Following a skin-care routine helps maintain the health and appearance of the skin on your face and body. Products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens can help improve or prevent issues such as dryness, acne, and wrinkles. Treatment approaches vary based on your specific skin type and any sensitivities you may have.
Beyond Coconut: 7 Other Natural Oils for Smooth and Radiant SkinMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | August 20, 2024
Common Questions & Answers
What are the essential steps for good skin care?
Daily cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection are three essential ways to keep your facial skin looking good right now and for years to come.
How can I determine my skin type?
Your skin is oily if it usually feels shiny or greasy, and it’s dry if it is usually tight or flaky. You have combination skin if you have a mix of both. Your skin is considered normal if none of these descriptions apply.
Does what I eat impact skin health?
Yes, diet and nutrition play an important role in keeping skin healthy. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods, and eating antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes can enhance the appearance of your skin.
What ingredients get rid of acne?
There are several active ingredients in nonprescription acne products. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne; salicylic acid, adapalene, and azelaic acid unclog pores, and alpha hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells.
How does sunscreen prevent skin aging?
Applying sunscreen regularly helps prevent sun damage by shielding the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure can lead to premature wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and dark spots.
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.
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 Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.
She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
Easy Steps for a Simple Skin Care Routine . Cleveland Clinic. March 5, 2025.
