face time

› By Angelique Anacleto

Flawless, radiant skin is still the holy grail of beauty, no matter what incarnation of unicorn makeup trend might fake a glittery glow. Besides the usual ho-hum drill of “don’t smoke, eat clean, exercise daily and get enough sleep,” sample these intriguing skin care takeaways.

Acne Awareness

If you haven’t enacted a resolution to remove your bacteria-laden makeup before bedtime, start tonight.

Before donning a popular zit-reducing light mask like IlluMask or actress Lena Dunham’s $35 Neutrogena pick, Tampa dermatologist Dr. Seth Forman cautions against ine ectiveness. In an ABC Action News interview, he explained that blu-light has not been proven to successfully tackle blemishes caused by factors other than bacteria, like genetics or hormones.

Instead, swipe liquid antacids from your medicine cabinet for handy DIY masks. Pepto-Bismol contains acne-fighting salicylic acid and inflammation-calming aspirin. Its beta hydroxy acid also unclogs pores and promotes cell turnover. Milk of Magnesia’s high alkalinity has been known to reduce excess oil and disinfect, while zinc regulates hormones and heals skin. Lightly coat, let sit and then rinse after hardening.

Spotify

In other words, dark age spots or hyperpigmentation need to go away yesterday. And if you want to be an all-out beauty savant, blend up actress Salma Hayek’s homemade skin lightening hack. Her dear abuela’s recipe calls for mixing 3 tablespoons baking soda, 2 pinches salt, one cup glycerin, one cup hydrogen peroxide and juice from half of a lemon to fade pesky sun speckles.

Our Skin Guru Says

un-crinkle wrinkles

To parents, experts note that sunscreen use starting in childhood is the best possible defense for très gorgeous skin later. For the rest of us, consider these routes.

K-BEAUTY: If you’ve noticed from recent issues, our editors are excited when it comes to the refining benefits of innovative Korean beauty products. Genius, single-use overnight treatments help battle ever-arising skin concerns. For the supremely lazy, choose from a bounty of readyto-use fiber sheet masks soaked with restorative gels. Also, Aritaum’s Fresh Power Essence Pouch Pack delivers a high spa feel at a dizzyingly low bargain price of $1 at aritaum.com.

HYALURONIC ACID: Pu out lines and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring, hydrating wonder ingredient that holds in 1,000 times its weight in water. Current formulas contain smaller molecules for improved penetration. Here, too, Neutrogena presents purified acid in its Hydro Boost Serum ($18), plus Hydro Boost Water Gel or Gel-Cream.

Dermatologists can also perform microneedling or ionic puncture to impart hyaluronic serums below skin’s epidermis for superior results. For those with darker complexions, check possible hyperpigmentation e ects.

PRIMER: Up your selfie game with cosmetic primers that blow past BB, CC and DD creams to create an airbrushed finish. Primer preps skin, helps makeup application last longer, prevents creasing and polishes away lines, all of which is particularly helpful when outside temperatures begin heating up. Cosmetic brands each have their own version, but bloggers are especially gaga over BECCA’s iridescent lavender First Light Priming Filter for a luminous sheen.

Dr. Ashley Cauthen, dermatologist MidState Skin Institute, Ocala

“As we gear up for spring, it’s important to hydrate our skin with a nighttime moisturizer. The drier winter air leaves skin looking dull and wrinkly, so look for one containing retinol to combat fine lines.

“Ideally, you should also use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. If you find a moisturizing one, it can double as your morning face cream. My favorite is EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (amazon.com: $19, 1.7 ounces). I never leave my house without this. It has a tinted option now, so you can use this as a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation.”