What are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy, how do they work and how effective are they?
There are two types of hydroxy acids - alpha and beta. Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from fruit and milk sugars, such as glycolic acid produced from sugar cane and lactic acid produced from milk. There is only one commonly used beta hydroxy acid - salicylic acid. The main difference between AHA's and BHA's is their lipid solubility. AHA's are water-soluble only, while BHA's are lipid soluble. This means that beta hydroxy acid can penetrate into the pore, which contains sebum, and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Because of this difference, beta hydroxy acids are better on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads. Alpha hydroxy acids are better on thickened, sun-damaged skin Products with AHAs are marketed for a variety of purposes: to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. These acids are able to improve the skin because they are small enough to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, and reach the lower layer. Also, they work, increasing cell turnover, and sloughing off dull, rough skin on the surface. AHAs will not erase severely sun-damaged skin, leathery skin, or deep wrinkles. The benefits of AHAs can be seen in improved skin texture, and they may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

How good are scrubs for exfoliating? How important is exfoliating?
Scrubs can feel invigorating and smooth your skin. However, a gentle, finely granulated, scrub, and gentle motion while washing you skin is all that is needed. Do not use it like a brillo pad. Exfoliation is important to slough dead skin, however I much rather prefer glycolic or AHA acids instead. They can penetrate more evenly, and deeper, allowing the stimulation of new skin turnover, and collagen production.

What temperature of water should you wash your face with and why?
Luke warm is best, Too hot can aggravate the skin and capillaries. Especially if you are using topical ingredients such as retin a, glycolic acid.

Are there certain ingredients that you wouldn't recommend people use on their faces … and certain ingredients that you suggest they look for in their facial cleansers?
If you are acne prone or blemish prone, stay away from cleansers or creams containing mineral oil, petroleum, or other heavy oils. Also I would recommend foamy cleanser since they tend to feel cleaner to people with oily skin. Glycolic acid, in a low concentration, added in a cleanser can give great exfoliating and cleansing benefits without being drying.

How important is a toner or astringent in a person's daily cleansing regimen?
Astringent on its own is tricky; many feel that it gives them a clean sensation to their skin. You have to be careful that you are not only adding alcohol to your skin. If you choose to, used single use pads containing medicated ingredients such as glycolic and salicylic acid. Use them only 2-3 times per week and gradually build upward. This type of 'toning' will also help keep you blemish free. However toners devoid of this kind of medication, may only results in drier skin, and are not essential.

Should people with different skin types (oily, normal, dry) treat their skin differently when it comes to cleansing?
Dry skin, may prefer creamy, or non-foamy cleansers, while oily might benefit from foamy cleansers with glycolic. Cleansing the skin should not cause irritation or excessive drying, this is true whatever your skin type.

Should your skin care routine differ from day to night?
I believe that the skin care routine in the morning should be simple and effective. Really all you need is an oil-free hydrating moisturizer with SPF. If you want you can also add a light antioxidant cream before your spf. Something like green tea work well. Using an SPF is very important if you are using other products at night that can make your skin more sensitive to sun, such as retin-a or stronger glycolic acid preparation. Nighttime can really be concentrated on repair. This is when anti-aging and acne preparations are best used. Such as retin-a, glycolic acids, potent vitamin- c. Summary: Daytime- Protect Nighttime-Repair

What is the best thing you can do to prevent acne?
It is difficult to prevent acne. There is really no pill you can take or cream to use to prevent it. Despite good skin care and health, you may still develop acne. Most often acne is genetically determined, if you had parents or sibling with acne, chances are you may encounter problems with it as well. What is important is to see your doctor regularly, so he or she can prescribe the proper medications, should you encounter breakouts. How important is moisturizing? What does it do for your skin? Moisturing will add moisture and elasticity back into your skin, or create a barrier to seal in hydration. Just like you need to drink water, you need to also hydrate your skin.

What happens if you don't moisturize regularly?
You can experience dry, cracked, or tight skin, that feel less elastic or looks dehydrated. In people with dry or aging skin, wrinkle can look pronounced without surface hydration.

How about sun protection? What precautions can people take to protect their faces from the sun's rays?
It is wise to use sun protection before going into the sun. Adequate sun protection includes: wearing a hat with a brim of at least four inches, wearing lightweight sun protective clothing, including long sleeves, and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 everyday. Look fro ingredients such as parsol, avobenzone, or titanium dioxide, which block UVA rays, said to be aging rays. Sunscreens should be reapplied after excessive sweating or swimming. It is especially important to use effective sun protection if you are going to the beach and will be exposed to high levels of UV .

What can happen if you don't protect your skin from the sun? What can be done to repair sun-damaged skin?
One of the main caused of premature aging is tied to sun exposure. You can encounter, premature wrinkling, blotchy sunspots, photo damage, loss of elasticity of the skin, rough skin texture, and don't forget skin cancer. The first step to repair sun-damaged skin is to begin to wear spf. The second step is to visit your doctor. There is an arsenal of physician strength products, medications, and procedures that can be individualized to your skin. , Don't rely or expect over the counter creams to be of much significance. The Best Wrinkle Preventer is Sun Protection