Ditch your closets full of skin care lotions and potions. According to dermatologists, simplicity and consistency are the keys to fresh and youthful skin.
According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself with the number of products available on the skin care market. “There are many excellent products,” he says, “but I use just four in my normal skin care routine.”
KEEP YOUR ENTIRE BODY HEALTHY
Dr. Komal Pandya states that healthy skin starts from the inside out. “The most important advice I can give is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle — like avoiding pro-inflammatory foods and getting enough exercise — can have tremendous positive effects on your skin,” she says. In the mornings, Pandya uses a cleanser for sensitive skin, and applies antioxidant serum and sunscreen before putting on her makeup. At night, she uses prescription-strength retinoid to improve her skin’s texture and the appearance of fine lines and pores. Bottom line: Don’t skimp on eating healthy and exercising for maximum results.
- Obagi Nu-Derm Cleanser
- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
FIND A GENTLE CLEANSER
Dr. Angela J. Lamb of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai washes with a foaming facial cleanser in the morning and applies a light moisturizer before putting on her makeup. “I use EltaMD, but you can also use a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser,” she says. When nighttime rolls around, she removes her makeup with the gentle cleanser and then tops her skin with a retinoid treatment and moisturizer. When her skin needs exfoliation, she swears by the Clarisonic Plus. More than anything, it’s important to keep your skin clean and fresh, and regularly slough off dull and dead skin cells.
- EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
- EltaMD AM Therapy Moisturizer
- EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer
- Claristonic Plus
All of the dermatologists we spoke with highlighted the importance of sunscreen in your daily skin care routine.