Unlike trendy seasonal fashions, good skin is always “in.” Your skin deserves the best treatment, so start by protecting one of the most exposed features on your body during the colder months–your face. I’ve rounded up a few of the latest and greatest buzzworthy skin care products to hit the shelves this fall with expert tips from Ling Chan, creator of LING Skin Care products and Ling Spas in New York City, who’s known for helping Hollywood’s top leading ladies put their best face forward both on and off the screen. Get the skin you deserve with these tried and tested potions that are sure to help you achieve and maintain a healthy refreshing glow.
Make a Commitment
“Maintaining your skin is a lifelong commitment,” says Chan. “Taking care of the skin is just like taking care of the body–it becomes part of a lifestyle. It is important to dedicate time to your customized plan to help achieve great skin.”
Right to Left: AVEDA EnbrightenmentTM Brightening Cleanser, $25, aveda.com. Potion Power: A gentle facial cleanser that helps lift away impurities and dull surface cells to improve overall skin clarity; Carol’s Daughter Bring in the Moisture Gentle Face Wash, $20, sephora.com. Potion Power: Dissolves dirt and grime without stripping away vital moisture.
Left to Right: Fresh Soy Face Cream, $38, sephora.com. Potion Power: It hydrates and renews the skin, creating supple, healthy, firm, radiant results; Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45, Untinted, $12.99, drugstore.com. Potion Power: Lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and keeps skin hydrated all day.
Know What You’re Using
“Overuse of cleansers that contain glycolic acids, alpha hydroxy acids and irritating ingredients, along with exfoliating too frequently with very abrasive scrubs can eventually damage the skin and contribute to redness, sensitivity and inflammation,” says Chan, who pampers the faces of celebrities like Naomi Campbell. “The long-term effects of these sometimes harsh ingredients may lead to the premature development of fine lines and surface dehydration. When the surface of the skin becomes dehydrated, the oil glands will overproduce oil to compensate for the lack of moisture which in turn can lead to large pores, blackheads and breakouts.”
Right to Left: Givenchy Peel Me Perfectly, $45, sephora.com. Potion Power: A triple action scrub that smoothes, enhances radiance and purifies the skin; Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub, $7.99, simpleskincare.com and Duane Reade drugstores. Potion Power: Vitamin E moisturizes and improves skin condition.
H20 Forever
“Hydration is the root of anti-aging. When your skin is properly hydrated it is better able to function, heal, prevent, and renew,” says Chan.
Left to Right: AVON ANEW REVERSALIST Night Renewal Cream, $27 (Originally $32), avon.com. Potion Power: Reactivate skin’s repair process to help reverse the look of wrinkles; AHAVA TimeLine All Day Moisturizer, $52, ahavaus.com. Potion Power: It reduces wrinkle depth significantly, hydrates the skin for 12 hours and protects the skin from sun-related damage with SPF 15.
Left to Right: Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Renovage Cellular Eye Repair, $78, osmotic.com. Potion Power: Helps correct and prevent aging around the eyes; Talika Eye Detox Contour Gel, $45, talika.com. Potion Power: Minimizes the appearance of bags and dark rings around the eyes.
Facial Facts
“Get an expert monthly facial to clean the pores of impurities. Heavy makeup and our bodies natural 28-day cycle leads to clogged pores,” shares Chan. “In order to maintain a healthy complexion and get the most benefits from your products, it is important to go in for a pore-cleaning every month to six weeks.”
Left to Right: Ling Skincare Moisturizing Facial Masque, $12 (.5 oz), lingskincare.com. Potion Power: This masque nourishes and moisturizes the skin as it deep cleans the pores; Michael Marcus Purify Pumpkin & Papaya Mask, $58, michaelmarcus.com. Potion Power: creme base masque to retexture and smooth the surface of the skin.