The three fundamentals of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting from damage apply to all skin types. However, other specialty products can enhance the skin's tone and texture. For those who want to go beyond the basics of skin care, these products can help perfect the skin.
Toners
Many people find toners an essential cleansing step. These thin, quick-drying skin refreshers go on after cleansing and before moisturizing. Toners for oily skin usually include alcohol, salicylic acid, or other drying ingredients that help remove any residual oil after washing. For dry or mature skin, toners impart additional moisture and provide a pleasant cooling sensation.
Those with troubled skin may be tempted to choose a powerful toner that strips the skin and dries blemishes. While these products do remove oil, they also contain ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin. Acetone, camphor, and menthol are extremely drying; use toners containing these ingredients sparingly and only where the skin is oiliest.
Anti-Aging Creams
Mature skin develops fine lines over time, and anti-aging products promise to make these lines less visible. While any moisturizer will temporarily reduce the visibility of fine lines, some products diminish them more permanently with sustained use. Creams containing retinoids, compounds related to vitamin A, have been shown to diminish superficial lines. Peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants are other common anti-aging ingredients.
Night Creams
Night creams are a thicker, more emollient moisturizing formula meant to hydrate skin throughout the night. Designed mostly for dry or mature skin, these rich creams would feel too thick and heavy for day wear, but they can be an effective in-depth treatment for severely dry skin at night. Some products also contain anti-aging ingredients as well as rich moisturizers.
Masks
Masks are meant for occasional use, and they are intensive treatments for various skin types. Moisturizing masks benefit dry and mature skin; clay masks absorb oil on combination and oily complexions. These treatments are often part of a home spa day, helping the user feel relaxed and pampered.
Anti-Acne Treatments
Anyone who gets the occasional blemish may have a tube of anti-acne cream on hand to deal with breakouts. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in these creams, and both products work by drying the area around the pimple. Medicated acne creams are meant to go directly on the blemish and could be too harsh or drying for use on clear skin, so follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
For more serious skin conditions, it is best to see a dermatologist. A doctor can assess each case thoroughly and recommend a course of treatment that might include medication as well as topical treatments.
