We all have one thing in common, the fact that we’re all covered in our own unique protective outer layer called skin. However, everyone’s relationship with their skin is different. Answer the following questions to determine if your relationship with your skin is destined for Lovers’ Lane, Relationship Counseling, or an Unhappy Marriage (and how to improve the way you feel about your skin through the very best skin care routine!).

1. You wake up in the morning and look in the mirror. What’s the first thing you think? a. Wow, that’s some serious bedhead. Skin looks great. b. Ugh, I wish these (blemishes/fine lines/sun spots) would just disappear. c. What mirror? Like looking into the sun, I avoid staring directly at my skin.

2. During cleansing you… a. Use tepid water and gentle, circular motions with your fingertips; pat dry. b. Sometimes you’re gentle, sometimes you’re rough—depends on the day. c. Scrub roughly and rub your face with a towel to dry it.

3. You moisturize: a. Morning and night. b. When you remember. c. Never.

4. Exfoliation requires: a. Gentle but firm pressure. b. A commitment I can’t always keep. c. Roughness and dedication.

5. You protect your skin from the sun: a. Every day, year-round, regardless of weather. b. In the summer and on especially sunny days. c. After a bad sunburn.

 

Mostly As: Madly in Love

You love your skin and make it a habit to regularly care for it with a consistent regimen. Stay on the forefront of having your best skin by:

• Consulting with a skin care specialist every so often
• Incorporating antioxidants like vitamin c and anti-aging ingredients like peptides into your regimen.
• Maintaining your dedication to having your best skin!

Mostly Bs: Love/Hate

Some days you feel happy with your skin and treat it well, some days other things take top priority. For your best skin, remember:

• It takes time and consistency to see the best results.
• Spot treatments are an invaluable resource for helping with acne, sun spots, and fine lines.
• Being too rough with the skin can lead to irritation and micro-injuries, so be gentle even if you’re in a hurry!
• Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing should be done twice daily to keep the skin looking and feeling its healthiest. Exfoliation should be performed up to three times per week to keep dull skin that can cause breakouts at bay.
• Sun protection is a must year-round, even on cloudy days. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds.

Mostly Cs: Unloved

Your skin (whether clear, aging, or acne prone) tends to frustrate you. Maintaining a regimen hasn’t been a priority, and you’re noticing the effects. To turn around your skin woes, remember to:

• Cleanse, tone, and moisturize with sunscreen daily. (Really, it makes a difference!)
• Exfoliate a few times per week using gentle, but firm, pressure.
• Be kind to the skin. Roughly washing, drying, and exfoliating can cause damage to the top layer of the skin, leading to irritation and increased sensitivity.
• Use treatment products for stubborn breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Excessive sun exposure can result in premature aging, sun spots, and skin cancer; year-round, and even on cloudy days, ultraviolet rays from the sun can penetrate the skin. Remember that sun exposure can exacerbate conditions like acne, as well as darken scars and spots.