The Complete Guide to Benzoyl Peroxide and Its Acne-Fighting Powers. It helps reverse a lot of the skin damage we get from the sun and pollution. For darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation can be a common issue, and using a vitamin C serum in the morning can also help mitigate dark spots, says Jennifer David, D.O., a dermatologist in Philadelphia and founder of Skin & Scripts Virtual Dermatology. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists generally recommend mineral and pure zinc-oxide sunscreens for sensitive skin (though many chemical sunscreens have not caused irritation in GH Beauty Lab tests); for those with oily skin, look for non-comedogenic, oil-free gel formulas. It can actually really help soften skin. For a nourishing boost, pat on a face oil as a last step once the rest of your leave-on skincare products dry just be sure to apply by pressing it into your skin, not rubbing it in. Examples of active ingredients that dermatologists really like these days are retinoids (for unclogging pores, getting rid of dead skin cells, addressing texture and dealing with fine lines and wrinkles), antioxidants (Vitamin C is an example, which helps to repair past sun damage and dark spots), and humectants, which hydrate. hide caption. While experimenting with new products and techniques can be fun, "The idea that more is more when it comes to your skin care routine is absolutely not the case," says Rio Viera-Newton, a beauty blogger for New York magazine. Choosing a moisturizer that feels great on your skin may take a few tries, but there are a few guidelines that can help you find the perfect one: Like your face wash, you can keep it simple and skip products with a laundry list of special ingredients. These smooth texture, brighten and minimize pores. "It is a really great rule of thumb to go by," Viera-Newton says. Dab a bit of your face serum or treatment, or a separate eye cream if you use one in the morning too, around your eyes. If youre opting for a toner, apply it the same way you would in the morning. A prescription retinoid will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, keep hormonal breakouts at bay, and reduce discoloration in the skin. Rather, for so many reasons, it's a necessity now more than ever. Physical exfoliation, on the other hand, is just what it sounds like manually sloughing away dead skin cells, excess oil, and buildup via a face scrub. We spoke with top dermatologists to help you figure out where to start and what to keep in mind while building the best routine for your skin. There are a lot of them, but one popular one these days is hyaluronic acid. In fact, harsh face washes can irritate and worsen acne in many people. With skin care, though, there is another undeniable truth: It can often feel overwhelming. LED face masks: Similar to professional LED light therapy LED masks use visible light to improve skin by reducing bacteria, decreasing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. "Over-washing without the appropriate use of a moisturizer will actually trigger an over-production of oil on your skin," Shokeen explains. There's no need to remember all this, just get back to your goals. Chicago-based Dr. Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in ethnic skin care and preventative skin care, underscores that applying sunscreen every day is a must, no matter how much melanin is in your skin. An antioxidant serum, which will prevent the formation of free radicals and lessen signs of aging over time. And we really need to be looking at patients more holistically because the skin is connected to the whole body," says North Carolina-based dermatology resident physician Dr. Muneeb Shah. hide caption. So moisturizers-turned-foot creams have become a big part of my daily practice as well as hand creams. "A big hack that I give people is you can use those creams on any part of your body. Now, watch and learn about the history of face masks: You can follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty. Truly, the answer is whichever one makes you want to apply it every day," says Viera-Newton. While experimenting with new products and techniques can be fun, "The idea that more is more when it comes to your skin care routine is absolutely not the case," says Rio Viera-Newton, a beauty blogger for New York magazine. Next, use a moisturizer, or a moisturizing product. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Here are some worth trying: Facial cleansing brushes: If you want to give your cleansing routine some extra oomph, consider one of these handheld gadgets designed to help you achieve a deeper cleanse. Plus, if youre treating hyperpigmentation without daily SPF use, its like taking two steps forward and one step backward.. UVA rays from the sun dont cause sunburns, but they do penetrate deep into the skin to cause wrinkles and fine lines. What Is a Micellar Water Cleanser, Exactly? If there is one certainty among the many, many uncertainties in our world right now, it is this: Taking the time to care for ourselves should no longer be considered an indulgence, or even a luxury. However, those with oily skin should seek out noncomedogenic moisturizers. Read on to learn how to build a simple but effective skincare routine. As a bonus, were throwing in two extra steps that you should add if you have concerns about aging skin. And if you remember nothing else, never, ever skip the sunscreen. Using sunscreen daily, whether youll be outside all day or not, is a great way to lower your chances of developing skin cancer. If you stick to a consistent, daily routine, you can likely expect to see some benefits within six to 12 weeks and it can often take at least three to four months to know if your new routine is really working. Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, with more new cases each year than all other types of cancer combined. Center for Surgical Dermatology is passionate about healthy, beautiful skin! One serum everyone can benefit from in the morning? You'll want to switch up your skincare routine at night and not just because you don't need SPF while you sleep! When applying in the morning and at night, lightly tap on a formula targeted to your eye-area concerns, using your ring finger (your weakest) to avoid tugging on delicate skin and causing damage. We should note, these tips aren't a substitute for medical advice. Vitamin C suspension, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids are all examples of "active" ingredients in skin care products. A rule of thumb for skin care product application is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, since these ingredients are the building blocks of moisture retention in skin, Dr. David explains. It also brightens and evens the skin tone. The more thats inside a moisturizer, the greater the chances that something in it will irritate your skin or cause breakouts. If your skin is very dry, you may like a cream or oil-based face wash instead of a foaming formula. In fact, Shah is a dermatology resident physician. It's not a necessary step, but if your skin is still feeling parched, applying a face oil can be a great way to help lock in moisture overnight. ", The dermatologists we spoke with for this story suggested sticking with a new product for three months to determine its effectiveness. Many products marketed toward people with acne or oily skin contain beads or other particles to exfoliate the skin, but twice a day exfoliation is more than anyone needs. Whether you're opting for a DIY skin treatment, a sheet mask or an overnight mask, you want to make sure you're choosing the right face mask for your skin type: Facial exfoliation is a technique that removes the skin's outer layer of dead skin cells in order to make it smoother, brighter and clearer yet a GH survey revealed that nearly half of women skip it in their skincare routine. There are three main types of exfoliation, each with different functions that work best for different skin types, concerns and needs. In what order should you be applying these products? Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "Sunscreen is your first line of defense and protection against skin cancer," Farber explains. Remove it per packaging instructions, and follow with other leave-on skincare products as directed or needed. "Taking care of your skin can also mean giving yourself a really nice facial massage with just your hands," Viera-Newton says. If youve mastered the first three steps and want to add another product or two to address your aging concerns, consider adding an antioxidant serum, retinoid, or both. Do it with these takeaways from the experts. We are not really giving our products a fair chance," Robinson says. Wed love to help you create the perfect, basic skincare routine. Your tip could appear in an upcoming episode. If you use skin care as self-care, remember that it doesn't have to cost much money, at all. Gua sha tools: Somewhat similar to jade rollers, these smooth stones can deliver a mini-facelift effect thanks to lymphatic facial drainage. (Some serums can be used day or night; follow the packaging instructions.) These are otherwise known as the basics, and we consulted a slew of dermatologists to confirm exactly what they are and share skin-care tips that apply to all of us, novices and experts alike. Cleanser is for washing your face, of course. Here are the ingredients you'll want to look for, based on your skin type: A serum tailored to your skin concerns can both treat and protect, delivering concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients that can address a number of complexion issues, from wrinkles to dark spots and if you have multiple concerns, you can use several different serum formulas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did you know that an estimated 31.6 million Americans, or 10% of the population, have, For many people, the summer season brings up fond memories of spending time outdoors in, Taking care of your skin with a thoughtful and gentle skincare routine during the summer. A rule of thumb for skin care product application is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. 50 Brilliant Back-to-School Organization Ideas, TikTok's "Product Overload" Trend Is Dangerous, The Best Spanish-Language Shows on Netflix, The Ultimate Skincare Ingredient Glossary. Even the best skincare products take time to work, so don't expect results overnight. If you're unsure about how to put together a skin-care routine (no judgment here), or you're looking to brush up on the basics, here is your expert-backed beginner's guide to skin care. Additionally, she says look for one that is fragrance-free, has minimal ingredients (to avoid irritation), and has ceramides and glycerin to restore and maintain the skin barrier. To target dark circles, seek out niacinamide or vitamin C; and for puffiness, use a formula with caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. There are two main types of sunscreen formulas: Some SPF formulas include both chemical and physical ingredients. