Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect yourself from UV rays. Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Here’s what you should keep in mind to sort through all the noise.

SKINCARE TIPS BEFORE YOU START: THREE MAIN STEPS

Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps:

Cleansing — Washing your face. 

Toning — Balancing the skin.

Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.

The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. “Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself,” says the San Francisco skin-care specialist Kristina Holey. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. Still, she adds, “it’s not about creating perfection.”   Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.

GIVE IT TIME

The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Results are only seen through consistent use,” she explains. Generally, aim to use a product over at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference.  

Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum, and then moisturizer.

Author: Kari Molvar/New York Times 

African Shea Butter is a natural paste extracted from the nut (fruit) of the African Shea tree, found mainly in Western Africa. Rich with irremovable fatty acid, it renders far superior to cocoa butter and other natural vegetable butters. This fatty acid is key to moisturizing the skin. Shea Butter provides all essential vitamins needed to make the skin look and feel smoother and healthier. Its therapeutic benefits protect the skin from wind, cold and sun and it helps heal wounds faster. Shea Butter reverses the effects of aging and repairs rough, damaged skin. It is most extensively used all over the world for its proven moisturizing and healing properties. Shea Butter helps heal scars, burns, bruises, stretch marks, prevents ashy skin and chapping and skin rashes. It prevents irritation and restores natural skin luster after shaving. Shea Butter naturally contains vitamins A, E and F helping to firm up aging skin and clear wrinkles.

Author: Samantha Rucker/December Dream