Establishing and maintaining a good skincare routine is essential to having healthy skin. It is possible to feel overwhelmed when trying to zero in on the optimal routine for your complexion; however, there are some fundamental recommendations that can serve as a starting point for all different types of skin. To begin, choose a mild cleanser that is formulated for your specific skin type. For instance, skin that is prone to acne can benefit from using a foamy cleanser that has acne-fighting chemicals, and skin that is dry prefers a cream composition that is soothing.

Cleanse

The right skincare routine starts with cleansing. Throughout the day your skin collects bacteria, dust, debris, and old (dead) skin cells that can clog pores, make skin look dull, or even cause breakouts. Cleansing removes all of this and sets the stage for the rest of your products to work their best.

Start with a gentle cleanser that’s right for your skin type. For example, someone with acne-prone skin should use a foaming cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, while dry skin needs one that’s enriched with shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Adding a face mask a few times a week is also a good idea. “These deliver concentrated treatments under occlusion to help address specific issues like dryness, pore size, or pigmentation,” says New York City dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner.

Exfoliate

The best way to keep your skin healthy is to exfoliate it before applying any products. Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.

It also allows the other products you apply to penetrate deeper into your skin, explains Dakar. “Dead skin can create a barrier that prevents serums, moisturizers, and growth factors from effectively reaching the inner layers of your skin where they really work their magic,”.

Depending on your skin type, you may want to exfoliate more or less often than once a day. Farris says that for her clients with oily skin, she recommends exfoliating once or twice a week. However, people with sensitive skin should only exfoliate a few times per week. This way, the sensitive skin can have time to heal in between exfoliation sessions.

Tone

A toner is an important step in any skincare routine. It rebalances the skin after cleansing and prepares it for heavier formulas like serums or moisturizers. It also helps reduce the appearance of pores and evens out the skin tone.

Some toners are formulated with acids, including BHA and AHA (beta hydroxy acid and alpha hydroxy acid) which help unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and dissolve blackheads over time. They’re perfect for acne-prone and oily skin.

Other toners are simply hydrating, which is great for those with dry skin. These often contain ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera, as well as hyaluronic acid, which are humectants that help attract and hold moisture in the skin.

Moisturize

Your skin’s natural oils can be stripped by harsh cleansers and other heavy products, so it’s important to replenish your complexion with a moisturizing formula. Moisturizing prevents dryness, which can lead to itching and flaking, and helps with age-defying effects like plumping the complexion and evening out skin tone.

Dermatologists recommend moisturizing after cleansing, but before applying any products like toners or serums. This way the product goes on top of a layer of moisturizer and doesn’t evaporate, creating an extra layer of protection and ensuring your complexion gets the full benefits of your products.

Splash your face with water and apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer, taking care to cover the neck and decolletage area. Creams are best applied by patting them onto the face, and gels and water-based formulas should be rubbed in with circular motions until they’re fully absorbed.

Sunscreen

Slathering on sunscreen is perhaps the most important skin-care product you can use. It prevents sunburn and premature aging, and it significantly lowers your risk of developing skin cancer.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it every day before going outdoors. Experts recommend reapplying it every two hours, and more often if you perspire or swim.

Avoid products with harsh alcohols as they can dehydrate the skin. Tone with a gentle and hydrating toner that contains soothing ingredients like rose water or green tea extracts, as well as anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides. You can also look for a serum with vitamin C, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals that damage the complexion.

Year-round skincare is essential for healthy, vibrant skin. “Skincare Tips for Winter/Summer” offers seasonal tips. In “Skincare Tips for Winter/Summer,” readers can learn how to adjust their skincare routine for winter and summer. Seasonal skin care is easier with this post. The page covers winter hydration, summer sun protection, and lightweight things. Addressing weather-specific needs lets me nurture, protect, and revive my skin year-round.