Skin Care Routines - All Articles

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.

Commonly Asked Questions

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.

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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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