Taking good care of your skin is vital to keeping it healthy and looking its best. But deciding on a skincare routine can feel complicated. Here are the skincare tips you need, with stamp of approval from an EHE Health doctor.
Choosing the right products
It’s essential to use the right products for your unique skin. Some people have dry skin, while others have more oily skin. Some are prone to acne, while others battle fine lines. And some people have very sensitive skin that reacts badly to harsh chemicals. Get to know your skin type and personal skincare goals, and then choose products that meet your needs.
Morning rituals
Regardless of which specific products you use, your morning skincare routine is all about protecting your skin for the day ahead. There are three basic skincare tips:
- Cleanse. Wash your face with a gentle, non-medicated cleanser designed for your skin type.
- Hydrate. Apply an oil, serum, or cream that contains antioxidants. This creates a barrier layer that keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day while guarding against environmental damage from free radicals.
- Protect from the sun. Now you are ready for sunscreen. Some antioxidant creams, and some makeup foundations, include sunscreen in their formulations. But if you’re not using a product that contains it, now is the time to apply a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen.
You can put on makeup or leave your face natural. Either way, your skin will be well-protected as you go about your day.
Skincare tips for your daily routines
At night, the goal is to repair any damage your skin might have taken during the day. Here are the steps:
- Remove makeup. If you’ve had makeup on, use a separate makeup remover before you do anything else. It doesn’t matter if you choose wipes, a balm, or some other product, as long as it’s formulated for your skin type and specifically designed to remove makeup.
- Cleanse. Your morning cleanser is fine, or you may prefer something with a more targeted formulation. For example, you might choose a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acid to brighten your skin or benzoyl peroxide to fight acne.
- Tone (optional). Toners are generally best for people with oily skin, as they can help clean the pores more thoroughly. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you’ll want to skip this step, as it can cause irritation.
- Apply night cream. Next, use a night cream containing vitamin A to help build collagen and keep your skin healthy and smooth. Depending on your skincare goals, you might also look for additional ingredients such as retinol to shrink pores or tretinoin to reverse sun damage.
- Moisturize. Some night creams can be drying. Counter the effects by layering on a soothing moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramide as your final step.
Occasionally you might want to do additional skin treatments, such as applying a mask. But following these easy morning and nighttime skincare tips can go a long way toward keeping your face smooth and healthy. Be sure to pair them with other skin protection measures, such as avoiding the sun and seeing a dermatologist once a year.