You do not need luck in the gene lottery to have an enviable complexion.
Dedicating yourself to this simple regimen guarantees fewer blemishes, less-noticeable fine lines and wrinkles, and a glow like no other.
Cleanse Daily
A bar of soap doesn't cut it—it's too drying for your delicate facial skin. Instead, wash with a gentle cleanser to remove the day's accumulation of dirt. Look for ingredients that have calming and soothing qualities, like the aloe leaf juice and various fruit extracts in Acure's facial cleansing gel ($9.99; acureorganics.com) to reduce the risk of redness and irritation after toweling off.
Moisturize Daily
A good moisturizer is one that work with the type of skin that you have—if it multitasks, even better. Earth Tu Face's Skin Stick ($34; earthtuface.com) is formulated with medicinal herbs that works both as a daily moisturizer and, for those who experience skin inflammation, a calming salve.
Tone Twice a Week
A regimen of cleansing and moisturizing should be enough for most people, but if you wear make-up on a daily basis, it may leave residue that your facial wash won't be able to remove. During these cases, toners like Burt's Bee's rosewater toner ($11; burtsbees.com) are especially useful to finish the job. Rosewater, known for its mild astringent quality, removes lingering traces of cleanser and any trapped gunk.
Use a Face Mask Once a Week
As part of your weekend routine, indulge in a deeply cleansing mask that will draw out excess oil and calm down any blemishes that may have taken up residence in your pores. The active charcoal in Feel's Brilliant bamboo charcoal facial sheet mask ($28; thisisfeel.com) is known for its ability to draw out impurities to the surface. Plus, it's quite satisfying to see all those blackheads latch on the mask, and away from your skin, when you peel it off.
Exfoliate Once a Week
An exfoliator, like Detoxifying Charcoal Warming Facial Scrub from Yes To Tomatoes ($9.99; yesto.com), assists your skin in renewing itself by dislodging dead skin cells that have not properly been shed, and revealing the fresh layer underneath. Remember that skin cell turnover is a normal body function, so you only need to exfoliate sparingly.
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