The Best Skincare Tips and Tricks from Dermatologists and Experts

Skincare is not only a matter of beauty, but also a matter of health. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it protects you from external factors such as bacteria, viruses, pollution, UV rays, and temperature changes. Therefore, taking good care of your skin is essential for maintaining its function and appearance.

However, many people struggle with various skin problems, such as acne, dryness, sensitivity, wrinkles, dark spots, or dullness. These problems can affect your self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent or treat these problems with proper skincare.

But how do you know what skincare products are right for you? With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose the best ones for your skin type, needs, and preferences. That’s why we have gathered some of the best skincare tips and tricks from dermatologists and experts who know how to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

The Best Skincare Tips from Dermatologists and Experts

Tip 1: Use the correct cleanser for your skin type

One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is cleansing. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from your skin, which can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Cleansing also prepares your skin for the next steps of your routine, such as toning, moisturizing, or applying treatments.

However, not all cleansers are created equal. Different cleansers have different ingredients, textures, pH levels, and effects on your skin. Using the wrong cleanser for your skin type can either dry out, irritate, or strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture, or leave behind a residue that can cause more problems.

Therefore, you need to choose a cleanser that suits your skin type and condition. Here are some general guidelines:

• For oily or acne-prone skin, use a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser that can unclog your pores, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria. For example, you can try the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser.
• For dry or mature skin, use a moisturizing glycolic acid or milky cleanser that can hydrate, exfoliate, and brighten your skin. For example, you can try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
• For normal or combination skin, use a gentle or balanced cleanser that can cleanse without stripping or over-moisturizing your skin. For example, you can try the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
• For sensitive or reactive skin, use a soothing or hypoallergenic cleanser that can calm, nourish, and protect your skin. For example, you can try the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser.

To use a cleanser properly, follow these steps:

• Wet your face with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of cleanser to your hands and lather it up.
• Gently massage the cleanser onto your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
• Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.
• Cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and at night.

Tip 2: Don’t use too many products

While it may be tempting to try every new product that promises to improve your skin, using too many products at once can actually do more harm than good. Layering on multiple skincare products can cause irritation, sensitivity, clogged pores, breakouts, or allergic reactions. It can also make it harder for your skin to absorb the active ingredients and benefits of each product.

Therefore, you should simplify your skincare routine and stick to the essentials. Depending on your skin type and needs, you may only need three to five products in your routine: a cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, a sunscreen, and an optional treatment. Anything more than that may be unnecessary or redundant.

However, if you do want to use more than one product in each step of your routine, you need to layer them correctly. The general rule is to apply your products from thinnest to thickest consistency. This way, the lighter products can penetrate deeper into your skin and the heavier products can seal them in.

For example, you can layer your products in this order:

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Essence
• Serum
• Eye cream
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

You should also wait for each product to dry or absorb before applying the next one. This can take anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute depending on the product.

Tip 3: Moisturize both day and night

Moisturizing is another crucial step in any skincare routine. Moisturizing helps your skin retain its natural moisture and prevent water loss. Moisturizing also helps your skin stay soft, smooth, plump, and elastic. Moisturizing can also protect your skin from environmental damage and reduce the signs of aging.

You should moisturize both day and night to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. However, you may need different moisturizers for different times of the day. In the morning, you should use a lightweight moisturizer that can hydrate without making your skin greasy or interfering with your makeup. You should also look for a moisturizer that contains SPF or sun protection factor to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

In the night, you should use a richer moisturizer that can nourish and repair your skin while you sleep. You should also look for a moisturizer that contains anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, peptides, antioxidants, or hyaluronic acid to boost collagen production and smooth out wrinkles.

To choose a moisturizer for your skin type and season, follow these tips:

• For oily or acne-prone skin, use a gel or oil-free moisturizer that can hydrate without clogging your pores or causing breakouts. For example, you can try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.
• For dry or mature skin, use a cream or oil-based moisturizer that can replenish and lock in moisture. For example, you can try the Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream.
• For normal or combination skin, use a lotion or emulsion moisturizer that can balance and hydrate your skin. For example, you can try the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpt
• For sensitive or reactive skin, use a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic moisturizer that can soothe and protect your skin. For example, you can try the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.

To apply a moisturizer correctly, follow these steps:

• Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer to your fingertips and warm it up by rubbing them together.
• Gently dab the moisturizer onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
• Smooth the moisturizer over your face and neck in upward and outward motions.
• Avoid tugging or pulling your skin as you apply the moisturizer.
• Apply the moisturizer after cleansing and toning, and before sunscreen or makeup.

Tip 4: Don’t touch your face

You may not realize it, but touching your face is one of the worst habits you can have for your skin. Touching your face can transfer dirt, oil, bacteria, and viruses from your hands to your skin, which can cause infections, inflammation, and breakouts. Touching your face can also irritate your skin and cause redness, itching, or swelling. Touching your face can also lead to scarring, wrinkles, and sagging by damaging your skin’s collagen and elastin.

Therefore, you should avoid touching your face as much as possible. Here are some tips to help you break this habit:

• Keep your hands busy with other activities, such as typing, writing, knitting, or playing with a stress ball.
• Keep your hands clean and sanitized by washing them frequently with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer.
• Keep your nails short and clean to prevent bacteria from accumulating under them.
• Keep your hair away from your face by tying it back or using a headband or clips.
• Use a tissue or a cotton pad to blot or wipe your face if you need to.
• Use a hands-free device or speakerphone to make or answer calls instead of holding your phone to your ear.

Tip 5: Hydrate inside and out

Hydration is not only important for your body, but also for your skin. Your skin is made up of about 64% water, and it needs water to function properly. Water helps your skin flush out toxins, deliver nutrients, regulate temperature, and maintain elasticity. Water also helps your skin look plump, smooth, and radiant.

To hydrate your skin inside and out, you need to drink enough water and use hydrating skincare products and treatments. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. You may need more if you exercise, sweat, or live in a hot or dry climate.
• Drink water-rich foods and beverages, such as fruits, vegetables, soups, teas, or juices. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks that can dehydrate you.
• Use a hydrating toner, essence, serum, or mask that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, or cucumber. These ingredients can attract and retain moisture in your skin.
• Use a humidifier or a mist spray to add moisture to the air around you. This can prevent your skin from drying out due to heating or air conditioning.
• Get a hydrating facial or a sheet mask once in a while to give your skin an extra boost of hydration.

Tip 6: Avoid direct heat exposure

Heat is another enemy of your skin. Heat can damage your skin cells and cause premature aging by breaking down collagen and elastin. Heat can also cause dehydration, inflammation, redness, pigmentation, or sunburn. Heat can also aggravate existing skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

Therefore, you should avoid direct heat exposure as much as possible. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Wear sunscreen every day with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim.
• Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, or pants when you go outside. Choose fabrics that are light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable.
• Seek shade or avoid going outside during the peak hours of sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Avoid using hot water or steam on your face as they can strip away natural oils and moisture from your skin. Use lukewarm water instead.
• Avoid using heating tools such as hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners on your hair as they can damage both your hair and scalp. Let your hair air-dry or use low heat settings instead.
• Avoid sitting too close to fireplaces, heaters, stoves, or ovens as they can emit dry heat that can dehydrate and irritate your skin.

If you do get exposed to heat and suffer from sunburned or overheated skin, here are some remedies to help you soothe and heal your skin:

• Apply a cold compress or a wet towel to the affected area to reduce the heat and pain.
• Apply aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that contains aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula to the affected area to hydrate and calm your skin.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce the swelling and inflammation.
• Drink plenty of water to replenish the fluids lost from your skin.
• See a doctor if you have severe sunburn, blisters, fever, chills, nausea, or headache.

Tip 7: Exfoliate a couple times per week

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Exfoliating can improve your skin texture, tone, and clarity by revealing the fresh and healthy skin underneath. Exfoliating can also unclog your pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and enhance the absorption of other skincare products.

You should exfoliate your skin a couple times per week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity. However, you should not over-exfoliate your skin as it can cause irritation, dryness, or damage. You should also avoid exfoliating if you have active acne, wounds, or infections on your skin.

