Skin Care 101

The harsh winter has wreaked havoc on our skin, and unless you're gifted with naturally flawless skin, chances are you've seen the damage. Instead of getting lost in the labyrinth of the cosmetics world, listen to this brief list of must-have items for skin saving:

1. A STRONG SPF. I cannot stress enough that every woman, regardless of skin color or type, must wear SPF (with both UVA and UVB protection) every single day, regardless of weather. Unfortunately, most women don't know that in terms of preventative care, a decent SPF is the single most important part of their daily routine. Wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin, dry skin...all of these problems can be prevented by the use of a rigorous SPF.

Recommendations:

A. Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 70: You may scoff, but this works. Plus it has a light, non-greasy feel. $11.29 at drugstores.

B. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion, SPF 55: I use this stuff. It's light, pleasant-smelling, silky, and powerful. $37 at sephora.com.

2. A HIGHLY-HYDRATING MOISTURIZER: Between the harsh winter cold and the harsh indoor heat, a woman's skin rapidly looses much-needed moisture. Choose one rich in ingredients that suit your individual skin needs.

Recommendations:

A. Annick Goutal's Creme Splendide Genereuse Creme: Contains active rose sap, this Holy Grail moisturizer heals skin, deeply moisturizes, and nourishes the skin with vitamins. If you love roses, this smells divine and is my favorite moisturizer by far--nothing else heals my skin like this stuff. Worth the $140 price tag at saks.com.

2. Oil of Olay Complete All-Day Moisture Cream with SPF 15: An inexpensive, reliable option that many women swear by. $6.99 at drugstore.com.

3. AN EXFOLIATING AND NON-EXFOLIATING CLEANSER: Women need to vary their cleansing routine. Use an exfoliating cleanser at night to increase moisture absorption and use a gentle, non-stripping cream cleanser in the morning.

Recommendations:

A. Exfoliating Cleanser: If you have acne from time to time, this gentle scrub with salicylic acid sheds both dead skin cells and zits. $6.69 at drugstore.com.

B. Non-Exfoliating Cleanser: Shiseido Benefiance Creamy Cleansing Foam: Gently dissolves makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of much-needed moisture. $33 at sephora.com.