When it comes to skincare, your mom, your best friend, or that girl on YouTube has a tip to share. Their suggestions have no end, and you may find it impossible to figure out the least harmful and most efficient strategy specifically for your skin.
Instead of choosing a trial-and-error way, listen to the advice professional dermatologists give to maintain the health and glow of your skin (no matter its type!). Their tips are non-negotiable but not too fancy—they have made them as easy and doable as possible.
Never Skip Sunscreen Creams
Certified dermatologists consider applying a sun-protection cream daily to be the most efficient preventive step one can take (regardless of the type, color, or tone of the skin). They state that ultraviolet radiation is responsible for photo-aging, darker patches, skin sagging (due to collagen degradation), and cancer more than other genetic or environmental factors.
Apart from cancer prevention, skincare professionals mention sunscreen as the best product you can use to fight skin aging.
They encourage their clients to apply a sunblock cream before leaving home on every sunny or rainy day when going outside.
Using an Antioxidant Serum Is a Must
Apart from the sun, there are other environmental aggressors from which your skin needs protection. Leading skincare experts recommend applying an antioxidant serum under sunscreen every morning. Vitamin C is efficient in fighting against oxidative stress since it clears away free radicals that damage the skin. It also enhances the sun-protective effect of a sunblock cream.
Always Exfoliate
Medical doctors specializing in treating the skin think that everyone should use a chemical exfoliant three times a week, including those having sensitive skin. This is because chemical exfoliants are gentler than scrubs and more tolerable. Regular exfoliation leads to a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Chemical peels are one more way of exfoliation. Cosmetic dermatologists sometimes call them ‘the unsung heroes of dermatology’. They not only give brightness to the skin but also stimulate the production of collagen, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Benefit From Retinol
Retinol is a powerful substance targeted at the signs of early aging and darker patches. Some dermatology professors have an opinion that applying retinol before going to bed contributes to skin reparation while you sleep. They also believe that this is useful for the treatment of acne and damages caused by the sun.
No Too Hot Showers
Hot water gives a pleasant feeling but can dry out your skin, making it potentially itchy. Dermatologists say that lukewarm water or the one close to room temperature is the healthiest.
Pro tip: showers of the right temperature can rehydrate your skin. For this, you should stand under the running water until your fingers become pruney. It’s a sign that your skin has absorbed enough water.
Your Skin Needs Hydration
Only well-hydrated skin can be smooth, young looking, and plump. Skincare specialists favor the application of moisturizers on wet skin. This way, not only a moisturizer works better but also water loss through the epidermis doesn’t occur.
If you drink enough water, your skin stays hydrated from the inside. A more youthful appearance is unthinkable without radiant skin.
Water-Based Products Are Your Best Choice
You should choose such products to care for your hair. To prevent breakouts along the hairline (especially in hot weather), you should avoid hair care products based on oils and wax.
Step-By-Step Approach to Introducing Skincare Products
Skincare professionals disadvise changing your skincare habits in one go. They recommend introducing the essential products first, such as a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunblock cream. Other products appropriate for your skin type or addressing your skin conditions should be added gradually, one at a time. In so doing, it will be easy to identify the product causing irritation or a change to your condition.
Don’t Drop What Suits You
Dermatology physicians do not expect you to follow all skincare trends. You’d be better off adapting your skincare habits to seasonal changes.
They are sure that even people with sensitive skin should enjoy caring for their skin. It will suffice if products prevent pore clogging and irritation—a multi-step skincare regimen is only needed to address specific skin problems.
Arm Yourself With Patience
Cosmeticians warn that improvements in skin conditions won’t happen overnight. It’s unlikely that you get rid of hyperpigmentation or acne in one or two weeks. So, don’t dismiss the products designed to treat them as ineffective because you don’t see immediate improvement. Give them some more time to do their job for your skin. And don’t get frustrated—just wait and see it getting better, slowly but surely.
