ISOMERS Skincare Skin Perfecting 3-Piece Starter Collection

When skin ages, its collagen and elastin are produced more slowly. This causes gradual changes like hyperpigmentation, discoloration, dryness, sagging, wrinkles, crepe-like folds, loss of muscle tone, textural unevenness and loss of elasticity.

The topical application of key skin firming ingredients works synergistically to protect and strengthen the skin. Skin care products should have a combination of naturally occurring active ingredients. They will contain compounds to protect which will likely be in the form of extracts containing antioxidants. Another set of ingredients will firm the skin by penetrating through its seven layers to support the collagen process at a cellular level.

Skin firming creams are usually formulated as night creams. They tend to be richer, thicker and more emollient and should be able to stay on long enough to absorb for maximum benefits. In general, face creams are designed to minimize lines/wrinkles, improve skin density, firm, plump and decrease puffiness (especially in the eye area).

Many manufacturers describe their product as a "cocktail" of ingredients that work together to decrease the effects of aging. Skin firming and anti-aging ingredients often include antioxidants, minerals, seaweed, herb extracts and different kinds of oils like Vitamins A and E. Other ingredients attributed to having a firming effect on the skin include green tea, aloe vera, beech bud extract, alpha lipoic acids, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and the very exotic sounding emu oil. Some firming and anti-aging products also contain light reflecting pigments, such as mica, to enhance the glow and make the skin look radiant.

Oily skin is identified as skin with oily areas, pronounced shininess in the T-zone, breakouts, and pores that may be clogged and enlarged. The oiliness can cause makeup to fade prematurely. Finding the right balance is key to this skincare routine.

What is a Serum?
Deciding to use a serum can depend on various factors including skin type, age or degree of damage. They are able to effectively absorb onto the skin, delivering active ingredients for maximum benefit. Depending on ingredients, serums contain anti-aging properties that help to firm, tighten, provide anti-oxidants, re-texturize, or address the signs of aging. If you decide to use a serum with your moisturizer, select one with the ingredients or benefits associated with the concerns you wish to address.

Why Cleanse?
When you cleanse your face, you can help control the clarity, suppleness and condition of your skin. Cleansing rids your skin of excess facial oil, dust, bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells. This process helps keep the pores unclogged, improves circulation, and prepares your skin for the next step in your cleansing ritual. Quite possibly the most fundamental step in the beauty routine, cleansing is integral to maintaining a balanced complexion.
Cleansing is recommended twice per day for most skin types, once in the morning and once in the evening. Any more than that, the natural oils become stripped, while any less and your skin can become susceptible to congestion and eruptions.

How to Choose a Cleanser
Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin and is specifically formulated for the face. Dry skin types will need to use a creamy based cleanser, while oilier types will need a gel based or foaming type cleanser. Sensitive skin needs a fragrance-free formulation, most likely labeled as gentle and non-irritating.

How to Cleanse
Make sure to start with clean hands. Splash your face with warm or tepid water to open up your pores. Never use too hot or too cold water. Too hot and your skin can dry out, while water that is too cold will not remove the surface oils sufficiently. You can use a washcloth, sponge, exfoliation puff, facial brush or your fingers for cleansing - It all depends on your preference.
Use approximately a dime to nickel sized amount of cleanser, follow product packaging instructions. You can apply the cleanser with your fingertips or washcloth. Depending on the cleanser type, you might want to work up a lather in your hands first.
Use gentle upward circular strokes moving around the face, paying attention to the crevices of the nose area and hair line while extending down your neck and around the ear area. Take extra care to use a gentle touch around the eyes. Do not over-scrub or scrub too hard, as your facial skin is susceptible to become easily irritated.
Once the cleansing is completed, rinse liberally with tepid water. Make sure all areas are rinsed including the neck, hairline and eye area. Cool water may be used, as it helps to close the pores. Finish by blotting your face gently with a towel using a patting technique.