Tuesday, April 9, 2002
Darcy Strieff, an esthetician and educator at the Douglas J. Day Spa in Okemos, Mich., said it's important to keep skin healthy by keeping it moist and supple to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Experts don't necessarily agree on which brands of skin-care products are most effective, and many say that what works for one person may be totally wrong for another. The basics for a no-frills facial include:
Cleanser: It's designed to remove dirt, oils and impurities while soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Exfoliant: There are two types that remove dead skin cells. One contains granules used for a physical scrub; the other is a liquid that dissolves dead skin cells. Strieff said that if acne is present, a granule exfoliant may cause tiny tears and spread the bacteria to other areas of the skin. Strieff suggests using a liquid exfoliant for sensitive skin.
Toner: The toner acts as a humectant that helps bind water to the skin and firms it. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Strieff recommends using it in the morning, after cleansing.
Moisturizer: Depending on the level of moisture your skin needs, a moisturizer may be good to keep the skin more moist, so you can prolong the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles.