What Products Should Everyone Have in Their Skincare Routine?

Products Everyone Needs

Getting into a Routine

Skincare routines can be very personal. We get up close and personal with our own skin, and we can tell the minute differences between each day that other people just can’t see. Knowing our individual triggers for acne breakouts or rashes is important to keep those from showing up, but having a regular routine will help prevent long-term issues like wrinkles, dryness, or dullness. No matter your skin’s type or history, a few types of products are must-haves in every skincare routine.

Gentle Soap

Having the right soap for your skin type is essential. Soap removes buildup like oil, dirt, and dead skin, leaving your skin clear and able to breathe. For dry skin, you may look for soaps with moisturizers in them to compensate for lost hydration, and oily skin types may want a product that absorbs oil but doesn’t over-dry. You can find minimal-ingredient soaps for sensitive skin, or your dermatologist may be able to suggest a brand or medical-grade soap that will work for your specific skin condition.

Exfoliation

Removing dead cells and buildup from the surface of your skin is one of the most important things you can do to prevent wrinkles, acne, and other blemishes that can come from irritated, clogged pores. There are many options for everyday exfoliants, including topical products and abrasive hand-tools. Washing your face with soap will remove surface-level dead cells and oil, but using a cream, a salicylic acid, or an oil-based exfoliator will be more effective at getting deep into the pores. Using a natural sponge, a loofah, or a cloth exfoliator can help you keep your skin gently exfoliated regularly.

For deep exfoliation, there are professional options for treatment! Your dermatologist can help you with a chemical peel to treat wrinkles and unclog pores or microdermabrasion for acne, and laser therapy is another way to help with those. These methods work by removing the top layer of skin and can diminish or remove scarring and other spots.

Moisturizer

After washing and exfoliating your skin, a moisturizer is the last step in a basic skincare routine. Washing your face removes some of your natural oils in addition to the physical buildup in your pores. Using the right moisturizer for your skin type will hydrate and keep the moisture in for radiant, healthy skin. Using a moisturizer with an SPF during the day will help protect your skin from sun damage while you’re out living your life.

When Should I Wash My Face?

Finding the time to dedicate to a skincare routine can be more difficult than finding the right products. Usually, washing your face once in the morning and in the evening before bed should be enough to wash off the buildup from overnight (remember, 8 hours is a third of a day; it’s plenty of time for your skin to produce oil and turn over cells!), as well as buildup from the day’s exposure. For those of us who wear makeup, washing it off every night is very important to keep pores clear and well-hydrated.

Creating a regular skincare habit is important, above all, for maintenance. Regular attention to your skin is preventative of larger problems, so making it simple will also make it easier to build and solidify a routine. Talking to your dermatologist will help you know your skin type or find the best products for any conditions you might experience. Set up a consultation today to find out how SE Dermatology Specialists can help!