Everyone knows by now that wearing sunscreen is a necessary step in every skincare regimen, but some products can irritate your skin more than others. For instance, physical sunblock formulas- reflect UV rays and include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide- typically cause less irritation than their chemical counterparts, which absorb UV rays and prevent them [...]
TLC after topical treatments
Intense treatments, such as acid peels or Retin-A, can make skin extra-sensitive to the environment — especially sunlight. And although the most effective protection might be to stay indoors, that’s rarely an option.
Shield treated areas with sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing (i.e. long sleeves and pants). Protect any area that’s undergone [...]
Apply, and reapply, the SPF
While some sunscreens promise all-day protection, you still need to reapply them every two hours- more often if you’re swimming or sweating during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Worried about disrupting your makeup? Opt for a sunscreen in powder or spray-on mist form and reapply every few hours to [...]
Day or night. Wondering whether to use a separate day and night-time skincare regimen? In most cases, you don’t need to. Some people like to apply a light moisturizer with SPF for daywear and a rich moisturizer at night. But, you can also use one cream for both day and night and purchase a separate [...]
How your doctor can help
Medical-grade chemical peels and microdermabrasion can subtly lighten spots. Lasers like the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine can also be effective in correcting hyperpigmentation.
Makeup tricks
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to even out your skin tone is by adding a few makeup tricks to your arsenal. Choose a foundation [...]
So what’s causing them? In one word: sunlight. When your body is exposed to UV rays, it protects itself by producing red or brown pigment. Hyperpigmentation, as doctors call it, increase with age, although most of the damage probably occurred before your twentieth birthday.
The good news is that it’s never too late to slow the [...]
Sensitive skin treatment options are now available at all price points- from posh brands like Darphin and RéVive to drugstore standbys like Cetaphil and Eucerin. The key is to pamper your skin with the fewest possible ingredients. You want to avoid products that boast vitamins, antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids, and sunscreen all at once.
Even after [...]
Counteract cystic acne: A 15 to 20 week course of the oral retinoid Accutane is the gold standard, and provides lasting results. This treatment can be especially effective for hormonal acne. If you’re weary of the side effects, (which include very dry skin and possible birth defects should you become pregnant), try a series of [...]
There’s no greater trick to looking healthier and hotter than a great tan, but UV rays are murder on your skin. With a few tips, you can master self-tanner and fake a warm glow all year long.
No one tans evenly over their whole face- most people initially get darker on the parts the sun hits [...]
Cold, winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin. To keep your face soft and supple in the winter, apply a moisturizer to your face every day, especially before going out into the elements. If you have super sensitive skin, avoid rinsing your face in tap water, which can have harsh minerals that can be [...]