Your skin is a complex ecosystem, and it needs a variety of products to keep it in top condition. The right skincare products help you hydrate, protect and exfoliate your skin to make it look its best.
1. Cleansers: This is one of the most important steps in a skin care routine. It cleanses away excess oil, dirt and other impurities that can clog pores and cause acne. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping it healthy and hydrated.
2. Toners: Use toners twice a day to remove any excess residue from your cleanser and restore the pH balance of your skin. This can prevent breakouts and irritated skin by balancing out your skin’s natural acidity levels.
3. Serums: If you have dry or mature skin, add a serum to your regimen to help nourish and hydrate it. This will also help fight free radical damage and increase collagen production to firm and reduce wrinkles.
4. Moisturizers: For most skin types, a daily moisturizer is key to a healthy complexion. Try a gel-based moisturizer for oily or combination skin or a cream-based formula for dry skin.
5. Sunscreen: The most effective sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
6. Face oils: Adding a face oil to your routine can boost the effectiveness of the other ingredients in your skincare routine. “Face oils are occlusive, which means they seal in moisture and the other ingredients you’ve applied to your skin to prevent them from evaporating as quickly,” says Dr. Idriss, “which helps them work better and leaves your skin soft and smooth.”
7. Eye creams: These are especially helpful for aging skin and dark circles because they’re formulated with antioxidants that brighten the appearance of under-eye bags, circles and lines.
8. Sheet masks: These are often paired with toners, serums or moisturizers. They help shrink pores and reduce redness, blotchiness, and puffiness by delivering active ingredients deep into the skin.
9. Vitamin C: This is a powerful ingredient that can help improve the appearance of damaged skin and fade dark spots, uneven tones, and wrinkles over time. It can also help combat environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.
10. Vitamin B3: This is an anti-inflammatory that can help prevent rosacea and soothe irritation. It can also help strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent it from breaking out or forming new zits.
11. Niacinamide: This is a derivative of vitamin B3 and can increase the moisturizing, anti-aging, and protective effects of other ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Choosing the best skin care products for your needs requires a bit of research. First, determine your skin type and concerns. Then, use the information you’ve gathered to develop a skincare regimen that can deliver results for you.