Monday, February 22, 2010

Skincare Beauty Tip


If your complexion is looking lackluster, chances are dead skin cells are to blame. "Dull skin is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells that don't slough off properly, kind of like old paint or nail polish that loses its luster," says top dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. Couple that with dry winter weather, sun damage and hormonal changes and you've got a recipe for skin care disaster. Fortunately there are a few easy steps you can take to keep your skin looking its healthy, glowing best.Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. If your skin isn't shedding those dead cells on its own, you're going to have to do it yourself. If you have normal/oily skin, Wu suggests using a salicylic acid product, like Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel, once a week. If you prefer mechanical exfoliation over chemical, try the Clarisonic Skincare Brush to physically remove buildup. For those with dry or sensitive skin, Wu recommends a gentle scrub like Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub to gently lift off dead skin cells without aggravating your skin.Get into a routine. In addition to your weekly exfoliation, Wu suggests you keep your skin vibrant by using a sunscreen during the day to protect from skin-dulling sun damage and use a night cream that contains a retinol or retinoid like Renova to speed up cell turnover and push new, healthy cells to the surface.Do a quick fix. If you want your skin to look brighter instantly, Wu has a few sneaky tricks to get glowing right now. "I'm obsessed with shimmer powder, which reflects light and makes your skin instantly glowier," says Wu. Try: Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder and Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. Wu also suggests using a makeup primer to smooth flaky skin and provide an even surface for powder or foundation application. We like: Dior SkinFlash Primer.

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