Dermatologists Reveal The Best Skincare Tips And Tricks To Achieve Flawless Skin
What’s the secret to having good skin? According to top dermatologists, it comes down to these three things: consistency, patience, and finding the right products for your skin type and needs. To help you out with that last part, we asked a team of experts from various backgrounds—who range from doctors to beauty editors—to share their favorite skincare tips and tricks, based on their expertise and experience in the field. Here are 20 of their most valuable pieces of advice for getting great skin.
Best Skincare Tips from Dermatologists
Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer
If you've got good skin and want to keep it that way, applying moisturizer is a must. But finding a moisturizer that delivers anti-aging benefits without clogging pores or creating more wrinkles can be tricky. Experts recommend a lightweight cream (not too heavy), loaded with antioxidants (which protect your skin from free radicals), packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin (which helps keep your skin plump), and designed for your specific skin type (e.g., oily, sensitive). Whether you choose fragrance-free or scented, use it regularly—ideally every day—and sunscreen, too. Sun damage is one of the biggest anti-agers of all.
If you're in your 20s, it's best to focus on prevention and use a moisturizer with SPF. As you age, keep using it but also consider anti-aging ingredients such as retinol (to help build collagen) and alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can exfoliate dead skin cells), which will help slow down aging.
If wrinkles are an issue for you—even at a young age—consider asking your dermatologist about prescription retinoids, which can speed up skin cell turnover time. They're great for treating lines caused by squinting or smiling.
Best Under Eye Cream
For best results, look for eye creams that contain caffeine or hyaluronic acid. Look for serums and creams made with quality ingredients. Though skincare is an individualized experience, there are some proven treatments that can help all skin types achieve their best appearance and texture.
Here's what dermatologists have to say about their best skincare tips and tricks: Under Eye Creams - People spend a lot of time and money on top-notch moisturizers but seem to overlook eye cream as something they'd also need to regularly apply. Eye cream should be a part of your regular skincare routine, says one leading dermatologist who recommends looking for products containing vitamin C, caffeine, or hyaluronic acid.
Best Age-Defying Serum
In addition to following good skincare habits, dermatologists recommend a daily skincare regimen of SPF protection and age-defying serum. Sunscreen is key for protecting against sun damage and many skin cancers, which can appear on your face even if you normally wear a hat or sunglasses. Age-defying serums are designed to help prevent wrinkles, help improve existing wrinkles and stimulate collagen production to give your skin a youthful appearance. Talk with your dermatologist about finding a serum that works best for you.
Your dermatologist may recommend a few different products depending on your specific skincare goals. For example, if you have wrinkles and want to help improve their appearance, talk with your dermatologist about anti-aging serums containing retinol or vitamin C.
If you are concerned about dark spots or blemishes and want to help lighten them, ask your dermatologist about serums that contain glycolic acid. People with dry skin will benefit from rich moisturizers designed to repair and nourish dry skin types. These serums can be applied daily under sunscreen for added protection against UV rays. Look for ingredients like green tea, hyaluronic acid, or antioxidants in your moisturizer for added benefits.
Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Sunscreen is one of those skincare products that you should use every day, no matter what. Not only does it protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but the daily application can help prevent early signs of aging and wrinkles too.
Just make sure to pick a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection; both UVA and UVB rays cause damage to your skin (UVB being more responsible for sunburns). By looking for broad-spectrum on the label, you'll know that you're fully protected against damaging UVA rays. The best sunscreen for sensitive skin will also be non-comedogenic; that means it won't clog pores, which can lead to breakouts (and not fun ones).
Dermatologists recommend applying an SPF of 30 or higher every day. You should use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection that is water-resistant, too; reapply at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Look for ingredients like Mexoryl SX, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide to ensure you're fully protected against UVA rays.
Best Eye Cream For Dark Circles
Dark circles under your eyes can make you look tired and worn out. There are many different causes of dark circles, but most people experience them when they don’t get enough sleep. If you’re looking for a quick fix, remember that diet also plays a role in how good your skin looks. Most dermatologists recommend eating plenty of watery fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini and spinach to help flush out toxins and keep skin looking fresh. While that might not be an option during long days at work or busy nights after dinner, consider adding frozen grapes to your water; their high water content makes them particularly hydrating and helps banish puffiness too.
Best Tinted Moisturizer
A tinted moisturizer is one of your best bets for good skin on a daily basis. A good tinted moisturizer can even out your skin tone while giving you protection from UV rays and hydration to keep your skin in optimal shape. There are also options that give a little extra coverage without feeling heavy.
This choice was made for you based on some of our favorites: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, Make Up For Ever Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, and Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Cream With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15. All three provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays with no fragrance or harsh chemicals, making them well-suited for everyday use.
