Skin Care Guide

The DLC approach to skin care is both thorough and simple. Most of the time, the best thing you can do for your complexion is the least amount necessary. There are only three basic products you need to use on your skin every day: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You may want to add to this regimen—with nutrient-packed serums, clarifying and brightening agents, and wrinkle reducers—but the three basics are the start to healthy skin. Click here to learn more about the skin care product lines DLC carries.

1. Cleanser

Cleansing your face before bed to remove the grime, sweat, makeup, and oils is absolutely essential. The type of cleanser you choose depends on the nature of your skin type. Cleansing in the morning is necessary for oilier or acne-prone skin, but just a rinse with water is all that is needed for dry skin. If your skin tends to be dry, look for formulations such as cream cleansers or cleansing milks, or even a cleansing oil. For oily and/or acne-prone skin, foaming gels or oil-free washes can be helpful. Cleansers containing salicylic acid dissolve the dead keratin cells plugging the pores and help prevent acne, while cleansers with benzoyl peroxide decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin and in the pores that worsen acne. However, both of these ingredients can be extremely drying and may be intolerable to use every day, even for oily skin types. Sensitive skin should be treated similarly to dry skin. If your skin tends to get red, irritated easily, or develops brown spots easily, gentle and therapeutic cleansers can be helpful. Cleanse the skin using creamy cleansers with ingredients that combat inflammation and irritation, such as niacinamide, soy, allantoin, or other calming ingredients.

2. Moisturizer

The importance of moisturizing the skin cannot be overstated. If the top layer of your skin dries out completely, it is unable protect the layers of skin underneath. Moisturizer not only instantly makes the surface of the skin look pretty, it also seals and protects what is beneath it. Dry skin tends to be low on natural oils and lipids and needs daily replenishment with humectants and emollients. Dry skin needs rich, heavy-duty moisturizers, such as oil-based lotions or creams. Water-based moisturizers will not provide enough long-lasting moisture. Emollients such as shea butter, squalene, lanolin oil, or mineral oil will be most effective. Oily or acne-prone skin will not always need a moisturizer, but sometimes it is necessary. Water-based, non-comedogenic moisturizers are the best bet for this skin type as they will provide moisture without clogging pores.

3. Sunscreen

The absolute best step you can take to maintain the beauty and health of your skin is to apply sun protection every single day. It by far the most effective and significant thing you can do to protect your skin from sun damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. If you use only one product on your skin, make it a sunscreen, and use it every day. Choose sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that clearly states “broad spectrum” on the label. This “broad spectrum” labeling helps to ensure you get both UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays cause the majority of tanning and burning, whereas UVA rays pass through window glass and penetrate the skin more deeply, and are largely responsible for premature aging changes and development of malignancy in the skin.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Cleanse, moisturize, and sunscreen. The DLC Team can help you select the best products for your individual skin type and add therapeutic products to address any of your concerns to help you achieve the most beautiful skin possible. Learn more about the carefully selected skin care product lines DLC carries.

American Academic of Dermatology Video Library

Please learn more by visiting the American Academic of Dermatology (AAD) video library, linked below.