Getting Started on a Skin Care 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 moisturiser 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 moisturiser, but even if you notice that you have excess oil, you still need to moisturise – even visibly oily skin can still lack moisture. Just be sure to use a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturiser, as this means it won't clog pores.
Using a daily moisturiser with SPF is a great way to make sure you don’t skip sun protection. SPF 15 is the minimum value for adequate daily protection.
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, sunscreens that carry an SPF of 30 (or higher) 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). 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 moisturiser 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 moisturiser helps you take advantage of your body getting much-needed sleep. A nourishing night cream like Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid protects skin from dryness throughout the night.
Don’t forget to treat your eye area in your skin care routine. The skin around the eyes is delicate and thinner than the rest of your skin, and using an eye gel or cream before going to bed at night helps to hydrate, brighten and smooth the eye area.
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 moisturise immediately after stepping out of the shower or bath. Try our range of gentle body washes, fragrance-free, refreshing and soothing.
1 http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb