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. The third and final step in a basic, effective skincare routine is sunscreen. You can even get that glowy-looking radiance for all that time we spend in front of our screens. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, protect the skin against UV rays by absorbing them, relying on ingredients such as octocrylene or avobenzone. Some quality options: EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen 50+, Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40, and Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion for Face SPF 50, which is formulated specifically for sensitive skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try washing only at night and rinsing your face with water in the morning. Choose thicker products for nighttime and winter. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Different light settings target different concerns for example, blue light helps with acne by reducing bacteria while red light is typically utilized to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, and green light may help with hyperpigmentation. Here's how to pick a moisturizer formula, based on your skin type: Dermatologists agree: Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine, for every skin type and age. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with You'll still follow the same basic three steps cleanse, treat and moisturize but at night, the routine will look a little bit different. Finally, "vitamin K can help with dark undereye circles and hyaluronic acid with hydration," says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, CT and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Retinoids make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, so its best to use them at night and follow-up with sunscreen in the daytime. So they may not necessarily be considered active ingredients by the FDA standard, but they're the ones that are targeting a specific issue," Shah says. Then figure out what "actives" will help get you there. Those with especially sensitive skin should use washes free of dyes, fragrance, and alcohol to further minimize irritation. People with darker skin tones may prefer chemical sunscreens to avoid the white cast of some physical formulas, though brands have begun to produce mineral formulations without the chalky appearance. Gahanna, OH | 614.591.3891, Dermatologist Addresses Common Eczema Myths, Dermatologists Tips on How to Effectively Soothe Psoriasis During Summer, Tips From a Dermatologist on Summer on the Best Summer Skincare Routine. 2022 Cond Nast. "Let's have a sunscreen that has antioxidants in it or let's have a night cream that has humectants and Retinol in it," says Dr. Robinson. Face masks can help your skin, especially with long-term use. Look for ways to pack more into your routine by finding MVP products that *combine* active ingredients. "That's a huge issue in communities of color just because of all the misconceptions about, you know, sunscreen use and whether we need it or not and are we at risk of skin cancer. "The benefits [of hyaluronic acid] are that it can pull water from the air and from your environment and draw it into the skin, which can help plump address fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin," Robinson says. For most people, keeping it simple with a gentle formula is best. Though there are a million products to choose from, keep it simple, and your skin will thank you. You dont have to use a lot, but if you start training your skin to tolerate more active products around the eye, youll see more change, Dr. Magovern explains. When choosing a facial cleanser, experts say that beginners should opt for a gentle, hydrating one. Facial serums are high-potency, lightweight topicals that are formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to target more specific skin concerns. Across the board, every skin specialist we spoke to emphasized sun protection as the most important consideration for healthy skin. In addition to preventing skin cancer, wearing sunscreen can also prevent premature aging. For chronic breakouts, be proactive rather than treating pimples as they pop up, Dr. Magovern advises. