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Where should a young person start when introducing a daily skincare routine?
As I've said before, "keep it simple". A healthy young skin should start with the basics and omit products that are geared to increasing skin metabolism. These anti-aging products will surely over activate a young skin and lead to breakouts or skin reactions. A younger skin's metabolism is already in high gear so my recommendation is a simple, three step twice a day routine.
CLEANSER Your cleanser should not be too emollient, which will clog the pores. It should not contain drying detergents that will cause the skin to be tight and uncomfortable. Omit acne products if you don't have very oily, problem skin. Make sure your cleanser is free of sodium lauryl sulphate which is a commonly used detergent in foaming cleansers. The reason you don't want to use a drying cleanser is because when you create a dry, dehydrated surface layer you trap in oil which leads to clogged pores.
TONER Yes toners are still an important step! The main function of using a toner is removing any traces of your cleanser so the skin is truly clean without becoming dehydrated. This is of course if you use a toner that is free from alcohol, menthol, witch hazel and other drying ingredients. A simple test here is, when you apply your toner does it feel cool and tingly? That is because those drying ingredients are evaporating and pulling water out of your skin, causing dehydration. A good toner balances your pH to minimize unwanted bacteria and it also removes chemicals found in the tap water such as fluoride, chlorine, sodium and bacteria.
MOISTURIZER Young skin is usually not dry, but it can be dehydrated. It may not be lacking oil but deficient in vital moisture that keeps cells alive and healthier longer. Young skins will benefit from and oil free moisturizer that contains humectants that grab onto water and nourish your skin. To insure maximum hydration you should apply your moisturizer while skin is still damp.
By the way...
LONGEVITY now offers a Skincare 101 package that contains these three products together at a discounted price. Click: Skincare 101 for more information.