Despite home-remedy attempts (hello, ice cube on your chin) and a half-decade of face masks, nothing seems to quell your acne. If you’ve experienced pimples since your freshman year of high school, perhaps what could stop your acne once and for all is having a stable skincare routine. While I am by no means a certified dermatologist, here are some of the skincare tips and products you should consider adding to the mix.
If you don’t know where to begin with your skincare routine, finding a dependable cleanser is always a good place to start. Cleansing (AKA washing your face) should ideally be done morning and night to combat acne and clogged pores. In a New York Times article, New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles commented that “our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Cleansing your skin is therefore the most rudimentary skincare component.
Of course, skincare YouTuber Hyram Yarbro helped make CeraVe cleansers a Gen-Z favorite. However, if you’re looking to try out a new product, check out the EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser. Bromelain, one of the product’s key ingredients, is a type of enzyme found in pineapples that works to reduce inflammation and gives the cleanser its foaming consistency. If you have sensitive skin, this product should be added to your routine. Find it here for $30.50 USD.
Over the past few years, the benefits of toner have been explained to me in detail, with friends swearing that their trusted toner upended their skincare journey. For the most part, I trusted that the item was something I needed to include in my routine. However, not all dermatologists see toner as a necessary component of skincare.
In an interview with Forbes, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain stated that cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and applying sunscreen are the key elements of a skincare regimen, and toner can be looked at as an optional step. Toners are designed to bring nutrients and remove post-cleansing residue from your skin. But according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikoleta Brankov, moisturizer or hydrating serum can also contain the same active ingredients that toners use.
But if you do want to prep your pores even further for the remaining steps in your routine, there are some active ingredients you should search for in toners. According to Dr. Brankov, if you have sensitive skin, look for toners with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and make sure the toner is fragrance and alcohol free. For oily or acne-prone skin, dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Zeitany recommended to Forbes toners that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid). She also suggested toners that are labeled ‘oil free’ or ‘non-comedogenic.’
Serums are like the magic potions of your skincare routine. With the ability to address a range of skincare needs from acne scarring to wrinkles, serums have high concentrations of active ingredients. In an interview with The New York Times, New York City aesthetician Jordana Mattioli suggested that you can use more than one formula to address each skincare concern. You can treat “different areas with different products.” For example, you could use a “vitamin C serum all over but then dab on [another] for hyperpigmentation on just a few spots.”
Dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian told the The New York Times that if you’re looking to prevent moisture loss, you should search for serums with hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide, on the other hand, can decrease inflammation and reduce acne through its “antimicrobial effects.”
While intuitively, moisturizer may seem like a skincare step only meant for those with dry skin, really all skin types require some moisturizing. According to New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles, “moisturizers assist in preventing water loss through the outer layers of skin.”
If you have acne-prone skin, you might want to check out Paula’s Choice Oil-Free Moisturizer. Named the best night cream for oily skin by The Oprah Magazine in 2019, the moisturizer has a non-greasy finish and works to correct issues “unique to acne-prone skin.” If you want to try the product out, you can find the travel size version here for $9 USD.
For those with dry skin, finding an effective moisturizer is likely a top priority. We recommend Andalou Naturals Brightening Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream. For $28.99 USD, you can target “over-exposed surface cells” for a brighter complexion. With 98% naturally derived ingredients (such as fruit stem cells), you can feel confident when reading the ingredients list.
While the smell of sunscreen often signals summer, the product should be part of your routine year round, though you may doubt the amount of sun exposure you are getting. After all, even if you only take short walks to and from the parking lot, or walk your dog a few times per day, all those moments in sunshine add up.
While dermatologists may disagree on the active ingredients certain skin types should search for, almost all dermatologists concur that sunscreen is a crucial step in any skincare routine. It can be tempting to ditch skincare ounce you stretch out on the beach, but most experts also suggest that you reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, we recommend EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. For dry skin, try Coola’s Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.
Your skin will not miraculously shine in acne-free glory over night. Healthy skin comes with patience and a commitment to skincare. While this outlined routine make work for some people, everyone has individual skincare needs and should always assess how each product affects their skin. If possible, consult with a dermatologist before splurging on a shelf of skincare items.
With a little time though, you may be able to avoid those pesky pimples and blackheads that always seem to arrive at the most inconvenient times.
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