For most people, healthy, glowing skin isn’t a matter of genetics but the result of adopting good skincare habits and practices. While the specific products you choose will vary, any dermatologist will tell you that there are a few fundamentals that should form the basis of any comprehensive skincare routine:

#1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day, Regardless of the Weather

UV rays do serious, long-lasting damage to your skin, from premature aging to increasing the chances of developing cancer. Worst yet, even on the gloomiest, greyest days, they’re still powerful enough to penetrate through the clouds and reach your skin. No matter the weather or what your plans are for the day, start your mornings with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Apply it generously to all exposed skin — don’t forget the necks, hands, and ears!– and reapply every two hours when you’re spending time outside. Elta MD has you covered head to toe with a nice selection of face and body sunscreens. Revision Skincare, SkinCeuticals, Obagi Medical and NeoStrata offer medical-skincare with sunscreen.

#2. Stay Hydrated

Supple, soft skin relies on your drinking enough water to flush out toxins and keep your skin cells functioning properly. When you get your 72-104 oz a day, your skin will appear plumper, more radiant, and less prone to dryness and irritation. You can even mix things up by incorporating water-rich foods into your diet. The American Heart Association recommends the following fruits and veggies thanks to their high water content:

  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew
  • Watermelon
  • Celery
  • Peaches
  • Zucchini
  • Radishes
  • Asparagus
  • Lettuce

#3. Use a Gentle Cleanser

When you cleanse your skin, your goal should be to wash away impurities and excess oil without stripping away the natural moisture. So, if cleansing leaves your skin feeling tight and itchy, it’s time to switch to something gentler that’s better suited to your skin type. A few of our favorite options are Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser , NeoStrata Facial Cleanser 4% PHA and Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser, and when used in the morning and before bedtime, they will help you maintain a clean, balanced complexion with a healthy moisture barrier.

#4. Moisturize No Matter Your Skin Type

If you have dry skin, you’re likely quite familiar with the importance of moisturizers, but there’s a common misconception that those with oily skin should skip adding any extra creams or lotions to their skincare routine, lest it exacerbate the problem. Not so. Regardless of your skin type, moisturizing is absolutely essential for locking in water and preventing the dryness that causes oily skin to produce even more sebum. The key, just as with cleansers, is choosing a moisturizer that best suits your skin. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 and A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced both replenish hydration and anti-aging, while SkinCeuticals Emollience will provide intense hydration. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter formula with superior hydration and advanced anti-aging, try Revision Skincare D.E. J Face Cream and D.E.J Night Face Cream.  –and don’t forget about a CeraVe body lotion for the rest of your skin – a  lightweight formulas for normal/oily skin and thicker, richer formulas for dry skin.

For best results, apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp to maximize absorption across your face, neck, and décolletage.

#5. Limit Exfoliation to 1-3 Times a Week

Exfoliating leaves our skin looking brighter and feeling smoother by scrubbing away dead skin cells, but you can always have too much of a good thing. Whether you’re opting for a chemical or physical exfoliant, you’re doing micro-damage to your skin barrier each time you exfoliate, which then results in dryness, flaking, irritation, and redness. Aim for once a week if you have dry skin, 1-2 times if you have normal skin and 2-3 times for oily skin, then adjust according to how your skin reacts. If your preference is a physical exfoliant, our go to is Clinician Complex Microdermabrasion Cream. This superior medical formulation contains diamond shaped crystals providing a thorough exfoliation and immediate feeling of silky, smooth, revitalized skin. To achieve smooth skin without the abrasion, try chemical exfoliators NeoStrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Pads 10% AHA, NeoStrata 20% Glycolic Wash or SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, formulated with a free acid value of 8% glycolic acid, combined with 1% phytic acid, aloe leaf juice and glycerin.

#6. Never Skip Your Nighttime Routine

Even on the days when all you have time to do before work is put on your SPF and head out the door, your nighttime routine can still do a lot of the heavy lifting to keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated. When you’re in deep sleep, your body is more efficient at repairing damage and creating new skin cells, which means it’s also the ideal time for letting treatments do their jobs.

Start with a thorough cleanse to remove any grime from the day, then apply your retinol, antioxidants and peptides to power up the skin cell cycle. Then, hit the hay for 7-9 hours of restorative sleep in an environment that encourages quality rest. That means putting away all screens before bed! Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5 and Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0, both buffered with the antioxidant bakuchiol, to allow for slower absorption and easier acclamation, are a great start to your evening routine. Continue with SkinCeuticals Resveratrol for an antioxidant boost that repairs and firms, finishing with your moisturizer. For an all-in-one evening product, packing antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, 0.25 retinol and your moisturizer, try Revision Skincare D.E.J Night Face Cream.

#7. Manage Your Stress Levels

When you’re feeling stressed out, your brain releases cortisol, a hormone that not only triggers increased sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts, but also slows down how quickly your body creates elastin and collagen. Give your skin a break by practicing mindfulness and meditation to keep your stress levels in check.

#8. Choose Clean Makeup

There certainly is not a lack of choices when it comes to makeup products! You should always review the brand and check the ingredients of each product you plan to put on your face. We have done the research for you when it comes to jane iredale makeup, The Skincare Makeup System. jane iredale was a first-of-its-kind skincare makeup hybrid, being equal parts makeup and skincare, that revolutionized the beauty industry 30 years. It showcases your skin beautiful, while also helping, rather than hindering like other makeups can, women that are struggling with skin issues. Good skincare products can all be in vain if you’re using makeup that’s working against you. jane iredale combines science with natural ingredients for beautiful, long-wearing coverage while nourishing your skin.

#9. Wash Your Makeup Brushes

Clean makeup brushes can make all the difference, especially if you are reapply your makeup throughout the day. Your brushes pick up pollution, dust, free radicals and bacteria from your face, plus the makeup residue that is already present. To protect you skin and minimize/prevent breakouts, you should be washing your brushes every 7-10 days according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you are only applying on a clean face, washing about once a month should be sufficient. Tips on how to cleanse your makeup brushes can be found in a previous blog.

#10. Schedule Regular Dermatologist Visits

We might be a bit biased, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that working with a Board-Certified dermatologist is the most important factor for your skin’s aesthetics and overall health. When you work with Dr. Elizabeth Briden, you’re ensuring that you’re receiving regular, professional evaluations to detect skin issues early, often making treatment easier and less intensive, but also getting access to her decades of knowledge regarding the very best beauty routines and products on the market.

Learn more about what ADCI & AST have to offer, and schedule your appointment with Dr. Briden, Melissa Waterman, PA-C or Denise Barnhardt, PA-C today!