New Day Your Way

Put on a Good Face

With so many options for skin care around, from toners to cleansers to serums to creams to moisturizers, how do we know what's necessary? "There's a reason there's so much to choose from," says Robert Scott, Los Angeles celebrity aesthetician. "You should have an arsenal of products to address particular concerns when they arise-a break-out; travel to different climates; change of season; aging; pregnancy-you name it." But first things first: everyone should have four important skincare products in their home.

(Remember that most products are made to suit specific skin types, from oily to normal to dry to sensitive. Choose your basics from the category that suits you.)

Cleanser

Start with an appropriate cleanser and uses it twice a day, morning and night. Use warm water to loosen dirt and unclog pores, then apply a dime-sized amount of cleanser in a circular motion. Now rinse with cool water-it tends to tighten the pores. Throughout the day, makeup attracts pollution, dirt, grease and bacteria, so women should never go to bed without removing these impurities, explains Lesley Bride, senior scientist at Proctor & Gamble. For night cleansing, remember to first remove makeup with a makeup remover, and then cleanse the face.

Serum

Follow cleansing with a treatment serum. These serums often target concerns about pigmentation (spots caused by photo-aging), sensitivity, acne or general wear and tear. Apply to face, throat and chest. Serum brands and types differ, but generally should not be applied too close to the lash area, corners of the eye, or eyelid.

SPF/Moisturizer

Remember to always finish with an appropriate sunscreen/moisturizer for daytime. Not only will it protect your skin from sun damage, it will also help reduce the signs of aging. It's "If we only had known then what we know now," explains Scott.

As a leading esthetician, Robert Scott, director of Robert Scott Face and Body modern apothecary and treatment center, has a special interest in new techniques and technologies.

"Sunscreens today are formulated to be both moisturizer and SPF-it should be worn every day, all year, including children over the age of two. Just as we brush our teeth to prevent decay, sunscreens will protect us from potential skin cancers and early aging." A common mistake women make is not applying a sufficiently generous amount, explains Bride, inhibiting its effectiveness.

Night Cream

It's important to follow the same routine at night as you do by day, only this time your moisturizer is obviously without an SPF. At night, your skin has a chance to really absorb the ingredients and regenerate itself, explains Bride, so look for something that's rich and luxurious with anti-aging benefits, and wake up looking more refreshed.

Robert Scott's Dos and Don'ts of Skincare

Do feed the body.

A diet of high-protein and low-carbs is great, not only for weight loss but also for your skin. A healthy body is one that is fed the fuel it needs to promote a strong immune system.

Do drink water.

You've heard it a million times: hydration is key to great skin. Our bodies are composed of 90% water and cellular skin function, as well as all overall body metabolic processes, function optimally when hydrated.

Don't pop!

As pesky as pimples can be, they're better left alone. Rupturing a pimple will spread bacteria and often cause more problems such as scarring and discoloration. As tempting as it can sometimes be, we only make them worse when we pick.

Don't over-exfoliate.

Ridding the body of dry, scaly skin is important for proper skin function, but over-exfoliating can cause irritation and sensitivity. Use a scrub or loofah once, perhaps twice, per week max.

Do wear sunscreen every day.

Daily exposure to UVA/UVB/UVC rays acutely damages the skin, which builds up cumulatively through life. And don't think that just because it's 25 degrees outside your skin is safe-if the sun's out, it's harmful. Period. Protecting your skin early is the single most effective way to defend against the visible signs of aging.