SKIN SOLUTIONS used for pharmaceutical products are generally alumi- num with tiny openings," says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammel'. Opaque, airtight pump bottles can also safeguard sensitive ingredients. & Taylor's Zinn Moore, keep the original box and receipt, you shouldn't have a be empty," she says. Barneys York and Nordstrom New problem returning skin-care ,products to a department store within 30 or 90 days (depending on the specific store), "If you used a product for a few need to skimp on somethinq, make If you it cleanser. a case-by-case basis. AT THE DRUGSTORE: CVS/ on Every store has a different policy, but according to if you notice difference in your skin, we'll typically do a refund ide01' exchange-though, to the we'd not jar like ally, similar approach, determining the fate of returns AT THE DEPARTMENT STORE: Lord didn't and a take LEARN ABOUT RETURNS - weeks a Pharmacy takes back any beauty product, opened or not, with a receipt. At other stores, like' Walgreens, decide managers usually whether 01' not to give a re- fund for cosmetics-and, if it often comes in the form of store credit. Always inquire about returns granted, before buying. BE PATIENT than 'Individual results may vary,'" says Lupo. How YOUI' skin responds to a product depends on your physiology, metabolism, and underlying issues, she explains. But if you've done your homework and chosen a smart product, give it time. "Beautiful skin is a lifelong process," says there." get "But you'll Kunin. You need to use most products consistently, for at least eight weeks, to see what they can do. (Acne spot treat- ments work faster, clearing minor blemishes in as little as a day or two'> Some women have to wait even longer: "No truer words have ever been spoken in beauty Shop Your Skin Type of' cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center New York City, offers a shopping list for every skin type. Check it. JoshuaZeichner, director in Oily and Acne-Prone Make sure your regimen includes salicylic acid, which makes other acne drugs work faster. An exfoliating cleanser with 2 percent salicylic acid. like Clean & Clear Advantage 1. 3-in-1 Foaming Acne Wash. spot treatment with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide will kill bacteria. We like Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment. 3. A sulfur mask, which has anti-inflammatory 2. A and antibacterial properties, to use weekly, Try Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Intensive Refining Sulfur Mask. 4. Moisturizer with sunscreen, like Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30, is crucial, because acne products can make skin more sensitive to the sun, 5. A nighttime moisturizer with ceramides, like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, will strengthen skin's protective barrier. nighttIme treatment like La Roche-Posay Effaclar K. which contains a retinol derivative plus a stronger version of salicylic acid. 6. A Sensitive Dull Dry and Watch out for fragrances, production and dead skin cells Paltry oil are to blame. Choose products that exfoliate, hydrate, and build collagen. moisturizing face wash, like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. 2. A hydrating glycolic acid wash boosts cell turnover and gives skin a glow, We like Glytone Mild Cream Wash, with conditioning 1. A choose a formula with lower-than- botanicals. Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser adds soy; Eucerin ingredients. Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser contains 3. A peptide serum, like Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum or Kinerase CB Peptide Treatment, will rev up collagen production. 4. A day cream with SPf and antioxidants, such as RevaleSI<in Day Cream With SPF 15. licorice-root extract. 2. A mineral sunscreen with physical filters and protective antioxidants. EltaMD UV Physical keeps skin supple and protected, 5. A rich night cream with ceramides, glycerin. hyaluronic acid. or omega fatty acids, like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Overnight Cream. RoC Retinol 6. A hydrating retinol, like Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, normalizes cell turnover and enhances collagen production. Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 is ultragentle and lightly tinted to veil redness. 3. A basic night cream to hydrate (not treat). such as Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, your retinol. retinol for sensitive skin, Replenix All-Trans-Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum 5X combines a low dose of retinol (0.5 percent) with green tea and hyaluronic acid. And will minimize irritation from 4. A DermaDoctor Poetry in Lotion contains 1 percent retinol with skin-calming plant extracts. 2- r 5 -- .in '0 -= . 208 AliureoMay2012 a average dose (0.5 instead of 1 percent). 1. A gentle cleanser with anti-inflammatory 1'1 4 dyes, and irritating active ingredients, such as acids. If your skin can handle retinol, -:; § 3 4 w u g