Step 1 - Cleansing
Choosing the best skin cleanser for your skin type is important.  If you are acne-prone or have oily skin, look for a product containing salicylic acid, which helps slough dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.  Those with dry or sensitive skin types should stick to gentle, bland cleansers that won’t irritate.  Glycolic acid is an ingredient to look for if your goal is to improve skin texture or decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 2 - Sunscreen
Every Phi Mu lady, regardless of age, needs a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher - your skin will thank you!  Damage from the sun’s rays doesn’t only occur at the beach.  We all accumulate significant photodamage from the simple activities of daily life.  We know that photodamage can lead to skin cancers, but if that doesn’t worry you enough - it is also shown to cause irregular pigmentation (sun spots), poor texture, and dreaded wrinkles!  Excess sun exposure is the number one contributor to premature aging of the skin.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 be used year-round for all skin types.

Step 3 - Retinoids
Whether young or not-so-young, your skin can benefit from application of a vitamin A derivative, or retinoid.  Studies have shown that retinoids can soften fine lines, improve skin texture and decrease brown spots or pigment irregularities.  Retinoids work by increasing collagen production and improving the skin cycle to keep skin appearing fresh and healthy.  Retinoids come in prescription strength (i.e. Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and others) and are typically applied at night a few times a week until the initial response of the skin (typically redness or peeling) subsides, and then on a nightly basis.  There are also various formulations of retinoids available over-the-counter, which are milder but still effective.  Examples include retinol and retinaldehyde, common ingredients found in many anti-aging serums and creams.  The combination of daily sun protection and application of a retinoid product at night form the foundation for both prevention and treatment of skin aging.

Step 4 - Antioxidants 
Environmental toxins and sun damage can lead to the generation of harmful free radicals in the skin.  Antioxidants can counteract free radicals, helping to protect skin and brighten skin tone.  Oral intake of antioxidants through a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables is helpful.  For a boost straight to the skin, look for skin products with ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, pomegranate, soy, green tea, idebenone, niacinamide, and coenzyme Q10.

Step 5 - Moisturizer
Skin tends to become drier with age.  Dry skin appears dull and makes wrinkles more noticeable.  Moisturizers can improve the appearance of skin through their hydrating effects.  If you are acne-prone, be sure to get a moisturizer that is labelled non-comedogenic.  Moisturizers that include sunscreen are great for daytime use.  Applying moisturizer at bedtime will help to counteract any dryness or irritation caused by topical retinoids as well.  Ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid and propylene glycol.

These are the basic tools for maintaining healthy, vibrant, young-appearing skin.  Just as exercising and eating a healthy diet improve the appearance of the body, good skin care habits can give you skin that you will want to show off!

Resources: American Academy of Dermatology www.aad.org