Dermatologists Share Their Skin Care Secrets

In an industry full of products, ingredients, and myths, it can certainly be difficult to know what products, routines, and techniques truly work. But if there’s a core group of individuals that do know the most effective (and efficient) ways to care for our body’s largest organ, it’s dermatologists. We tapped two of our consulting dermatologists to dish on the rituals that reign supreme in their routine. Here are their secrets.

Skin Care Secret #1: Stick to the Right Morning and Evening Routine

It’s no surprise that a proper skin care regimen ranks as a top priority for experts in the business. What did surprise us, however, is how short and simple board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Kaminer’s skin care routine is. “Use a vitamin c serum in the morning followed by a glycolic acid moisturizer,” he says. “Then at night, use some form of a retinoid along with a hyaluronic acid moisturizer. Those four things and you are good to go.” Let’s break down each one:

Vitamin C: Vitamin C can be found in some of your favorite citrus fruits and leafy greens, as well as a plethora of skin care products, including serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. The potent antioxidant can help neutralize skin-damaging free radicals before they have a chance to damage your cells and cause visibly signs of aging.

For products enhanced with the potent ingredient, read our roundup of some of the best products with vitamin c, here.

Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is one of the most common fruit acids, formulated in a wide range of skin care products including creams and cleansers. What makes the ingredient so popular is that it can help exfoliate the skin’s surface, reducing rough texture, and potentially improving the appearance of fine lines.

Retinol: Retinol is a potent vitamin A derivative that’s praised for its multitude of skin benefits. The ingredient—which can be found in serums, moisturizers, and more—can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out the skin’s tone, and unclog pores. It is powerful, though, so if you’re a retinol rookie be sure to build your skin’s tolerance by starting with a lower concentration and working your way up.

If you’re interested in incorporating glycolic acid, vitamin C, and retinol into your skin care routine, read about the L’Oréal Paris’ Revitalift Bright Reveal collection. The standout products that make up the range are formulated with vitamin C, pro-retinol, and glycolic acid.

Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid has a slew of benefits, ranging from its ability to hydrate the skin to plumping the appearance of it. As a matter of fact, what makes this ingredient so highly sought-after is because it’s a naturally occurring substance in our own bodies. It can be found in young skin, joint fluids, and other tissues, but as we get older the natural production of it may decline.

Interested in testing a hyaluronic acid-enhanced product? Read about this product that can help plump the appearance of your skin.

 

Skin Care Secret #2: Double-Cleanse Your Skin

“It’s not really a secret because I tell all my patients, but I always double cleanse,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. “I first start with an oil-based cleanser to gently lift impurities, dirt and makeup. Then I follow with a gentle cleanser to wash it all away. Having a clean face at the end of the day will limit bacteria growth and infections on the skin.” Double cleansing is an incredibly thorough way to ensure that all traces of your makeup and impurities are whisked off your skin’s surface. Although using an oil-based cleanser first followed by a water-based cleanser is the traditional approach to double cleansing, there are other ways you can embrace the ritual. From micellar waters to makeup remover wipes, learn about additional double-cleansing duos you can try out for yourself here.

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