Our Experts Share the Skin Care Rules They’ll Never Disobey

When it comes to skin care, there are tons of do’s and don’ts. DON’T use products that aren’t formulated for your skin type, DO reach for a moisturizer, and—perhaps most importantly of all—DON’T neglect to apply (and reapply) Broad Spectrum sunscreen daily. But those are just a few points out of a seemingly endless abyss of tips and tricks, which makes us wonder: which skin care rule(s) would an expert never (ever!) disobey? To find out, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists and Skincare.com consultants—Dr. Michael Kaminer and Dr. Dendy Engelman—for their responses. Read on to discover the skin care rules these pros always follow no matter what! 

RULE #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN 

Cleansing the skin is essential in every skin care routine. Doing so helps remove excess oil, debris, dirt, and impurities that can clog pores and dull the look of a complexion. That’s why Dr. Dendy Engelman will never skip cleansing in her routine. “I always wash my skin at the end of the day, even if I only have a few minutes,” she says. “The most important thing is to remove all the makeup, dirt, and pollution particles that accumulated on the skin.”

Even if you’re not wearing makeup, it’s important to cleanse your skin before shut-eye because your skin may still be harboring bacteria which can cause breakouts. No thank you! If you’re prone to laziness, store micellar water or cleansing wipes—like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes—on your nightstand for quick and easy cleansing without the need to head to a sink.

RULE #2: MOISTURIZE OFTEN

Cleansing is a necessary step in a skin care routine, but it can remove some of the skin’s natural oils in the process. The solution? Moisturizing immediately afterwards. All skin types should hydrate their skin daily after cleansing and/or showering—even oily skin types! This is crucial to ensuring that your skin does not dry out. Since hydrated skin can promote a younger-looking complexion, it’s wise to stock up on moisturizers and use them liberally. “A hydrated skin environment promotes all sorts of positive things like a vibrant appearance and firmness,” Dr. Kaminer says. Moral of the story? Always reach for a moisturizer formulated for your skin type for hydrated and more youthful-looking skin. Apply the formula onto your skin while it’s still slightly damp.

Editor’s note: Hydrated skin on the outside is important, but so is a hydrated body on the inside! Drink the recommended amount of water each and everyday. If plain H2O isn’t your favorite, try spicing things up with fresh fruits and herbs with one of our spa water-inspired recipes, here!

RULE #3: BROAD SPECTRUM SPF ALL DAY, EVERYDAY

Here are Skincare.com, we take sunscreen very seriously. Sun damage can speed up many visible signs of aging—think: dark spots and wrinkles—and, in some serious cases, can even lead to skin cancer. It is crucial to apply Broad Spectrum sunscreen each and every day (rain or shine!) and reapply throughout the day for optimal sun protection. Dr. Kaminer could not agree more. “Don't go outside without sunscreen on your face, ears and hands,” he says. (The ears and hands are often neglected in sunscreen application, so don’t make that mistake!) Of course, if you’re heading out for a full day in the sun, it’s best to apply Broad Spectrum sunscreen from head to toe on all exposed areas, and reapply at least once every two hours and as directed.

Need help finding a sunscreen for your skin type? Don’t fret! We’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite sunscreens, here!