There are two main types of exfoliators: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators use abrasive particles or tools to scrub away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. Both types have their pros and cons, and you should choose the one that suits your skin type and preference.

To choose an exfoliator for your skin type and sensitivity, follow these tips:

• For oily or acne-prone skin, use a salicylic acid or glycolic acid exfoliator that can penetrate deep into your pores and dissolve oil and dirt. For example, you can try the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
• For dry or mature skin, use a lactic acid or hyaluronic acid exfoliator that can hydrate and brighten your skin. For example, you can try the The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA.
• For normal or combination skin, use a gentle or balanced exfoliator that can refine and smooth your skin. For example, you can try the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.
• For sensitive or reactive skin, use a gentle or soothing exfoliator that can exfoliate without irritating your skin. For example, you can try the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.

To exfoliate gently and effectively without irritating your skin, follow these steps:

• Wet your face with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of exfoliator to your fingertips or a cotton pad and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions for about one minute. Avoid the eye area and any areas with cuts or abrasions.
• Rinse off the exfoliator with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.
• Apply a moisturizer to replenish the moisture lost from your skin.
• Exfoliate once or twice a week, preferably at night.

Tip 8: Vitamins should go on your skin, too

Vitamins are not only good for your health, but also for your skin. Vitamins can nourish, repair, and protect your skin from within and without. Vitamins can also address various skin concerns such as aging, dullness, pigmentation, inflammation, or acne.

You should include vitamins in your skincare routine by choosing products that contain vitamin-rich ingredients. You should also apply these products correctly to maximize their benefits. Here are some of the most common vitamins for skincare and how to use them:

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is also known as retinol or retinoids. It is one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients that can stimulate collagen production, smooth out wrinkles, fade dark spots, and unclog pores. However, it can also cause irritation, peeling, or sensitivity if used incorrectly. To use vitamin A safely and effectively, follow these tips:
• Start with a low concentration of vitamin A and gradually increase it as your skin adapts.
• Apply vitamin A at night only as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Apply vitamin A after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing.
• Apply a pea-sized amount of vitamin A to your fingertips and dot it onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then spread it evenly over your face and neck in upward and outward motions.
• Avoid the eye area and any areas with cuts or abrasions.
• Wait for at least 20 minutes before applying any other products on top of vitamin A.
• Use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from sun damage.
• Use vitamin A once or twice a week at first, then increase
• Use vitamin A every other night or every night as your skin tolerates it.
• Some examples of vitamin A products are the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream or the The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.
• Vitamin B: Vitamin B is also known as niacinamide or panthenol. It is a versatile ingredient that can hydrate, brighten, soothe, and protect your skin. It can also reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It is generally gentle and compatible with most skin types and products. To use vitamin B effectively, follow these tips:
• Choose a concentration of vitamin B between 2% to 10% depending on your skin needs and sensitivity.
• Apply vitamin B in the morning or at night after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing.
• Apply a few drops of vitamin B serum or a pea-sized amount of vitamin B cream to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck in upward and outward motions.
• You can also mix vitamin B with other products such as moisturizer, sunscreen, or foundation to boost their benefits.
• Some examples of vitamin B products are the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or the The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten, firm, and protect your skin from free radical damage. It can also boost collagen production, fade dark spots, and reduce inflammation. However, it can also be unstable, oxidize, or irritate your skin if used incorrectly. To use vitamin C safely and effectively, follow these tips:
• Choose a concentration of vitamin C between 5% to 20% depending on your skin needs and tolerance.
• Choose a product that contains vitamin C in a stable form such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
• Store your vitamin C product in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent it from degrading or changing color.
• Apply vitamin C in the morning after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing and sunscreen.
• Apply a few drops of vitamin C serum or a pea-sized amount of vitamin C cream to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck in upward and outward motions.
• Avoid the eye area and any areas with cuts or abrasions.
• Wait for at least 15 minutes before applying any other products on top of vitamin C.
• Use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from sun damage.
• Some examples of vitamin C products are the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.

