Skin Care Routines Resource Center
Wellness & SelfcareSkin CareSkin Care Routines

Skin Care Routines

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A skin-care routine involves the steps you take every day to make sure your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and protected from early aging, extreme weather, and sun damage. It often includes gentle washing, moisturizer, sun protection, and other measures.

 Approaches to maintaining healthy skin vary depending on your age, sex, budget, daily schedule, climate, and skin type, as well as any underlying skin conditions or sensitivities you have. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, hydration, smoking status, stress management, and sun protection, can significantly impact skin health and the effectiveness of any routine.

FAQ

What is a basic skin-care routine?

The essential elements of a skin-care routine include cleansing, moisturizing, and applying facial sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. If you have more time, try including a chemical peel or a full face mask.

A bare-face skin type test can help determine your skin type. Wash the face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and keep it product-free for 30 minutes. The appearance of the skin afterward should demonstrate your skin type.

Helpful ingredients in skin-care products include B vitamins, peptides, retinoids, retinol, vitamins C and E, SPF, and hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. These can minimize skin aging and protect the skin from damage.

Exfoliating once or twice weekly can help you avoid irritation from overexfoliating, although you can increase this in the summer months when the air has more moisture. The exact amount depends on your skin type and the exfoliator you use.

Vitamins A, C, and E can support collagen production and reduce inflammation, but sugar and refined carbs can trigger collagen breakdown. Focus on healthy fats, lean proteins, antioxidant-rich foods, and plenty of fiber-rich fruit and vegetables to support skin health.

Meet Our Experts In Skin Care Routines
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Justin Laube

Justin Laube, MD

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Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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mohiba-tareen-bio

Mohiba Tareen, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a nationally acclaimed board-certified dermatologist. She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at her Minnesota medical practice, Tareen Derm...

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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist,...

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Dr. Allison Young

Allison Young, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Young, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist providing services via telehealth throughout New York and Florida.

In addition to her private practice, Dr. Young serves as an a...

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Resources
  1. Do You Really Need a Skin-Care Routine? Northwestern Medicine. December 2021.
  2. 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

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