Top 3 Skin Care Best Practices

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Every morning while looking in the mirror, we all long to see glowing, bright, and youthful skin. It can be easy to get lost in myriad suggestions for the perfect skin care routine in the media and online. Often, people can be left wondering what exactly is the best and most straightforward practice for maintaining the skin. Sticking to a skin care routine can have a long-term positive impact on your skin and on the management of conditions like acne and skin aging. Below, we cover the top 3 skin care best practices.

Top 3 Skin Care Best Practices

For starters, every routine must have at least these three fundamental steps:

  • Cleanse
  • Moisturize
  • Protect from the sun

Best Practice 1: Cleansing

Cleansing is important for removing debris from the skin and should be the first step in a skin care routine. A multitude of different cleansers exist to choose from. A starting point can be to identify your skin type: 

  • Oily
  • Combination
  • Normal
  • Dry 

Also, consider if your skin is sensitive or acne prone. Typically, gel-based cleansers work better for oily skin, and cream or lotion-based cleansers better suit dry skin. 

Best Practice 2: Moisturizing

Moisturizing your skin is also very important, as it helps skin retain water from its environment. Keeping your skin hydrated helps with skin elasticity, which keeps the skin smooth and prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Water-based lightweight moisturizers tend to suit oily skin types better. Some dry skin types, especially during the winter, may prefer heavier, creamier moisturizers that can be formulated with hydrating oils as well. 

Best Practice 3: Protecting from the Sun

Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is an absolute must daily. Not only does protection from ultraviolet light serve as one of the best ways to slow skin aging, but wearing sunscreen also helps prevent skin cancer. Most sun damage occurs from everyday ultraviolet exposure, which is why it is important to apply and reapply sunscreen religiously.

Once you establish these fundamentals, you can target other skin care goals by adding toners, serums, exfoliators, and even face masks. Try to recognize specific concerns, such as acne or fine lines, so you can build a routine accordingly.

What About Exfoliation?

The skin can be exfoliated either physically or chemically to remove the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. Removing this layer of cells can improve the skin’s radiance, something that typically diminishes with age. Additionally, exfoliation can help your skin stay smooth and prevent clogged pores. 

Physical exfoliants typically consist of scrubs with smaller solid particles inside. The physical force of these particles against the skin separates the dead cell layer. Sometimes, you can use these in combination with chemical exfoliants. Common chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). 

Importantly, you should not exfoliate your skin daily, as this can cause irritation and damage the skin barrier. Typically, a good regimen involves exfoliating your skin approximately twice a week. However, remember to adjust to your skin type and preferences.

Other Considerations

You can further address skin concerns by adding toners, serums, and retinol to the routine. However, the right choices can depend on individual skin types. Some popular serums people opt for include:

  • Hyaluronic acid for hydration
  • Niacinamide for evening the skin tone and hyperpigmentation
  • Vitamin C serum for anti-aging and fighting free radicals

As a general practice, check the ingredients of a product. Individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin should look for any potential allergens or acne-causing ingredients. Face masks can also elevate your skin care routine and are usually formulated to target specific concerns as well. After finding a favorite face mask or two, be sure to follow the instructions on the frequency and duration of the application.

In addition to daily skin care habits, diet and lifestyle are large influencers on how the skin ages. Eating healthy, getting some exercise, sleeping well, and avoiding smoking are important to hold onto the desired flawless and youthful glow.

Professional Dermatological Guidance

For more guidance on developing your skin care routine and to see how it may complement any topical or pharmacological skin treatments, consult a dermatologist for a routine tailored specifically to you!