Simple Solutions

For the best skin, makeup and hair results, use your products in the right sequence. Here, experts show you how. Check back next week for tips on applying your makeup:

Caring for your skin

Morning routine:

For most, simply splashing water on the face is adequate. (When you wash well at night, skin is still clean upon waking.) Acne-prone or oily skin might need gentle cleansing. Then apply products in this order.

1. Eye cream: The skin around the eyes is thin and has few oil glands, so it dries out quickly, accentuating lines. A rich eye cream can help. Apply it first to allow time for it to sink in (otherwise makeup may smear).

(Our pick: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, $29.50, origins.com)

2. Antioxidant serum: Experts suggest a serum to help prevent environmental skin damage. Use on a bare face, as potent treatments should be closest to the skin.

(Our pick: Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum, $45, juicebeauty.com)

3. Moisturizer with sunscreen: Hydrate last to lock in moisture. Added SPF lets you skip a step.

•For normal skin: Pick an all-purpose, non-greasy lotion. It will soften skin but won’t make it feel slick as the day goes on. (Our pick: Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion SPF 15, $54, clarinsusa.com)

•For oily skin: Use a light-as-air formula that is oil-free. (Our pick: Bioré Skin Preservation Dual Fusion Moisturizer + SPF 30, $15 at drugstores)

•For dry or sensitive skin: Choose an extra-gentle, fragrance-free lotion. (Our pick: Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30, $9.50 at drugstores.)

Evening routine:

Concentrate on more thorough cleansing and treatments targeted to specific skin concerns.

1. Cleanser: Use a mild wash to take off makeup and dirt and prepare the skin to absorb troubleshooting ingredients.

(Our pick: Aveda Green Science Perfecting Cleanser, $35, aveda.com)

2. Treatment: Apply to a naked face so active ingredients are directly on the skin (and so can better do their jobs).

For acne:

Use a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid salve nightly. Allow sensitive skin to dry for 10 minutes after washing to minimize discomfort.

(Our pick: Vichy Normaderm Night Daily Corrective Care for Oily Skin, $24 at drugstores)

For pigmentation:

Choose a lotion with kojic acid and alpha hydroxy acids to inhibit production of melanin (the substance that causes spots) and slough off darkened skin cells.

(Our pick: Skinceuticals Pigment Regulator, $85, skinceuticals.com)

3. Moisturizer: This final step hydrates and soothes.

•For normal skin: Pick a lightweight lotion with retinol and peptides to stimulate collagen. Retinol is best used at night, as sun renders it less effective. (Use it every other day to start.)

(Our pick: Philosophy Save Me, $60, philosophy.com)

•For oily skin: A non-greasy cream adds moisture but won’t clog pores or make skin feel slippery in the morning.

(Our pick: Clinique Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift in Combination Oily to Oily, $53.50, clinique.com)

•For dry or sensitive skin: Calm an irritable complexion with a gentle, ultra-hydrating cream. If you’re very prone to irritation, apply the cream before your treatment to help soften its strength.

(Our pick: Prescriptives Comfort Cream, $45, prescriptives.com)

� United Features Syndicate

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