How to Find the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
To find a cleanser that works for your skin type, dermatologists suggest asking yourself these three questions:
- Is it oil or water-based?
- Does it contain soap or not?
- Is it for daily use or for spot cleaning only?
The answers to these questions will help you determine what type of cleanser is best for your skin. Oil-based products are good at removing oil-based substances (like makeup), while water-based products are good at removing mineral deposits and impurities. Most face washes do contain soap, which makes them great daily cleaners—but if you have sensitive skin, they might irritate your complexion.
If you’re looking for something gentler, look for cleansers that don’t contain soap. For example, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser contains just four ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, and Cetearyl Alcohol. If you want to cleanse your face in just a few swipes without drying out your skin or irritating it with harsh chemicals, try Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Wash Daily Clearing Face Wash. It contains salicylic acid to fight acne bacteria and glycolic acid to exfoliate dead cells on top of being pH balanced so it won't dry out your skin.
The Best Ingredients to Look For in a Moisturizer
Moisturizer is a good way to hydrate your skin, but it can also be filled with ingredients that irritate and clog pores. Dermatologists say you should check out products that contain natural moisturizers like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.
These good oils will help keep your skin hydrated without causing problems. If you're not sure what other chemicals to look for when shopping for a new moisturizer, don't fret! Read on for tips from skincare experts on how to find a product that's best for your skin type.
Sunscreen is another essential skincare product. Dermatologists recommend using it every day to prevent damage from sunlight and other harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying one ounce (or about a shot glass full) of sunscreen to your entire body.
Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outside to give it time to soak into your skin, and you should reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating for extended periods of time, according to dermatologist Whitney Bowe. As an added bonus, sunscreen can also help slow down visible signs of aging caused by UV exposure.
What Is Glycolic Acid? Everything You Need to Know About This Exfoliating Ingredient
Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane, is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products today. It's often used as an exfoliator and has been shown to improve skin tone and texture while reducing blemishes. However, many people don't know what it is or how to use it properly. Here's everything you need to know about glycolic acid and how to use it safely at home.
Read on to find out why glycolic acid is a hot ingredient and how you can get flawless skin with these best skin care tips for every skin type. This information is not intended as medical advice or instruction, nor should it replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Morning Routine Mistakes Everyone Makes
Some people skip toner, others apply it too late in their regimen. Whatever your morning skincare mistake is, correcting it can help you see an improvement in your complexion and hydration levels in just a few days.
Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Krant (board-certified with both the American Board of Dermatology and American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology) says to look out for three key morning skincare mistakes that most people make: using makeup wipes on oily skin, not washing the face properly before applying moisturizer, and skipping sunscreen altogether. Here are her best tips for getting your face ready for makeup (or going au naturel).
Don’t use makeup wipes on oily skin: While it may seem convenient to simply swipe on a makeup wipe if you’re in a rush, they should actually be avoided by people with oily skin. Wipes contain oils, so they can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Even using them once per week can cause your pores to become enlarged over time and potentially trigger whiteheads and blackheads.
If you do want an alternative way to remove oil-based makeup without drying out your skin, try a cleansing oil or balm. Follow up with a cleanser: If you have normal-to-dry skin, washing your face before applying moisturizer isn’t going to be harmful to your complexion, Krant says.
If you have oily skin, you’ll want to apply moisturizer after washing your face. People with oily skin should also consider skipping traditional moisturizers and instead opting for a gel or serum-based formula in order to avoid adding more oil to their face, she says. Sunscreen is essential: According to dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman (board-certified with both the American Board of Dermatology and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology), people often don’t wear sunscreen because they think it will make them look greasy or break out.
But if you are planning on spending time outside, it’s important to protect your skin from UV rays that can lead to hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of premature aging. Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products, Jaliman says. It's not optional. Pick an SPF that suits your needs: When shopping for sunscreen, keep in mind there are two types—physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which sit on top of the skin to deflect harmful UVA/UVB rays away from the body. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV light before it reaches deeper layers of skin where it could cause damage. For those with sensitive skin, physical sunscreens tend to be gentler than chemical ones since they aren't absorbed into the skin as deeply.
Conclusion
There are many different types of skincare tips and tricks that dermatologists recommend to help you achieve flawless skin. We’ve put together a list of what we think are some of the best ones for you.
These tips will help you improve your skin by making small adjustments to your daily routine so that you have great-looking skin from head to toe! Following these tips should lead to an improvement in your overall appearance and feeling more confident about yourself in no time. Everyone has their own unique needs when it comes to their skincare routine, but following our advice should help you get closer to having perfect-looking skin! So what are you waiting for?