Caring for your skin is necessary for both your overall health and diminishing signs of aging, but with so many new products and wild beauty trends popping up everywhere, finding a simple skincare routine, let alone sticking to it, seems near impossible.
Even if you’re committed to keeping your skincare routine simple, there are still a few rules to follow. We spoke to a few experts to figure out exactly what you need to do—at the very least—to take care of your skin.
“Wash your face before your go to bed. You must get the day’s grime off your face to help your skin repair itself and prep for another day while you sleep,” says Heather Rogers, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Modern Dermatology and Doctor Rogers RESTORE Skin Care
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“The sun is responsible for 90 percent of skin’s aging, so SPF (between SPF 30 and SPF 50) is the best anti-aging product money can buy,” says Alex Serron, skin therapist at Heyday. “It must be worn every day, no matter the season or if you’re going to be inside. Don’t forget that UVA rays, which cause skin aging, can penetrate windows.”
Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Dermatology, understands the confusing nature of the beauty world. “A plethora of skincare products can definitely appear intimidating, but just remember that the basics are the most vital when it comes to good skin, like a strong sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. You’re fooling yourself if you think the SPF 15 in your foundation is enough,” Dr. Idriss says.
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“Once you’re comfortable with your basic skin routine, I would recommend exfoliating a few times a week with a chemical exfoliant as it speeds up the removal of superficial dead skin cells, allowing active ingredients in your other skincare products to penetrate better, ultimately leading to healthier, smoother looking skin,” says Dr. Idriss.
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“Retinol (a less potent, over-the-counter version of a retinoid) is a star ingredient as it’s one of those rare ingredients that can get deep into your dermis to stimulate collagen production right at the source,” Dr. Idriss explains. “Over time, it’s been scientifically proven to help even out texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size.”
One great way to get started? “Focus on finding a face wash you like, and use it every night,” Dr. Rogers says. “This simple step is the most important because it helps you to build an evening ritual of self care that will allow you to do more for your skin when you’re ready.”
