The Best Accessory: Great Skin

Jennifer Aniston for Smart Water http://www.people.com/

I’m sure each and every one one of you closely obeyed the following skin care rules over the past sun-filled days of summer. You applied broad-spectrum (SPH 15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen each and every time you left the house and reapplied often when outdoors for long periods of time and after swimming or sweating. You stayed out of the sun all-together during midday hours when sun rays are strongest. You applied an antioxidant-rich serum to your face after washing and before applying moisturizer with sunscreen daily. You washed your face religiously before going to bed (every night!). You applied the proper night cream and eye cream for your skin type every night after washing and before going to bed. You drank an abundance of fresh water daily to keep your skin well-hydrated. You ate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids to keep skin youthful and wrinkle-free.You never (ever!!) picked, poked, or fiddled with a blemish, but patiently waited while it passed through several levels of healing and eventually disappeared on its own.

If it is your practice to meticulously follow all these rules for skin care then you probably won’t benefit from the remainder of my post. This is because you already know exactly what you need to do to keep your skin young and fresh in years to come. But if you do not routinely follow these rules to a tee (or like me you are completely obsessed with skin care and skin care products and will do almost ANYTHING -short of extreme plastic surgery - to prevent skin aging) ...then read on!

Here are some of my favorite skin care products and techniques:

Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel: I use one of these great treatment-soaked pads all over the face and neck 1 – 2 x weekly; if you have oily skin they can also be used daily

Avon Anew Clinical Deep Crease Concentrate with Bohylurox: this is a rich serum that targets line fines – I apply it to my forehead and around eyes 2-3 x weekly- It's especially nice in the summer after sun exposure - I like to put it on really thick while hanging out at home

Avon Anew Rejuvenate Flash Facial serum: I use this daily after washing and before applying moisturizer with SPF (could be substituted for any other brand of serum)

A key product for anti-aging is something from the retinoid family. This vitamin A derivative is to be applied at night. Many prescription-strength, dermatologist recommended anti-agers continue a retinoid as the active ingredient. I like prescription Differin 0.1% cream (i've found it is less harsh and drying than the gel version). Of course there is prescription Retin-A and Tazorac which I’ve also heard good things about.
There are also many over-the-counter versions that are less potent. Avon makes a nice version (Avon solutions Ageless Results Intensive-A Line treatment).

!!! Warning: Be careful with retinoids! Your skin will burn in the sun - you must wear SPF daily (which you should do anyway) and wear a wide-brimmed hat at the beach in summer.

When adding a retinoid product to your regimen – use only a pea-size amount and apply 1-2 x a week at first. Most people have to build up their tolerance (otherwise will get redness, dryness, skin peeling and lots of frustration!).

As for face washes and moisturizers - this is where I save money - in my experience, these have the smallest amounts of active ingredients so just use a face wash that is gentle (Cetafil products are nice) and make sure you have SPF in your day cream (at least SPF 15).

New products that I am excited to try/buy:

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector (left)

Genifique Youth Activating Cream Serum by Lancome - This is going to be my next purchase: I tried a 7-day sample supply and it is amazing!!! (right)

Remember: Beautiful skin is the most timeless accessory. The skin you have is the only skin you get! Take care of it now and forever!

Marion Cotillard http://www.cotillard.net/