Skincare can feel like it requires a cabinet full of serums. For most people, a short routine done consistently does more good than a long one done occasionally.
Step 1: Cleanse gently
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing your face when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, apply it with your fingertips and pat your skin dry. Skip harsh scrubbing, which can irritate skin and make conditions like acne worse.
Step 2: Moisturize
Moisturizer helps support your skin’s barrier, especially in cold, dry weather. Choose a texture that suits your skin: lightweight lotions or gels for oily skin, richer creams for dry skin, and fragrance-free formulas if your skin is sensitive.
Step 3: Protect with sunscreen
This is the step dermatologists emphasize most. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day you go outdoors, including in winter and on cloudy days.
Where extra steps fit
Once the basics are a habit, you can add one targeted product at a time, such as a vitamin C serum in the morning or a retinoid at night. Introducing one new product at a time makes it easier to tell what is helping and what is causing irritation.
What to look for when shopping
- Products labeled for your skin type
- “Fragrance-free” if you are sensitive or prone to irritation
- “Broad spectrum” and SPF 30 or higher on sunscreen
- “Non-comedogenic” if you are prone to breakouts
The takeaway
Cleanse, moisturize and wear sunscreen every day. Master those three, then add extras slowly. If you have persistent acne, rashes or skin changes, see a board-certified dermatologist.
