Application of Skin Care Products
Do not tug or pull your facial skin. It is delicate ~ treat it that way!! Gently apply your skin care products with your fingertips in an upward and outward motion. However, on your nose apply products in a downward motion.
Use your ring finger when working with the skin around your eyes. (This finger is the weakest finger on your hand, so you’re forced to be gentle!) Apply your skin care products in a circular motion, starting from your nose out along your eyebrow, and then under your eye toward your nose.
Apply your skin care products in a motion that is consistent with your Langer lines. Langer lines are the natural tension lines under your skin and are due to the orientation of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermal layer of the skin. Following the direction of Langer lines decreases the possibility of excessively stretching your skin (which can contribute to the appearance of sagging skin).
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) consist of several acids that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells, exposing smoother, younger-looking skin. These acids include tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. They are derived from naturally-occurring substances (such as citrus fruits, sugar cane, and sour milk) but may also be formulated in a laboratory.
AHAs exfoliate both dry and oily skin types to produce a clearer, fresher, smoother-textured look. AHAs are also showing effectiveness in reducing the appearance of fine lines. As we age, the cell renewal process tends to slow down. AHAs stimulate skin renewal by exfoliating dead surface cells, exposing younger-looking skin.
If your skin is sensitive, start with a product with a low percentage level of AHAs (2.5% to 5%) and use every other day. Work up to using it every day and then onto higher levels if your skin can tolerate it. Let your skin’s response be your guide and remember that any new skin care regimen will not produce visible results for several weeks.