The skin care alphabet

Apply anti-aging products before going to bed. Focus on the area around your eyes, lips and neck.

Buy good cosmetic brushes. Pay attention to the fibers of the bristles and be willing to spend a little more for brushes that will last and that are easy to clean.

Cleanse your face nightly with a trustworthy product. To ensure a deep clean that will minimize your pores and leave your skin fresh, use the Clarisonic Mia 2 and the Deep Pore Daily Cleanser.

After you have cleansed your face, use the Clarisonic Deep Pore Detoxifying Clay Mask to remove dead skin cells and other pore-clogging toxins. Your skin will be softer and your pores more refined.

Eye crème is essential to protect one of the most sensitive areas of skin on your body. Remember not to rush when applying — eye crème is meant for around your eye, not in your eye.

Facials are wonderful opportunities to relax and learn from the aesthetician unclogging your pores. You might leave a little red faced, but you will also have tips on how to keep your face fresh and clean.

Get a good eye gel, which will reduce the appearance of puffiness around the eyes and hydrate the eye area for vibrant-looking skin.

Help your dry skin out with a hydration mask. Hydration masks are good for revitalizing dehydrated skin, which is the common aftereffect of a sunburn or windburn.

Instant lift gel works to make skin feel tighter and firmer and can be applied to your face and neck.

Jasmine oil is a skin care ingredient that helps heal blemishes and scars. If you have any marks you would like to see diminished, look for products that include jasmine oil.

Keep a consistent routine. While it is easy to think one night without washing your face is fine, it can lead to a slippery slope. Make skin care a daily priority and a habit.

Lip balm is the key to soft lips. Not all lip balms are to be trusted, though, as some ingredients — camphor, phenol and menthol — used in certain brands of lip balm actually cause dry lips. Avoid these.

Moisturize your skin every morning with a sun protection factor (SPF) daily lotion. If you have naturally oily skin, use a lighter moisturizer but do not forgo this step altogether — it might actually have a reverse effect.

Night crème is a nice treat for your face at the end of the day. Since you are staying inside — and in the dark — there is no need to apply a crème with SPF.

The Opal Sonic Infusion System (Clarisonic.com, $185) fights fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes while building your skin’s resiliency.

Prevention is your goal. Taking care of your skin will keep you from having dry patches, huge pores and wrinkles — and can be cheaper than correcting such problems in the future.

Q-tips make for a cheap and easy solution for getting close to your eye. Dip a Q-tip in eye makeup remover to get rid of any leftover eyeliner or mascara after you have washed your face.

Read the ingredients in your skin care products. Unfortunately, many companies use animal by-products as fillers in their cosmetics, so read up and stay informed before you make a purchase.

Sunscreen is an easy preventative for skin cancer, sun spots and wrinkles. It does not take that long to apply, so be sure to cover every inch of skin that will be exposed.

Toner restores the pH balance of your skin after washing.

Ultraviolet protection is important. Not only can your sight be damaged by harmful UV rays, but so can the skin of your eyelids. Wear sunglasses for a simple solution.

Vitamins A and C are natural antioxidants and skin-damaging remedies. If you are allergic to vitamin C in foods, you will also be allergic to it on your skin.

Water consumption hydrates your skin, often resulting in a more radiant glow.

Exfoliating is not just for your face. It is also good for your feet, bikini line and hands. Exfoliating once or twice a week helps you achieve smooth, silky skin.

Yogurt has been dubbed a household skin care remedy that moisturizes, provides sunburn relief, fights acne and reduces discoloration. Use a plain, organic variety.

Zero in on your trouble spots and splurge to find products that meet your specific needs. We all have different skin types and lifestyles, but you and your skin are worth taking care of.