10 Steps to Prettier Skin

Do you want prettier skin? Is it looking a little tired and run down? Or is it a bit dull and lifeless? Maybe it's time for a bit of skin intervention. With a few simple steps, you can makeover your dermis for prettier skin. Choose the steps that apply to your skin and do them every day. Since most skin problems don't occur overnight, they probably won't get fixed overnight. But with a little time, a little patience, and a little bit of consistency, you can have the prettier skin you desire.

Assess. Your first step is to assess your skin. What's good about it? Do you like its tone, firmness, etc? What's wrong with it? Does it have too many wrinkles, acne, or is it dull and lifeless? It's pretty simple to figure out what you don't like about your skin. Take a trip to your favorite big box store and choose name brand products that fix your problems. Major brands usually have reasonable prices and lots of research dollars behind their products, so you can shop with confidence knowing you'll get a pretty good product without breaking the bank. Then try some of these steps to make your skin look its best.

Cleanse. This is always the first step to prettier skin. Cleanse twice a day with a product made just for your skin type. Oil of Olay makes great anti-aging products, while Neutrogena makes wonderful acne products. Choose the line that works for your skin and stick to it for a few months to see if it works.

Exfoliate. If your skin is looking dull and lifeless, you'll definitely need to exfoliate. You can go to a salon for the service or choose an at home microdermabrasion kit. This will get rid of dull skin, brighten up your skin, and make it more receptive to the treatments. Only exfoliate a few times a week, unless you use a product specifically made for daily use.

Treat. You can treat your skin problems with skin care supplements made just for your problems. Got crows feet? Acne? Or skin spots? Dark circles under the eye? Choose a spot treatment that coordinates with your cleanser and you can't go wrong. After you exfoliate and before you moisturize is when you should use all your treatments, unless the product states otherwise.

Moisturize. Even oily skin needs good moisture, just make sure to choose one that suits your skin type. Apply with a gentle patting motion to avoid pulling on the skin and causing wrinkles.

Protect. Always use some sort of facial sunscreen. It's ok if it's already contained in your foundation. This will help prevent any further damage from occurring, since skin damage is largely caused by the sun.
Prime. Just like a coat of paint, primer helps your foundation stick longer. Of course, you can find primer that suits your skin. Some will add a healthy glow to your skin, some will fight shine, others fight aging, and some will just smooth you skin. They all help your foundation last longer and look better.

Hide. Use a great concealer to hide any blemishes, dark spots, or age spots. Its better if the skin imperfection shows a little then to have severely caked on concealer.

Apply. Now it's foundation time! For maturing skin use liquid foundation with SPF and age fighting properties. For acne prone skin, use a foundation with salicylic acid. Long wearing, fragrance-free formulas are great, too. Apply with a damp makeup sponge for even coverage.

Powder. Set your makeup with a touch of powder. I like a sheer mineral booster to give skin a bit of luminescence without the shine.

Take a little time to nourish your skin. Don't forget the skin on your hands as well as your face! You'll look and feel better every time you see yourself in the mirror.

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