As a beauty professional, I have found that many women disregard the first and most important rule when it comes to wearing make-up; the importance of good skin care. We all want to be as attractive as possible. We all want to play up our best features or hide some of those minor flaws we would rather live without. So many of us turn to make-up. Cosmetics are a great way to express your self in different ways at different times. Makeup is fun. But no matter how much you might think that covering up blemishes, blackheads, scaly skin, or other skin concerns is your solution, the real answer lies in how you treat your skin in the first place.

Skin problems can often be prevented or minimized by following a proper skin care regimen. Choices may seem overwhelming. But in actuality, it has never been simpler to create a routine based upon your ultimate goal and your skin type. If you could have one or two skin wishes come true, what would they be?

Pick your most important concern to work on first. It is much easier to select a priority and fix it than try to do too much all at once. It is all too common for us to hear something like this. "I have oily, acne prone skin that has blotchy discoloration, fine lines and red blood vessels with puffiness under the eyes and areas of dry sensitive skin on my cheeks. What do I need to use to fix all of these problems?"

The example may seem silly, but this quick fix approach is far too common and we try to select initial treatment aimed at the broadest improvement and then fine tune things from there. Here are the initial steps everyone should take for having healthy beautiful skin. While the steps remain the same, the product selections may vary based upon your skin type.

• Exfoliate
• Treat
• Hydrate
• Protect

Exfoliation

Everyone needs some exfoliation, it just may vary between individuals. As we age, our epidermis thickens and leaves skin looking dull and drab. This is particularly true if you are prone to dry skin or have gone through menopause. For those with oily skin, exfoliation is equally important to help remove excess skin oils and plugs within the oil glands that can lead to acne or blackheads. Exfoliation can be gently achieved with the use of glycolic acid cleansers such as DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge Antioxidant Enhanced Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser 2, salicylic acid cleansers for anyone with acne of the torso Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash or gentle AHA/BHA combinations such as Neova Radiant Skin Cleanser. You want to walk the line between cleansing and exfoliating and being too rough to the skin. For those looking for a little added exfoliation in their cleansing routine, the gentle use of Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser can be of help. Further exfoliation can be accomplished by the use of DermaNew Facial Rejuvenation System or Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads.

Treat

Treatment can mean anything from skin rejuvenation products, skin discoloration items and oil absorbing agents to applying medicines for acne or eczema. Treatments usually come in a variety of bases, particularly those meant for skin rejuvenation. Your skin type as well as seasonal changes will play a role here. Do not overlook the importance of getting that medical skin condition under control even if it means going to see a dermatologist. Look at having healthy skin as having a clean canvass upon which to paint any improvements.

Hydrate

Even those prone to oily or acne prone skin may need some hydration. Don't make the mistake whatever your skin type of going overboard and drying out your skin until it is so parched it is a challenge to fix. Many medications and treatments appropriate for dealing with acne or oily skin automatically are drying. And during the fall and winter months your skin may be even more vulnerable. Consider Neova R2 Light Lotion For Sensitive and Red Skin or Cellex-C Sea Silk Oil-Free Moisturizer as options for these difficult times. And during the time you feel especially oily yet need a touch of hydration here and there, my standard favorite continues to be MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Hydrating Gel.

If you have combination or dry skin, MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Creme or Dr. Brandt Anti-Irritant Soothing Moisturizer are helpful. An added base of Viscontour Serum, which combines both treatment along with hydration, may be a great way of spanning these 2 categories, too.

Protect

Sunscreen daily all year long is your best bet at helping diminish your formation of wrinkles, blotchy skin discoloration and of course cut down on your risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreens come in a wide variety of bases from those meant for oily skin such as Peter Thomas Roth Ultra Lite Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 and DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body to hydrating products like Cellex-C Sun Care SPF 30+. Even people with sensitivities to chemical sunscreens have options now including Vanicream Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 30 and Z-Silc Sunblock SPF 30. You can certainly wear a sun protective hat like those made by Physician Endorsed and of course consider Sun Guard Laundry Treatment UV Protectant for widespread areas of the body erroneously thought to be protected by your clothing. Whatever your selection, consistency is key here.

So now you know the steps to achieve beautiful healthy skin. Exfoliate, Treat, Hydrate and Protect. Four easy steps to a lifetime of skin care that can help leave your skin looking its very best.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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