Your daily routine
Start each day by cleaning and moisturizing your face. Your daily routine should take just minutes. Here’s what I recommend: Cleanser: For dry complexions, use a cream cleanser that moisturizes as it cleanses. Look for ingredients such as wheat germ oil, which cleans without stripping, and glycerin, which attracts moisture to your skin’s surface. Water-based gel cleansers with oil-fighting ingredients such as seaweed extract are perfect for oily complexions. Ideally, you should have two cleansers: one for days when your skin is a bit oilier than normal, and another for days when your skin feels a bit drier. And whatever you do, never use body soap on your face. It’ll strip skin and leave it feeling tight and dry. Moisturizer: Without this, skin looks dull, tired, and older than it really is. Try a lightweight moisturizing lotion for normal skin, and opt for a richer hydrating cream with ingredients such as petrolatum, glycerin, or shea butter when skin feels dry or sensitive. Even oily skin benefits from moisturizer. Choose an oil-free formula that hydrates as it helps tame oil production. Sunscreen: Use a lotion with SPF 15 or 30, and make it a year-round habit. Apply it before moisturizer and makeup. Timesaving tip: Moisturizer with sunscreen is just as effective for daily use. But remember to apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Eye cream: The skin around your eyes is more delicate than the rest of your face and needs special care. Use a good eye cream first thing in the morning before you apply concealer. And as you get older, try a richer eye formula with shea butter or beeswax at night. More from Prevention: How To Get Better Skin Overnight
