As it is, it seems like every day brings a new medical gadget or therapy to market, making it difficult to know where to put your time and money. The range of approaches to skin care is likewise rather broad. One individual may religiously use a 10-step skin care program, while another may wipe their face before retiring.

You can always improve your knowledge and skills, regardless of where you now stand on the spectrum. In this era of beauty influencers, product overload, and general skincare confusion, I asked two physicians for advice on genuinely caring for your skin.

Morning Skincare Perfection

Nothing wakes me up more than splashing my face with cold water. Nevertheless, I'll be the first to say that I'm not always sure which cleanser is best in the morning, especially when I don't wear makeup or go to the gym.

A dermatologist will tell you to use a mild cleanser and cool water instead of hot. Campbell recommends using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Skinceuticals. Please be aware that the Cetaphil cleanser contains parabens; the other two options are suitable for those who wish to avoid using products containing parabens.

You may use facial moisturizer right after cleansing, or you can use an antioxidant serum beforehand. "Daytime is the best time to take antioxidants because that's when you'll be subjected to the most sun and pollution. Damage to collagen and elastin and Genetic mutations caused by these factors contribute to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and discoloration "As Campbell argues.

Ideal Nighttime Skincare

You may make your morning routine very much identical to your nighttime one by making a few adjustments. Makeup and dirt should be washed off, and the skin should be cleansed nightly as a first step. One of the most common blunders in skincare is not washing the face before going to bed, as stated by Sessa. "Plus, you can't just use makeup wipes to cleanse your face every day. Due to the high concentration of chemicals, they should only be used in an emergency." After washing your face, use a moisturizer, exfoliant, or retinol as needed.

How Often Should You Exfoliate And When

Sessa and Campbell recommend a chemical exfoliant rather than abrasive scrubbing for exfoliation. Although chemical exfoliants may seem harsh, they are gentler on the skin than a scrub. We start to see a slowdown in skin cell turnover in our 40s. Thus, Campbell states that AHA/BHA products should be used to speed up the aging process.

Nonetheless, it is simple to abuse chemical exfoliants, so moderation is key. When used in excess, AHAs, and BHAs can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it less able to absorb other, more potent anti-aging chemicals like retinoids.

Use of Retinol and Retinoids

Both Campbell and Sessa suggest nighttime retinol use. Retinol, often known as vitamin A, is frequently used and recommended by dermatologists and skincare specialists despite not being necessary.

Nevertheless, it is quite irritating (it can cause redness and peeling), so it's better to see a physician about the optimum form of retinol for your skin type and condition. Although many patients report intolerating difficulties with retinoids, Campbell recommends starting with a once-or-twice-weekly regimen and gradually increasing the frequency of application.

You may further protect yourself from dryness by layering on a moisturizer. As retinol makes your skin more photosensitive, you should take extra precautions to protect it from sun damage.

If you're sensitive, you should avoid using retinol near or simultaneously with other treatments like chemical exfoliation. However, if you have any doubts about using these specialized products, you should talk to a dermatologist first.

When Should You Visit A Dermatologist?

It is time to make an appointment with a dermatologist if you have been looking in vain for gentle, everyday products that are compatible with the type of skin you have. If your current therapy for a skin condition (such as acne or hyperpigmentation) isn't working, a dermatologist can help you figure out why it's not working and prescribe a stronger prescription that might be more effective.

If you have unexpected skin responses to products and are interested in determining the cause of these reactions, you should consult a dermatologist. You are able to receive direction on how to avoid the irritation in the future as well as information into what could be causing it.