Do's and Dont's of Skin Care

As the largest organ in our body, we owe it to ourselves to take great care of our skin. Most people have an arsenal of products in their cabinets that cleanse, exfoliate, treat and moisturize. The products we use to moisturize the rest of our body are important, but what about our faces? Well, that's an entirely different story. The skin on our faces deserves a little more attention, so we've highlighted a few important do's and dont's to live by.

DO: Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser. It's imperative to wash at night to remove the day's sweat and grime. The best time to do this is in the shower when your pores are open and ready to purge.

DON'T: Go to bed with your makeup on! Not only do you look awful in the morning, but it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. You also want to use a good eye-makeup remover at night to ensure proper removal.

Try Klorane Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes ($17.99, www.ricksnyc.com)

DO: Use a good exfoliator twice a week. The skin regenerates rather quickly, and you want to reveal your best skin by removing dead skin cells. Fresh-face beauty is ALWAYS in.

DON'T: Exfoliate during your menstrual cycle. Your hormones are off the hook during this time, and exfoliating with granules can irritate the skin (sometimes enough to make you break out).

Splurge on Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion cream ($75, www.sephora.com)

DO: Use eye cream in the morning and at night.

DON'T: Rub it in like the lotion you apply to your body. The skin underneath your eyes is EXTREMELY thin. You want to take your ring fingers and gently pat the cream in a circular motion, moving from the outer eye inward underneath the eye and in an outward motion on your upper lid.

Try OLAY Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream ($12.99, www.drugstore.com)

DO: Use different moisturizers from day to night. During the day, you want enough moisture to keep your skin glowing but not greasy. Night cremes are heavier, and because you're asleep, you should use this opportunity to give your skin a great creamy vacation.

DON'T: Forget you neck! Apply your night creme on your neck to keep away the gobble gobbles of turkey neck. Apply creme in an upward motion daily. Trust me, you'll thank me when you're 50!

Try L'Oreal Revitalift Complete Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer Night Cream
($15.99, www.drugstore.com)

DO: Keep your lips moisturized night AND day. Again, nighttime is a great opportunity to slather on the balm.

DON'T: Wear you day gloss to achieve what a good balm can. (Makeup artist tip: Lanolin is a great lip moisturizer to use at night.)

DO: Start taking special care of your skin in your twenties. It pays to start early!

DON'T: Believe that you don't need expensive products to achieve great skin. Remember there is a product for everyone and for every budget. Just be gentle with your skin, and it will love you back for years to come!