The Best Skincare Routine Revealed By Dermatologists: Super Simple Steps for All Skin Types

When taking care of the skin, it is easy to get overwhelmed by information overload. Everyone has a unique process to keep their skin in perfect condition. But because of the variations in texture, nourishment, and hydration, it is necessary to know exactly what works best for a specific skin type. Dermatologists spend their lives treating various types of skin. Thus, they are well aware of particular techniques to keep every kind of facial dermis looking refreshed, clean, and natural. This post covers the best skincare routine recommended by dermatologists around the world and the considerations one should be mindful of before starting a daily ritual.

What Is A Skincare Routine And Why Is It Important?

Even though our skin is the biggest organ in our body, we all prefer to have simple skin or flawless skin. That is why there is a high demand for a product like anti aging cream in the market.  However, it is difficult to assume that using an anti aging cream alone would result in simple skin or flawless skin. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we shouldn’t apply an anti-aging cream. A rigorous skincare routine can help you achieve simple skin. However, there is no need for advanced skin care methods.

Since the face creates the first impression, it is critical to get rid of under-eye dark circles and keep it in good condition. With the increasing amount of pollutants in the environment, following a proper skincare routine has become an inevitable necessity.

Gone are the days when just washing the face twice a day was enough. For rejuvenated and nourished skin, following a rigorous skincare routine daily is a must. It is also helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation or changes in complexion as well as reducing acne and wrinkles.

According to Dr. Paul Jared Frank, the founder of PFRANKMD, one of the biggest misconceptions about skincare is the need for using hoards of high-end products to keep the skin flawless. In his book “The Pro-Aging Playbook,” he shares the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule that discourages perplexing procedures and encourages sticking to a basic skincare routine.

Is A Different Day & Night Skincare Routine Necessary?

It is vital to apply the right products at the right time to achieve full benefits from the skincare routine. During the day, the skin is exposed to direct sunlight, especially if you spend more time outdoors. Hence, a strong SPF sunscreen should be applied at the end of the morning skincare routine. On the contrary, people who spend more time indoors could go for a lightweight product.

Evening skincare offers an in-depth treatment. It includes an array of items to enhance regeneration at a cellular level. So in the late hours of the night, all products work together to rejuvenate and repair the facial dermis.

Does Order Of Skincare Routine Matter?

Definitely! Figuring out the correct order of skincare routine is an integral step of this process. You should know the difference between cleansing and moisturizing and when exactly a toner is required. Additionally, Dr. Michele Farber, a renowned skin expert, suggests applying products according to their weight. The lightweight products should be applied first, followed by the thicker ones. The heaviest item should offer the final coverage.

Significance Of Identifying The Skin Type

Before diving into a particular skincare routine, it is necessary to be mindful of the skin type. Knowing what kind of skin someone has can help make more informed decisions. For example, after recognizing the nature of skin, people only invest in products that suit them. Otherwise, even using high-end items will not be effective and show no improvement. It is also possible that using the wrong products will leave the upper and deep layers in worse condition. That is why ensuring skin composition is crucial. Or better yet, consulting a dermatologist to understand the skin type is the best way to go.

Here are the 5 common kinds of skin. The respective characteristics often determine the dermis type you have and help create guidelines for skincare.

Normal Skin

This is the perfect skin type with no complications, no acne, and zero blemishes. There is no need to follow a special skincare routine. Just make sure to clean it properly and keep it glowing and youthful.

Dry Skin

Dry skin essentially lacks moisture or hydration. People who spend lots of time in heated places or direct sunlight often struggle with dryness. Surprisingly, being in hot water for a long time can also cause dry skin. This type is prone to cracks, patches, and in severe cases, eczema. In some cases, it causes redness, itching, and even discoloration. Doctors often recommend adding more hydrating foods to your diet and selecting water-based products for the skin.

Oily Skin

If the oil glands release too much sebum, it results in an oily skin type. Although it is more common during the early years of hormonal changes, some adults’ skins also have a greasy, bright, and humid appearance. This kind of skin is at high risk of acne. Mattifying products and gentle cleansers help avoid breakouts.

