Your skin care routine can be as unique as you are. Even among skin care experts, morning and nightly routines can be wildly individual. Skin care needs can change based on your skin type, diet and even the weather! Finding the right routine for you can take experimentation with different types of products and even the order in which you apply.
I used to consider just washing my face a big deal. After learning more about what my skin needs and how it reacts to stress, I decided to invest the time to discover what serums, moisturizers and even sprays benefit my complexion. There are more options at the beauty counter than ever before! It’s a process, but it doesn’t have to be pricey or complicated. So, I asked four different skin care experts to describe their daily face routine and how they discovered what was right for them.
-
Dr. Sejal Shah
Smarter Skin Dermatology
Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry
Skin Concerns: Aging, Sun Damage -
Buy now with Dermstore 1. La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Buy now with free delivery“I start my day by washing my face. I usually do a double cleanse with micellar water and a gentle cleanser. I have sensitive normal-to-dry skin so I always stick with gentle cleaners.”
-
2. UltraLuxe MicroVenom EyeLift Complex
Buy now with free delivery“My biggest concern is preventing the signs of aging and my under-eye area. I’m concerned about both dark circles and crepiness so I use eye creams with ingredients that can combat both—retinoid, caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid.”
-
3. Pixi Glow Peel Pads
Buy now with free delivery“I alternate between using a retinoid, glycolic acid-based product and peel pads. I use any harsh or exfoliating products sparingly. For example: I will not use my retinoid nightly, but instead alternate it with products that are not drying or irritating.”
-
4. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 50+
Buy now with free delivery“The most important thing is using sunscreen every single day. UV radiation is one of the most damaging things for your skin. Because I always use a sunscreen that contains a physical blocker, I am protecting my skin from other potentially damaging types of radiation and even pollutants.”
-
5. Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask
Buy now with free delivery“I always use a night serum or cream. Because my skin is dry, I use a hydrating night mask.”
Brittney Danberry, PA-C
Schweiger Dermatology Group
Skin Type: Combination
Skin Concerns: Acne, Uneven Skin Tone -
Buy now with Dermstore 1. Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Buy now with free delivery“My biggest skin concerns include acne, sun damage, fine lines/wrinkles and uneven skin tone. I start each day with a mild, gentle cleanser that won’t irritate my skin.”
-
Buy now with Dermstore 2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Buy now with free delivery“Before putting on sunscreen as the ultimate barrier between your skin and the environment, apply a vitamin C serum. This is my favorite to use because it helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA and UVB rays.”
-
Buy now with Dermstore 3. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Buy now with free delivery“In the morning I recommend everyone use a vitamin C serum and a sunscreen with at least 5% zinc oxide.”
-
4. Lab Series Pro LS All-in-One Face Cleansing Gel
“At night I recommended everyone use a wash with glycolic acid and apply a retinoid.”
-
5. Elemental Herbology Vital Glow Overnight Resurfacing Cream
Buy now with free delivery“Retinoid is a great ingredient for repairing dull skin while you sleep. You’ll wake up with refreshed, more radiant and younger skin.”
Dr. Jeremy Fenton
Schweiger Dermatology Group
Skin Type: Sensitive
Skin Concerns: Acne, Dryness, Fine Lines -
1. Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Age Prevention Cleanser
Buy now with free delivery“My skin can get very sensitive and I cannot use any products that have a lot of chemicals or fragrances, otherwise they sting and irritate. This is a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the oils from my skin.”
-
Buy now with Dermstore 2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Buy now with free delivery“I apply an antioxidant serum to protect my skin. I pay close attention to anti-aging with the goal of maintaining good tone and texture while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is a great help.”
-
3. Solbar Zinc SPF 38
Buy now with free delivery“The most important part of my routine is my sunscreen. Sunscreen is the best thing you can do to protect your skin from damage over the years. Zinc is a broad-spectrum physical blocker that doesn’t degrade in the sunlight. It is also one of the few pure zinc sunscreens that don’t turn my face white (even with my heavy beard). It also serves as my morning moisturizer.”
-
4. SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser
Buy now with free delivery“My choice of evening cleanser depends on the season. During the warmer summer months, when I am prone to an occasional breakout, I use a clarifying cleanser. It helps to clean away sweat and dirt from the day along with other ingredients that fight breakouts, but it doesn’t dry my skin out.”
-
5. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash
“During the winter months when things are drier, I use a foaming face wash.”
-
Buy now with Dermstore 6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Buy now with free delivery“Every night I apply this cream moisturizer. It’s inexpensive and doesn’t have a lot of unnecessary chemicals to irritate my skin.”
A “normal” or “right” routine doesn’t exist. Instead, it’s about knowing your skin and meeting its needs—which are always changing! It’s important to use sunscreen and protect your skin from any harsh chemicals, defoliants and the environment. Sleep, hydration and diet also affect your skin, and getting enough rest and good nutrients help your skin glow from the inside out.