Conclusion

Skincare is not only a matter of beauty, but also a matter of health. By following these tips from dermatologists and experts, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin that reflects your inner well-being. Remember to:

• Use the correct cleanser for your skin type
• Don’t use too many products
• Moisturize both day and night
• Don’t touch your face
• Hydrate inside and out
• Avoid direct heat exposure
• Exfoliate a couple times per week
• Vitamins should go on your skin, too

These tips are simple, effective, and easy to follow. You don’t need to spend a fortune or a lot of time on your skincare routine. You just need to be consistent, gentle, and mindful of your skin’s needs. Try these tips today and see the difference for yourself. You may be surprised by how much your skin can improve with just a few changes.

We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you.

FAQs

Q: How often should I change my skincare products?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on various factors such as your skin type, condition, goals, preferences, budget, and season. However, some general guidelines are:

• You should change your skincare products if they are expired, contaminated, oxidized, or damaged.
• You should change your skincare products if they are causing irritation, allergy, breakouts, or other adverse reactions on your skin.
• You should change your skincare products if they are no longer effective or suitable for your skin’s needs or concerns.
• You should change your skincare products if you want to try something new or different.

Q: How can I tell my skin type?
A: Your skin type is determined by how much oil or sebum your skin produces. There are four main skin types: oily, dry, normal, and combination. You can tell your skin type by doing a simple test:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
• Wait for an hour and then examine your face in a mirror.
• If your face is shiny all over, you have oily skin.
• If your face is tight, flaky, or dull, you have dry skin.
• If your face is neither shiny nor tight, you have normal skin.
• If your face is shiny in some areas (such as the T-zone) and tight in others (such as the cheeks), you have combination skin.

Q: What are some natural or DIY skincare remedies?
A: There are many natural or DIY skincare remedies that you can make at home with simple ingredients. However, you should be careful and do a patch test before applying them to your face, as some of them may cause irritation or allergy. Here are some examples of natural or DIY skincare remedies:

• Honey: Honey is a natural humectant that can hydrate and soothe your skin. You can apply raw honey to your face as a mask for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that can remove dead skin cells and calm inflammation. You can grind oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it with water or milk to make a paste. You can apply the paste to your face as a scrub for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Yogurt: Yogurt is a natural source of lactic acid that can brighten and smooth your skin. You can apply plain yogurt to your face as a mask for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a natural healer that can hydrate, heal, and protect your skin. You can apply fresh aloe vera gel to your face as a moisturizer or a mask for as long as you want and then rinse it off with warm water.

Q: How can I prevent or treat acne?
A: Acne is a common skin problem that affects many people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. Acne is caused by various factors such as hormones, genetics, stress, diet, hygiene, or medication. To prevent or treat acne, you should:

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• Use oil-free and non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
• Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliator that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
• Moisturize your skin with a lightweight moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
• Use sunscreen every day with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid touching, picking, or popping your pimples as they can cause infection, inflammation, or scarring.
• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, dairy, or refined carbs.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and hydrate your skin.
• Manage your stress levels by doing activities that relax you such as meditation, yoga, exercise, or hobbies.
• See a dermatologist if your acne is severe, persistent, or affecting your self-esteem. They may prescribe you topical or oral medications that can help clear up your acne.

Q: How can I reduce the signs of aging on my skin?
A: Aging is a natural process that affects everyone differently. Aging can cause various changes on your skin such as wrinkles, sagging, dryness, dullness, or pigmentation. To reduce the signs of aging on your skin, you should:

• Use sunscreen every day with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Sun damage is one of the main causes of premature aging on your skin.
• Use moisturizer every day with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or collagen that can hydrate and plump up your skin.
• Use anti-aging products that contain ingredients such as retinol, peptides, antioxidants, or vitamin C that can stimulate collagen production, smooth out wrinkles, fade dark spots, and protect your skin from free radical damage.
• Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliator that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that can remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture and tone.
• Get enough sleep every night as sleep is when your skin repairs itself and produces new cells. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night.
• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats that can provide your skin
• with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that can nourish, repair, and protect your skin.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and hydrate your skin.
• Avoid smoking, drinking, or using drugs as they can damage your skin cells and accelerate aging.
• See a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon if you want to try more advanced or invasive treatments such as botox, fillers, lasers, or facelifts. They can advise you on the best options for your skin type, condition, and goals.