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"To pinpoint your ideal regimen, SELF polled 17 top dermatologists from coast to coast who agree\u2014drum roll, please\u2014it takes only four daily steps to keep your skin beautiful! Here you'll find the specific ingredients and formulas to use on your face each day, plus weekly and monthly essentials for your complete healthy-skin plan. Follow this goofproof advice; radiant skin awaits!\\n\\n### Morning\\n\\n__STEP 1 | Surprise: The most crucial step of the A.M. regimen isn't washing but using antioxidants to zap the free radicals that go on the attack with each sunrise. The best are below.__\\n\\n#### Dry\\n\\n__Best bet__ A cream made with coffeeberry  \\n__Reason it works__ Thought to be one of the most potent antioxidants, coffeeberry (at 1 percent concentration), in a cream, protects as it hydrates.   \\n__Expert tip__ Of all lotions, night creams drench skin with the most hydrating ingredients. Apply one as a treatment in the A.M. to fend off flakes, says Jeannette Graf, M.D., of Great Neck, New York.  \\n__Skin pick__ Reval\u00E9Skin Night Cream, $120\\n\\n#### Oily\\n\\n__Best bet__ A vitamin C\u2013enriched serum  \\n__Reason it works__ Vitamin C kills free radicals and, though drying to some, is ideal for oily skin; serums are easily soaked up without any greasiness.   \\n__Expert tip__ Prep skin with a toner to remove slick spots, which could inhibit the serum's absorption, says Tina Alster, M.D., director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in D.C.  \\n__Skin pick__ MD Skincare Vitamin C serum, $90\\n\\n#### Sensitive\\n\\n__Best bet__ A fragrance-free daily lotion with green tea  \\n__Reason it works__ Added scents can cause redness; antioxidant-rich green tea is an anti-inflammatory.   \\n__Expert tip__ Before applying a new formula, test it in back of your ear, not on your wrist. \\\"The skin behind your ear is more similar to that on your face,\\\" says Wendy Roberts, M.D., of Rancho Mirage, California. No irritation after 24 hours? Proceed.  \\n__Skin pick__ Alba Aloe and Green Tea Moisturizer, $14\\n\\n#### Normal/combo\\n\\n__Best bet__ A noncomedogenic moisturizer with idebenone, coffeeberry, green tea or vitamin C  \\n__Reason it works__ Your skin tolerates any of these antioxidants; just be sure the one you choose is noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.  \\n__Expert tip__ If you're tempted to apply anything (such as a toner) pre-antioxidant, resist! It needs to go on bare skin to properly penetrate, Dr. Graf says.  \\n__Skin pick__ Priori Moisturizing Facial Cream, $96\\n\\n__STEP 2 | If antioxidants are like the locks on your front door\u2014a crucial first level of security\u2014sunscreen is like the burglar alarm, the ultimate way to ensure safety. Always choose one with an SPF of at least 15.__\\n\\n#### Dry\\n\\n__Best bet__ A sunscreen with glycerin or hyaluronic acid, plus dimethicone  \\n__Reason it works__ The first two ingredients are humectants: They attract water. The last seals in moisture for soft skin (another reason to use sunscreen!).  \\n__Expert tip__ Consistently use it. \\\"UV rays sap moisture from your skin,\\\" Dr. Graf says. \\\"So skipping sunscreen can contribute to a dry complexion.\\\"  \\n__Skin pick__ L'Or\u00E9al Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Sunscreen, $22\\n\\n#### Oily\\n\\n__Best bet__ A gel or spray-on sunscreen labeled as *noncomedogenic*  \\n__Reason it works__ The slight alcohol content of these formulas helps absorb oil on the skin's surface. They also go on with a residue-free layer of protection.  \\n__Expert tip__ Using a spray? Ensure an even coat: Spritz the entire face twice, says Diane Berson, M.D., of New York City. Wait 10 seconds between layers.   \\n__Skin pick__ Eau Thermale Av\u00E8ne UVB and UVA Protection Sunscreen Spray SPF 20, $18\\n\\n#### Sensitive\\n\\n__Best bet__ A sunblock that lists only titanium dioxide or zinc as active ingredients  \\n__Reason it works__ Sun*block* is made with ingredients that sit on top of skin and prevent rays from entering. (Sun*screen* penetrates, so can be irritating.)   \\n__Expert tip__ Always apply your antioxidant-rich lotion before sunblock to create a barrier, which will guard against potential irritation, Dr. Graf says.   \\n__Skin pick__ June Jacobs Spa Collection Micronized Sheer SPF 30, $32\\n\\n#### Normal/combo\\n\\n__Best bet__ A daily lotion (oil-free is best for combo skin) with sunscreen   \\n__Reason it works__ A daily lotion with sunscreen is light on oily zones, moisturizes enough for dry areas and protects well from intermittent sun exposure.  \\n__Expert tip__ Titanium dioxide, zinc, avobenzone and Mexoryl all protect against aging UVA rays, says Ranella Hirsch, M.D., of Cambridge, Massachusetts.  \\n__Skin pick__ Clarins SPF 15 HydraQuench Lotion, $48\\n\\n### Evening\\n\\n__STEP 1 | One of the worst skin offenders is hitting the sack without wiping off makeup, sunscreen and the day's grime. Routinely use a cleanser and you'll be rewarded with vibrant, healthy skin.__\\n\\n#### Dry\\n\\n__Best bet__ A cream cleanser or cold cream  \\n__Reason it works__ Both preserve skin's natural oils. Look for the same ingredients (glycerin, dimethicone) as you would want in your sunscreen.  \\n__Expert tip__ Apply to dry\u2014not wet\u2014skin. Water can dilute the formula's moisturizing benefits and you want to soak up as much as possible, Dr. Graf says. You can tissue off if you have hard water, which can be drying.   \\n__Skin pick__ YSL Cleansing Milky Veil, $37\\n\\n#### Oily\\n\\n__Best bet__ An exfoliating gel cleanser with salicylic acid  \\n__Reason it works__ A little grit (try gentle microbeads) is key to removing sunscreen residue. Salicylic acid is lipid soluble, so it dissolves oil and pore-clogging dead skin.  \\n__Expert tip__ Wash skin at the sink, not in the shower. Steam can swell skin's top layers, trapping bacteria and oil, says Elissa Lunder, M.D., of Wellesley, Massachusetts. The mirror also helps you get an even, allover application.   \\n__Skin pick__ Garnier Nutritioniste exfoliating cleanser, $6\\n\\n#### Sensitive\\n\\n__Best bet__ A fragrance-, dye- and soap-free cream wash   \\n__Reason it works__ Bare-bones guarantees mildness. (Don't be put off by the absence of soap; alternatives such as coconut extract whisk away residue, too.)   \\n__Expert tip__ Be a label reader, as even washes \\\"made for sensitive skin\\\" may contain irritants. And rinse with warm water; hot and cold can cause redness, says Harold Lancer, M.D., of the University of California at Los Angeles.  \\n__Skin pick__ Jason Fragrance Free Facial Cleanser, $9\\n\\n#### Normal/combo\\n\\n__Best bet__ A cleanser formulated with lactic acid  \\n__Reason it works__ Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that sloughs off dulling dead skin cells and flakes but is gentle enough to use on any dry areas.  \\n__Expert tip__ Combination skin gets oilier as the weather gets warmer. If you notice skin becoming shinier than normal or see a smattering of pimples, increase your cleansing sessions to twice a day, Dr. Lunder says.  \\n__Skin pick__ Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $35\\n\\n__STEP 2 | Clean skin is primed to absorb potent antiaging products that fight fine lines and repair cellular damage incurred during the day. The best part: The product does all the hard work while you drift off to dreamland.__\\n\\n#### Dry\\n\\n__Best bet__ A nonprescription retinol serum  \\n__Reason it works__ Retinols (one of the gentlest forms of vitamin A) slough off dead skin cells and trigger fine line\u2013reducing collagen. Serums quench better than lotions.   \\n__Expert tip__ Retinol has about one tenth the vitamin A of an Rx retinoid. \\\"Dry skin tolerates it more, encouraging consistent use,\\\" says Katie Rodan, M.D., of Oakland, California.  \\n__Skin pick__ Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, $20\\n\\n#### Oily\\n\\n__Best bet__ A prescription retinoid (aka tretinoin) gel  \\n__Reason it works__ Rx retinoids, the most potent form of vitamin A, speed up cell turnover, preventing clogged pores. Gel formulations help dry up excess oil.  \\n__Expert tip__ If you have a breakout, use a spot treatment without benzoyl peroxide; when used with tretinoin, the effects of both are neutralized, Dr. Lunder says.  \\n__Skin pick__ Retin-A Micro. This gel requires a prescription and can be covered by insurance.\\n\\n#### Sensitive\\n\\n__Best bet__ A fragrance-free moisturizer with peptides  \\n__Reason it works__ Unlike retinols, which increase collagen through exfoliation, peptides send a signal to dermis cells, stimulating collagen in a more gentle manner.   \\n__Expert tip__ Apply treatments to damp skin right after washing to lock in H2O and help ingredients penetrate, says Mitchel P. Goldman, M.D., of La Jolla, California.   \\n__Skin pick__ T'Fivve Anti-Aging Skin Revitalizing Complex, $78\\n\\n#### Normal/combo\\n\\n__Best bet__ A prescription retinoid (aka tretinoin) cream or gel  \\n__Reason it works__ Retinoid creams are best for normal skin that falls on the dry side; gels are ideal for oilier skin. Both slough off pore-clogging cells and fight fine lines.  \\n__Expert tip__ Use a pea-sized drop for the whole face and skip dry eye and lip areas, Dr. Graf says. (The just-right test: Skin should be dry within a minute of application.)   \\n__Skin pick__ Renova 0.02%. This cream, available with an Rx, is usually not covered by insurance.\\n\\n### Weekly &amp; monthly\\n\\n__TREATMENTS | Need to solve other skin issues? Follow the weekly advice for those that are fleeting or on the mild side. Persistent ones take the help of a derm and these monthly tips.__\\n\\n#### Acne breakouts\\n\\n__At home, weekly__ Twice a week, apply an at-home mask containing clay or mud, which absorbs oil. Do it in the morning (before makeup) to ward off midday shine.   \\n__At the dermatologist's office, monthly__ The Isolaz system offers a bacteria-killing laser with a vacuum that gently suctions oil from pores. Unlike photodynamic therapy (once the gold standard), Isolaz causes no pain or sensitivity, says Fredric Brandt, M.D., of NYC. Four monthly 20-minute treatments ($500 each) are needed. Stay tuned: An at-home version may be on its way.\\n\\n#### Freckles and age spots\\n\\n__At home, weekly__ Hydroquinone and glucosamine (in creams and serums) inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that revs up pigment-making cells. Apply every other P.M.   \\n__At the dermatologist's office, monthly__ Your doc can give you an Rx for hydroquinone to treat seriously dark spots. Adding a chemical peel (about $150) can speed things up; fresh skin diminishes spots. The big guns: pigment-specific lasers (about $400 per session; three are needed). They zap individual spots, so they're best for dealing with slight discoloration, rather than a full face.\\n\\n#### Fine lines and wrinkles\\n\\n__At home, weekly__ Soften creases with an at-home chemical peel or microdermabrasion system twice a week. Their exfoliation prompts collagen formation.   \\n__At the dermatologist's office, monthly__ Your derm can perform a more potent chemical peel ($150 to $200) in a mild strength that doesn't strip skin. For instant gratification along the forehead or crow's-feet areas, docs still point to Botox (about $500 per area) as the best fix. A few shots will offer smoother skin in only three to four days (and it will stay that way for up to six months).\\n\\n#### Dull, flaky skin\\n\\n__At home, weekly__ Twice a week, blast away dead cells with an exfoliating mask, then top with a cream made with vitamin C to rev up glow-giving circulation.   \\n__At the dermatologist's office, monthly__ At-home treatments are really all you need to fight the dulling effects of dead skin. For more energized skin instantly, try pro-microdermabrasion, says Grace H. Pak, M.D., of NYC. The gentlest choice: the SilkPeel. It exfoliates and infuses skin with moisturizing hyaluronic acid to block potential irritation.\\n\\n### Eye rescue\\n\\n__A nightly swipe of eye cream keeps the eye area, which has fewer oil glands than the rest of the face, smooth. But these issues need TLC:__\\n\\n__Puffiness__ Sleep on two pillows to prevent fluids from pooling under the eyes. Got allergies? An antihistamine can help depuff, plus stop sniffles.\\n\\n__White bumps__ Cut the amount of moisturizer you apply to no more than the width and height of a pencil eraser; those cystlike bumps (milia) are clogged pores. Or choose formulas with lighter textures (gels and serums work well).\\n\\n__Dark circles__ Believe it or not, moisturizer is the answer to lightening shadows. \\\"Circles appear darker when skin is dehydrated,\\\" Dr. Hirsch says. Look for a cream with light but effective hyaluronic acid. Or try one with caffeine (such as Cosmedicine Opti-mologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers, $45) to constrict blood vessels.  \\n  \\nPhoto Credit: Riccardo Tinelli"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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