There are trillions of videos, tutorials, and ideas regarding skincare regimens. I am going to break down skincare for you based on what the science tells us about skin and skin health.
A Forewarning:
If you have a medical skin condition like acne / cystic acne, rosacea, an infection, etc., then seeing a dermatologist will not only give the best guidance possible but will likely save you from going down an endless skinTok rabbit hole that could cost you thousands of dollars. Get the help you need.
Cleansing
There’s almost nothing that is more frustrating than the 500 different ways to wash your face. Keep this simple- use a gentle cleanser at least in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, and the day. If your skin can handle it or if you like, washing in the morning is fine too. You don’t need $100 cleansers, you don’t need mechanical exfoliation, you don’t need a cleansing brush- use your hands and wash your face.
Vitamin C Serum
Some of the best data in skincare comes from the use of vitamin C serums (particularly when combined with other ingredients like Ferulic acid). Vitamin C has been shown to improve collagen production and help protect your skin from free radicals and the sun. While the nuances of choosing a serum can be tough since finding a 10-20% concentration of L-ascorbic acid serum can improve your skin dramatically.
Retinoids
No skin ingredient has more research than prescription-strength retinoin, and I have devoted a lot of time discussing the benefits of this with patients. If this is not an option, other retinoids like retinol can benefit the skin by increasing cell turnover, building collagen and elastin, helping with acne and so much more. There are many different types and choosing can be difficult so talking to an expert that can get a better idea of your skin is key.
Moisturizer
The skin loves water so don’t deprive it. It is also composed of a lipid-rich barrier, so don’t deprive it of that either. Think glycerin, squalane, petrolatum, and hyaluronic acid to help replenish and trap moisture. This is another place where lots of budget-friendly options exist, even at discount stores.
Sunscreen
How much have I stressed this? If you’ve made it this far, you can ignore everything above if sunscreen isn’t used. The sun will prematurely age your skin, cause fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and most noteworthy- increase your risk of skin cancer. This is a non-negotiable. No, sunscreen hasn’t been shown to cause cancer.
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated but it is very personal. Start with a simple routine like the ingredients above but if you want a more personalized routine, contact us for help!
