With all the different products and trends circulating in the skincare industry, beginners, or anyone really, can easily be overwhelmed by it all. As a successful dermatology office, we want to help readers understand that your skincare routine does not have to be overly elaborate or complicated. Figuring out the proper products and the order to apply them should also not be a difficult task. Many routines include cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and more. Using all of these can be too much for your skin if you are just starting out. Our Palm Beach dermatologist is here to help you plan how to layer skincare products and have a simple and effective routine.
Start Light
A basic rule of thumb when you start layering skin care is to go by the consistency of the products. You should start with the lightweight liquids, then move on to the heavier and thicker ones. After your cleanser, the next product would be a toner since it is a water-like formula. There are many types of toners that hydrate, absorb oil, and more, but generally, they all help to remove dead skin cells. There are also toners with exfoliating ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acids that will help loosen dead skin cells and keep your pores clean.
Work in Serums
A frequently asked question in the skincare world is serum or moisturizer. Serums have active ingredients that work with the skin effectively. They are also easy to customize to meet your skin's needs. Incorporating two or three serums to combat any concerns will benefit your skin greatly. We recommend adding a peptide for wrinkles, salicylic acid for oily skin, and licorice or aloe to calm redness.
Add Antioxidants
A key ingredient for any skin type is vitamin C. This ingredient helps to brighten and protect the skin from sun damage. It is also known to help with collagen production. Talk with your dermatologist about which level of potency of vitamin C would work best for your skin type and concerns. An important note to remember is you cannot pair vitamin C with a toner or moisturizer that contains the ingredient alpha hydroxy acid because it can destabilize the vitamin C.
Treat Your Blemishes
Proper exfoliation can help keep pores clear of dirt and debris. Doing this can prevent or reduce breakouts from happening. Most dermatologists recommend an acne spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide. It is a chemical compound that will help destroy bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a hero ingredient in acne treatments.
Lock In Moisture
Moisturizer is a key star in any skin routine, as it has other jobs outside of adding hydration to the skin and locking in moisture. It seals all the products into the skin, making them more effective. Talk with your dermatologist to identify your skin type and learn which moisturizer will work best for you.
Make Sure to Protect Your Skin
As the last step in your daytime routine, be sure to add a layer of sun protection. Using sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen can also help prevent premature aging.
Night Time Finisher
For your nighttime routine, you should finish off your layering by using a retinoid cream. Retinoids help you look younger but are not meant for daytime use. This product should also not be paired with vitamin C or salicylic acid.
Contact DCSI Today!
If you have questions about different ingredients or skincare products, contact us today! You can also make an appointment with our team.