Combination Skin

This kind of skin possesses characteristics of both dry and oily types. The T-zone areas, including the forehead, nose, and chin, are more oily while the cheeks are dry. If the sebum secretions are high, there may be a need to apply anti-acne items while the dry zones would need hydration. In short, the skincare routine for combination skin would involve balancing the texture through a combination of different products – primarily moisturizing and cleansing.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin makes one prone to acne, inflammation, rashes, redness, and itching when the first layer comes in contact with allergens. The protective ability is weak, putting it at high risk of infections and irritation caused by pollutants or bacteria. Because of the fragility, the best thing to do is use dermatologist-approved products and follow a rigorous skincare routine to counter the harmful effects.

Professional dermatologists have different tests to determine the skin type. To judge oily skin, they use paper to see whether it sticks to the whole face or not. It does not stick on dry skin. If it only sticks to the cheeks or chin, that is known as combination skin.

3-Step Simple Skincare Routine Recommended By Dermatologists

There is no need to indulge in lengthy tiring regimens when this incredible yet simple skincare routine offers maximum rejuvenation with the least effort. According to skin specialist Kristina Holey, men and women should focus on toning the complexion, finding out the problematic areas, and treating them. It is not important to go for perfection rather maintain the natural looks. Also, keep in mind that any skincare routine takes time to reap results. There is no one-formula-fix-all, and similarly, there is no magic treatment to give you overnight results. Be patient and at least wait for two months to see any solid improvement.

Following are the three main steps involved in proper skin treatment for enhanced nourishment:

1. Cleansing

Thoroughly washing the face is the first step in any skincare routine. Cleansing helps remove dirt, pollutants, dead skin cells, and grease off the face. Taking it light raises the chances of breakouts, loss of natural glow, and pronounced pores. This step is also crucial in preparing the face for upcoming treatments such as toning and moisturizing.

The best facial cleanser has the least bubbles and will not dry up the face. Additionally, the chemicals do not deprive the skin of useful oils or contain coarse exfoliating agents.

Tips For Various Skin Types

Dry Skin

Washing once in the morning with lukewarm water should be enough to last the day. Choose a product that would not disturb the natural hydration levels or the pH. Cleansers made from hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, tea, ceramides, aloe vera, and lactic acid are ideal for dry skin. They decrease the risk of sunburn, nourish the scaly regions, have limited to no harsh chemicals, and prevent allergic reactions. Plus, these cleansing agents induce moisture.

Oily Skin

It is important to wash the face at least twice a day with a cleanser for greasy skin and acne. Select cleansers that are rich in Vitamin C, salicylic acid, glycerin, Benzoyl Peroxide, ceramides, and glycolic acid. While some ingredients will inhibit sebum production, others will ensure skin clarity and acne prevention.

Normal Skin

People with normal skin should start by washing with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Avoid using super-hot water as it can cause lasting dryness. Go for facial cleansers that contain retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and exfoliating compounds. Together, they will enhance skin hydration, reduce dead skin, and give it a softer feel.

Sensitive Skin

A gentle cleanser will offer maximum protection against harmful agents. For particularly sensitive skin types, the ideal ingredients in cleansers are argan oil, retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, and glycerin. Lightweight and moisturizing cleansers are perfect for fragile layers. Rinse off with warm water and avoid rubbing with a towel as it can aggravate the reactions.

2. Toning

The second step is treatment or toning. This process involves the use of serums, lotions, creams, and toners to prevent discoloration, work on deep cleansing, and reduce pores.

Years back, toners were made from alcohol that quickly dried up oily skin and removed accumulated soap residue. However, with time, formulas evolved. Now, there is a different toner for each skin type. Special toners contain compounds that protect the skin against environmental pollutants. Some shield the skin from harsh minerals in tap water and help balance the pH. Essentially, toners offer hydration and brighten up the complexion. One of the best natural toners is rose water, made from distilled rose petals.

Tips For Various Skin Types

Dry Skin

After washing, drop some amount of toner on a cotton pad or fingers. Apply it all over the face, especially dry regions such as cheeks and neck. It is essential to apply a moisturizer afterward. Select toners with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, apple cider, green tea, vitamin E, papaya water, rose water, and chamomile. All these are hydrating agents and will soothe irritation-prone areas.