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. "Don't experiment too much," Shokeen says. there are certain skin-routine rules that generally apply across the board. Many cleansers have actives in them to help treat acne or other areas you consider problems. If you have a good life hack, leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at LifeKit@npr.org. In addition to antioxidant serums, you can try anti-aging serums featuring the following ingredients to address wrinkles, fine lines and more: Eye creams are different than face creams because theyre formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, which ages faster than the rest of your face and therefore it falls into the "treat" category, too. The more sun exposure your skin gets, the greater your risk for developing skin cancer, but its not just the long days at the beach that put you at risk. And yes, we do need sunscreen," Robinson says. If youd like personalized recommendations for your skincare routine or want to take it up a notch with an antioxidant serum or prescription retinoid, get in touch. In our testing, some reported clearer, smoother more radiant skin after just one week of use. Its a common myth that people with oily skin do not need moisturizer. What do you want to treat? The award-winning brand launched a line of caf-themed skin care that's just as good as its makeup. Westerville, OH | 614.847.4100 But be gentle. For instance, to try Vitamin C. Too many people cleanse too much or too often or with a cleanser thats too harsh, which will actually break down your skins protective barrier, Dr. Magovern says. "When I say 'active' I really mean the ingredients that are doing the heavy lifting. "I typically recommend an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer," Farber says, "as this will be well tolerated in [all] skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive.". Retinoids slow collagen breakdown to improve skins thickness and elasticity. Dermatologists are the first to make the case that caring for skin matters for overall wellness. Or to keep skin from getting too dry and itchy in the winter. Consult your dermatologist if there's something worrying you about your skin. "A lot of people are curious about what sunscreens are right for them. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don't think you can (or should) bypass daily moisturizer use. Sensitive skin types may want to steer clear of physical exfoliants, Shokeen says, as they can irritate the skin and can induce broken blood vessels. It's hard to miss. "If you tend to be dry, its OK to use plain water in the morning," Farber says. We recommend using the vitamin C serum in the morning and your retinoid at night. For everyday cleansing, here's how to shop for the best facial cleanser depending on your skin type: Toners are a water-based skin care liquid that's applied to dry skin after face cleansing using fingers, a cotton ball or cloth, and before using other leave-on skincare treatments like serums and moisturizers. To get the most benefit out of a daily skincare regimen, no matter what your skin type, you should start with three simple steps, according to Ashley Magovern, M.D., dermatologist and owner and founder of Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, California: You probably already know that cleansing means washing your face and moisturizing means hydrating your skin, but what does "treating" involve? Expert tip: Massage moisturizer in as you apply it, which will increase its absorption and effectiveness, plus improve circulation. "This is one area where it's OK to be convenient. For more, sign up for the newsletter and follow @NPRLifeKit on Twitter. Because theyre liquids, toners should go on before heavier formulas like serums and moisturizers so they have a chance to be absorbed. "Any skin type will tolerate a hydrating cleanser," Farber explains. "Whereas regular moisturizers focus on improving the natural moisture barrier of the skin only, night creams contain active ingredients that assist with improving the skin beyond adding moisture," explains Tonya McLeod, M.D., a dermatologist in Charlotte, North Carolina. Well, in addition to keeping your complexion in tip-top shape, the goal of any good skincare routine is to target problem areas. Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. Night is an ideal time to use products with ingredients that work to slough off dead skin cells or stimulate cell turnover while you sleep, such as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or retinol, Dr. Magovern says. Opt for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, and apply it daily (even when it's cloudy), always as the final step in your skin-care routine. Which ones are right for your skin? Like repurposing products you over-purchased or that you didn't like for your face. Youre getting breakouts because oil is building up, so be consistent with your regimen to keep pores all over your face clear. (If using a retinoid, let skin adjust before trying acne formulas like salicylic acid.). "The skin-care market has really boomed in the last few years," explains Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lighter moisturizer during the daytime, such as a lotion or gel that will soak in quickly and wont pill under makeup. A simple hack for the order you apply your products is thinnest to thickest. If a new skin-care routine doesn't seem like it's "working" right away, know that when it comes to skin care, patience is a must (and if any product promises immediate results, be weary). There are also ways to correct for an incident of splurging. How Long Should You Wait Between Applying Skin-Care Products? When you use a face lotion, you help maintain the skins natural moisture barrier, which protects it from infection and irritation. If you dont wear sunscreen, you might as well not do any of the other steps, Dr. Magovern says. Good things come to those who wait and that includes skincare routines. "Give your skin a chance to get used to a product or active agent for at least two to three months before switching." For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas with peptides and retinol. Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum, Tone Perfection Serum Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C, Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 100, Mineral SPF 30 Non-Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion, 22 Best Face Sunscreens for Every Skin Type, Why Experts Are Worried About Benzene in Sunscreen, DermalQuench Liquid Lift Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment, Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum, 11 Best Retinol Products That Actually Work, 21 Best Acne Treatments, According to Experts, Easy and Effective Ways to Treat Adult Acne, Regenerist MicroSculpting Cream Face Moisturizer, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Line Correcting Moisturizer Overnight Cream, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The dermatologists we spoke with for this story suggested sticking with a new product for three months to determine its effectiveness. Mineral sunscreens work as a shield, blocking the sun's rays from penetrating the skin, thanks to ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Cleansers are not necessarily designed to dissolve makeup, especially on eyes, and havent done so effectively in our testing, says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. Cleansing in the morning will help to remove any evidence of sweat or oil left from your pillow and hair during your beauty sleep, Shokeen explains. And the gold-standard antioxidant serum is vitamin C. Everyone should use vitamin C, no matter what age, Dr. Magovern says. But how do you choose the best one? But when the quest for "good skin" combines with the non-stop marketing on the modern internet, the results can feel daunting like you need a chemistry degree to understand all the ingredients and formulations. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR If you're concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, a lack of firmness, dark circles or undereye bags, an eye treatment product is definitely worth it. Skin care and cosmetics are such a big business that globally, consumers have doubled their spending on beauty products in the past 15 years, according to the consumer research company Euromonitor International. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Learn more about our, Simple Steps to the Best Daily Skincare Routine, According to Dermatologists. Face cleansing should be the first step in any skincare routine, as it clears away impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and dull skin. In fact, using a non-comedogenic moisturizer can help reduce the skins natural oil production. Facial steamers: If you have oily, acne-prone skin or deep-rooted blackheads, facial steaming twice a week for 15 minutes max can help unclog your pores and help your skincare products absorb better (but you may want to steer clear if you have dry skin, sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema). The goal of cleansing is to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and sweat without stripping your skin of the good bacteria and essential moisture that it needs. But short of that, having a skin care goal helps clarify what treatment you need. For instance, to try Vitamin C. Skin falls in a few general buckets: dry, oily, combination or "normal," which is neither dry nor oily. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Those basics should always include the following three steps, performed in the following order: The general rule of thumb here is that cleansing your complexion twice per day once in the morning, once in the evening is ideal. A [good] sulfate- and soap-free cleanser for the face will be pH-balanced and gentle to maintain skins barrier without stripping, says Whitney Bowe, M.D., a New York City dermatologist and author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. Read more here: Done reading? When choosing which type of sunscreen to apply, there are two routes to go: Chemical or mineral-based (in some cases, both are combined into one formula). Patients wind up at the dermatologist for various situations that might need medical intervention. As your skin-care routine continues to develop and evolve, perhaps the most important piece of information to remember as you're slathering on products is this: Less is often more. But you'll want to read the labels carefully, because some serums are best used in the morning, while others are ideal for nighttime. Retinoids, such as Retin-A (or its generic tretinoin), are the gold standard in anti-aging skincare products. A good place to start is with exfoliation, adding it in as an additional step once or twice per week using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which work in different ways to slough off excess buildup on the skin's surface. If youre treating hyperpigmentation, alternate between a retinoid and the spot-fading active ingredient hydroquinone, Dr. David recommends. Here, the best dermatologist-approved daily skincare routine for morning and night, including the basic steps that should be in every at-home regimen for oily, dry, combination or acne-prone skin (we've included the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab's top-tested product picks for each step, too).