the right type of cleanser to get your maximum results? Well thanks to Carmindy and her book 5 minute face I can share with you some tips to maximize your skins potential so that you can have that healthy glow!



Oily Skin

Oily Skin tends to break out more, but the good thing is extra oil keeps your skin looking soft and youthful longer than other skin types. Regular cleansing can go a long way to keep your face clear.

The Right Cleanser: For day use a foaming gel cleanser (Estee Lauder Sparkling Clean Oil-Control Foaming gel cleanser, Loreal Ideal Balance Foaming Gel Cleanser). The lather will help break down sebum (skin's natural oil), and since foams typically don't leave extra moisturizers behind the way creamy cleansers do, they are your best bet for keeping skin clear.

The Right Moisturizer: Use an oil free lotion (NeoStrata Ultra Daytime Skin Smoothing Cream, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer). I thought that if you had oily skin you should skip the moisturizer but I was wrong! Your skin will only feel dehydrated and will overcompensate by producing more oil. Trick your skin into thinking it has enough moisture by using an oil free formula. At night, apply an oil free lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate skin and keep pores clear.


Normal/Combination Skin

Did you know that Normal Skin is Combination Skin? We all have more oil glands along our T-zone than on the rest of our face, and every one of us sees shine there. Normal skin has a dewier T-zone but few pimples. It can teeter toward oily or dry.

The Right Cleanser: Use a daily liquid cleanser (Dr. Haushka Cleansing Milk, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for normal/Oily Skin). Liquid cleansers tend to be mild and well balanced, so they will wash away dirt and oil but wont over dry your skin.

The Right Moisturizer: Use Light weight Lotions! Lotions will give you the perfect amount of moisture without being too heavy. At night, use the lightweight lotions and add a cream formula on your drier areas. (DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer, Ponds Smooth Perfection Moisturizer)

Dry Skin (This is me)

Dry Skin has its pros and cons. Pores are usually less visible and you rarely get a blemish, but if you skimp on moisturizer, lines can stand out more and skin can look flat.

The Right Cleanser: Choose a creamy cleanser. (Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser) This type of product will offer lightweight hydration. Keep in mind that dry skin needs moisture added to every beauty step including cleansers and foundations.

The Right Moisturizer: Use a cream that will replace lost moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. (Olay active Hydrating Cream) Try to remember this 5 minute rule: If your skin feels tight 5 minutes after applying moisturizer, your formula isn't rich enough. At night add super rich cream with antioxidant vitamins.

Stay tuned for more tips on Acne, Eye Creams, and more! Please check out Carmindy's book The 5 Minute face. You wont be mad because its packed to the brim with tips and tricks!