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A Minimalist Routine for Every Skin Type

Buh-bye, complicated skin-care regimens. Here are the only three products you need
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Peel pads: "Typically these contain both alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which break down superficial oil, keep pores clear and help with excess pigmentation or scarring," explains Jeung. Not to mention that they're super easy to use -- just swipe and go. Depending on the concentration of the acids, some can even be used daily. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $16 for five treatments, is a classic.

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If Your Skin is Sensitive
Red, dry, itchy ... sensitive skin is no fun to deal with. But by incorporating the right ingredients (and avoiding others), your complexion will feel -- and look -- less-stressed. Here are some suggestions:

1. Fragrance-free cleanser: Many cleansers (and most skin-care products, for that matter), contain fragrance, one of the most common skin irritants -- especially for the sensitive set. And don't be fooled if the product you're looking at says it's unscented; it can still contain an added masking fragrance. Pick one labeled fragrance-free, like Carqueville's pick, First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, $20.

2. Physical sunscreen: When it comes to your sun protection, physical blockers with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium or dioxide are best. "They're much less likely to cause any kind of skin reaction or irritation than chemical sunscreens," Carqueville says. While these formulas were once thick and chalky, new innovations have made them lightweight, sheer and more cosmetically elegant than ever. Avene Mineral High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50, $36, is proof positive.

3. Soothing mask: "Masks with calming ingredients like aloe, chamomile or licorice extract are a great option for sensitive skin," says Jeung. They deliver those ingredients quickly and in a heavy dose, yielding results fast -- ideal if you need to quickly tamp down some redness. Try Joanna Vargas Euphoria Mask, $75 for five.

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Peptide night cream: Night creams can pose a tricky conundrum for anyone with a sensitive complexion, since many tout potent anti-aging ingredients that can increase sensitivity. Stick with peptides; made of amino-acids (the building blocks of protein), they can help smooth skin, but aren't super aggressive or irritating. Find them in Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream, $24.99.

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If Your Skin is Aging
It's never fun when you start to notice fine lines or wrinkles crop up in places they never were before. And while aging is inevitable, the right skincare stash can help keep your complexion looking healthy and gorgeous. This is what the derms suggest:

1. Sunscreen: If you're worried about aging, don't even think about skipping it, since sun damage is the number one environmental cause of skin aging. As long as it says broad-spectrum and is SPF 30 or higher, all you have to do is choose one that you'll like and use. We're partial to Amarte Ultra Veil Sunscreen, $56.

2. Antioxidant serum: Antioxidants are like a little Pac-Man, scrounging up and destroying free radicals that make your skin look old. If you're concerned about irregular skin tone or texture, they're even more essential. There's no shortage of antioxidants out there, but Cheung suggests looking for one with vitamin C, which has the added benefit of helping to stimulate collagen production (read: fewer wrinkles), too. We like PCA C-Quench Antioxidant Serum, $75.

3. Retinoid: Retinoids are the numero uno proven anti-aging ingredient; these vitamin A derivatives speed up cell turnover and stimulate collagen, keeping skin smooth and glowy and combatting everything from dark spots to wrinkles to pimples. Prescription-strength retinoic acid is an option, but you can also use an over-the-counter retinol product, like Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $22.99, says Carqueville.

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Exfoliator: "As we get older, the rate at which our skin cells turn over slows down," says Carqueville. Basically, the dead cells don't slough off on their own as fast as they once did, leaving your complexion dull and lackluster. By exfoliating regularly, you'll slough off those dead, dry cells, revealing skin that's fresh, glowy and youthful. Plus, once all those dead cells are gone, any anti-aging ingredients you're using will penetrate more effectively ... and in turn be more effective. For the most bang for your buck, look for a product that contains both mechanical (physical particles, likes jojoba beads) and chemical exfoliants (acids that dissolve the dead skin). Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, $85, is one good choice.

BY MELANIE RUD CHADWICK | MAR 1, 2017 | SHARES
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