Faith Heart Magazine | Page 36

It should be sulfate-free. Sulfates strip the skin like shampoos. You never want this over drying ingredient on your face. TONER/TONER LOTION: Toners help rebalance the skin after cleansing. This product also serves to remove residual make-up, oil, and dirt that cleansing did not dissolve. Let’s just say that this is the second line in the cleansing defense. Toner has alcohol which dries the skin, whereas toner lotions do not. Steer clear of any toners that tend to dry the skin after cleansing. It could cause the skin to overproduce more oil to compensate the dryness. MASK: Masks hydrate the skin at deeper levels. Most times these are skin or condition specific. Let’s say you desire to have baby smooth skin. You may opt for a collagen mask to plump and hydrate the skin. If you’re sensitive, then an aloe mask may be for you. Once to twice a week application for 20 minutes and you are good to go. If you have dry skin, use a rich moisturizer. Whereas people with oily skin should use a lightweight moisturizer. Under NO circumstances should you use body lotion on your face because it not absorbed properly into the skin. SUNSCREEN: Sunscreen protects your beautiful skin from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause everything from sun burns to cancer. Seek a broad spectrum protection with UVA and UVB that will protect your skin from the sun. How often you stay outdoors will dictate how often you reapply. Unless you are wearing makeup, one application will not be enough. Want a good recommendation for skin care at home? Send me pictures of current products used and a picture of your face (1/2 in good lighting) to [email protected]. Instagram/Twitter: @mahoganieskincare Aundra is a native of Miami, FL. She's a mompreneur and educator. She eats and sleeps skin care. She is an Avid Googler of everything. SERUMS: Serums are products that penetrate the skin with different vitamins, antioxidants or repair the skin. They are made with smaller molecules that are easily absorbed into the skin. If you are over thirty, seeking rapid cellular turnover for younger looking skin, look for serums that contain Vitamin A also known as retinols. Combating hyperpigmentation? Try a Vitamin C serum and watch those dark spots fade over time. MOISTURIZERS: No skincare routine is complete without moisturizer. If you are complaining about oily skin and not using a moisturizer, USE A MOISTURIZER! I assure you, your skin will eventually balance itself. FAITH HEART MAGAZINE I 33