Oily Skin

While dry skin toners work on enhancing hydration, oily skin toners help in removing excess sweat or grease. Some target the pores and unclog them for a thorough cleansing. Plus, they are necessary for getting rid of dead skin cells and dealing with dullness. Alcohol-free toners or products containing green tea, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil are perfect for treating oily skin.

Normal Skin

People with normal or combination skin should go for hydrating toners or mists with Vitamin C, witch hazel, lavender, chamomile, cucumber, rose, green tea, and aloe vera. These ingredients are useful in maintaining a dewy look without gleaming excess sebum on T-zone.

Sensitive Skin

For skin types that often experience breakouts, redness, or irritation, a special toner for fragile skin may be necessary to achieve a clear, glowing natural look. It will reduce oil production and clear away accumulated dirt. This skin type thrives under alcohol-free, white tea allantoin, aloe vera, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid toners.

3. Moisturizing

Ideally, moisturizers are a must for people with dry skin since they shield the sensitive parts and enhance the texture. Although applied liberally, using moisturizers in controlled amounts is useful in getting rid of blemishes and dark spots.

But over-moisturizing daily can be seriously harmful. It can reduce the natural ability of the skin to produce oil or dryness. Both can eventually lead to dangerous skin problems.

According to a skin expert, the main benefit of moisturizers is their impeccable protection against water loss.

Finding the right moisturizer is a task itself. It often takes a whole trial and error process to find the perfect product that suits the skin type.

Tips For Various Skin Types

Dry Skin

Apply generous amounts of moisturizer right after bath or washing face. Select products that easily absorb into the layers. Creamy moisturizers offer oily agents that dry skin craves, making them an ideal choice.

Oily Skin

Gel water-based moisturizers are perfect for oily skin since they absorb quickly and are lightweight. Try products with retinol, jojoba oil, grapeseed, hazelnut, and salicylic acid. Avoid products that would clog the pores and initiate acne.

Combination Skin

For this type of skin, the ideal moisturizer contains ceramides, oil-absorbing compounds, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Lotions will offer more hydration than gel and will easily get absorbed by the skin. A good moisturizer is an essential part of the skincare routine for combination skin.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types should be careful while selecting a moisturizer. Stay away from fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, glycolic, lactic, and alpha hydroxy acid. The best option is to create DIY moisturizers using home ingredients such as oatmeal,  coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera, rose, and avocado. Applying products with a generally heavier texture is a good choice for sensitive skin that is not prone to severe acne.

Rules About Exfoliation

Medically, exfoliation is recommended at least once or twice a week. This step removes dirt and build-up, leaving the skin looking clearer than ever. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors, exfoliation should never be skipped.

Applying exfoliators gently on the cheeks unclogs the pores and gets rid of dead skin cells. Additionally, some agents help in brightening up the complexion. Chemical exfoliators further remove blackheads and scrub off dry skin patches.

Is The Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine Any Good?

What do dermatologists around the world think about the most popular Korean skincare ritual?

Despite being a tediously long process, this skincare routine gained immense popularity because of its glowing results. People were incredibly impressed with the flawless looks of Korean women. The truth is that the ultra-beautiful and super while complexions in Korean women are not necessarily natural. About 20% of them have had some kind of cosmetic surgery or taken anti-acne medications. Most dermatologists firmly believe the 10-12 step Korean skincare ritual is “excessive.” This procedure encourages doing everything from deep cleansing to exfoliation daily.

Honestly, there is no need to put extra effort into taking care of the skin. Just do the basics and go on from there. Otherwise, there is a risk of overdoing the treatment and potentially destroying the natural composition permanently.

The only good thing in the Korean skincare routine, according to Dr. Zoe Draelos of Duke University, is the use of water-soluble products to remove makeup and hydrate the layers. Ditching oil-based products from skincare regimens is a favor for the skin that helps enhance the natural looks.

Conclusion

When it comes to skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive skin, it is easy to get fed up while trying to find the right products to achieve glowing results. Try to be patient and take your time in understanding the skin. When in doubt, refer to a skin expert for guidance.

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