Getting the most out of skin care routine

DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- The skin care industry is a multi-billion dollar business and there are countless anti-aging products available so how do you choose the right one for you and maximize benefits?

News 8's Jocelyn Maminta learned it starts with the proper skin care routine.

"So you're thinking about some fillers in your cheeks," asked Dr. Alicia Zalka of Dermatology Associates of Western CT.

Lorraine Martino sees her dermatologist when needed.

"I'm most concerned about sun damage, fine lines, less fat tissue on my face," said Martino.

But Dr. Zalka recommends getting your skincare routine down to get the most of costly products aimed at slowing down the aging process. Start in the shower with a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acid.

"I'm a big fan of exfoliating," said Dr. Zalka. "Use your exfoliation there as soon as you get out of the shower, pat your face dry, put your moisturizer on right away."   

She prescribes a moisturizer with sunscreen of an SPF of at least 30.
 
"People do not realize how much chronic sun exposure ages the skin, it's really the worst offender," said Dr. Zalka.

At night gently cleanse face with non-soap cleanser and apply a moisturizer with retinol.

"It helps with fine lines, it helps with pores, it helps with oily skin," said Dr. Zalka.

Be sure to remove eye makeup. Dr. Zalka says a cotton ball with petroleum jelly does the trick. When it comes to purchasing products, it's not about the brand it's about finding the right ingredient. Look for zinc oxide in sunscreen.

"When you put that on your skin, you're actually having the sun bouncing off your skin when the sun touches your skin so it's a physical blocker and it's so protective," said Dr. Zalka.
  
Retinol is best at night, enabling skin to rebuild while you sleep.

"It helps the cells turnover and by doing that you help unplug pores, you help with fine lines, it can help with oilyness and pigmentation," said Dr. Zalka.  

Look for anti-oxidants like grape seed extract in skin creams.

"The anti-oxidant is basically to help reverse sun damage," said Dr. Zalka.

For Martino it comes down to following her doctor's recommendation.
    
"I'm going to add more exfoliation to my routine when I cleanse in the morning. I think that will give me an edge on what's going on with the color of the skin," said Martino.

For more information, visit www.dermwestconn.com or www.surface-deep.com