GETTING STARTED ON A SKINCARE ROUTINE
6 STEPS FOR A BETTER SKIN ROUTINE
Everyday soaps can be harsh and irritating, so choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Look for one that maintains your skin’s normal pH balance and doesn’t damage its natural protective barrier. All Cetaphil cleansers are clinically shown to maintain your skin’s pH and natural moisture, making them ideal for sensitive skin. If you have oily skin, look for a cleanser specially designed not to clog pores (non-comedogenic) and that regulates sebum/oil, like Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser.
Limit cleansing your face to twice a day (in the mornings and evenings) and, after cleansing, be sure to pat the skin dry. Avoid rubbing your face with your towel to ensure you don’t cause irritation.
If you have dry skin, apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This helps to trap moisture and keep your skin soft and smooth. You might think that oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer, but even if you notice that you have excess oil, you still need to moisturize – even visibly oily skin can still lack moisture. Just be sure to use a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer, as this means it won't clog pores.
Using a daily moisturizer with SPF is a great way to make sure you don’t skip sun protection.(1)
Sunscreen isn’t just for hot days. Using sunscreen regularly can help guard against free radicals induced by UV radiation, which can cause skin damage and aging. While SPF 15 is the minimum value you need for daily protection(1), sunscreens that carry an SPF of 50 offer even better protection.
Be sure to choose a product with broad spectrum UV protection to protect you from both UVA rays (that cause aging) and UVB rays (that cause sunburn)(2). And remember, while water resistance helps ensure that your sunscreen doesn’t wash (or sweat) off, extended exposure to the sun requires a second helping of sunscreen.
Using a moisturizer before going to bed helps to keep your skin hydrated through the night and will leave your skin feeling balanced and smoothed when you wake up to face the world. Using a night moisturizer helps you take advantage of your body getting much-needed sleep. A nourishing night cream like Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Night Comfort Cream protects skin from dryness throughout the night.
Though your face might be the thing you focus on when you look in the mirror, try not to neglect your body. Because we’re covered up most of the day, it’s easy to give the skin on your arms, legs, back and trunk second priority, but these areas can also get dry and irritated.
Be sure to use a gentle body wash, and make it a habit to moisturize immediately after stepping out of the shower or bath.
1 http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb
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