Are you looking for a skincare routine that works for you? With so many products and techniques on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Here are some tips and tricks for creating an effective skincare routine.

We’ve all been there. A skincare routine can be confusing! What is toner? What steps do you apply everything? A comprehensive skincare routine can help you achieve healthy, glowing skin, and there are many over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help you achieve your skincare goals without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we'll walk you through a detailed skincare routine with OTC products that you can customize to suit your individual needs and concerns. We will also include what prescription options there are so you know what to ask your derm!

Our skincare routine

Step 1: Cleanser

The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse your face to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Wet your face with warm water, apply the cleanser to your fingertips, and massage it into your skin in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

• Recommended OTC products: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

• Prescription products/ingredients:

  • Clindamycin: an antibacterial agent that can help to reduce the bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts.

  • Sulfacetamide: commonly used to treat rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.

  • Benzoyl peroxide: used to treat acne and can help to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin and unclog pores.

  • Sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur: combination of sulfacetamide and sulfur and can help to reduce inflammation and excess oil production in acne-prone skin.

  • Salicylic acid: helps to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, making it a popular option for treating acne.

Step 2: Toner

After cleansing, apply a toner to balance your skin's pH and prep it for better absorption of other skincare products. Toners come in different forms, including liquid, gel, and mist, and can be formulated with a variety of active ingredients such as antioxidants, glycolic acid, and witch hazel. Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad or your hands and gently pat or swipe across your face, avoiding the eye area.

• Recommended OTC products: Thayers Witch Hazel Toner, Pixi Glow Tonic

• Prescription products/ingredients:

  • Azelaic acid: helps to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation in the skin, making it a popular option for treating acne and rosacea.

  • Glycolic acid: helps to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture, making it a popular option for treating fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

  • Tretinoin: This prescription toner is a form of vitamin A that can help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

  • Hydroquinone: skin-lightening agent that can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Step 3: Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments that can target specific skincare concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. Choose a serum that is appropriate for your individual skin type and concerns, and apply a small amount to your fingertips. Gently massage the serum into your skin using upward and outward motions.

• Recommended products: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

• Prescription products/ingredients:

  • Tretinoin: form of vitamin A that can help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

  • Hydroquinone: skin-lightening agent that can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots.

  • Azelaic acid: helps to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation in the skin, making it a popular option for treating acne and rosacea.

  • Vitamin C: potent antioxidant that can help to brighten and even out skin tone, as well as protect the skin from free radical damage.

  • Kojic acid: natural skin lightener that can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Step 4: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to fine lines and wrinkles, so it's important to use a targeted eye cream to keep this area hydrated and protected. Apply a small amount of eye cream to your fingertips and gently pat it around your eye area, being careful not to tug or pull on the skin.

• Recommended products: Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream, RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

• Prescription products/ingredients:

  • Tretinoin: helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation around the eye area.

  • Hydroquinone: skin-lightening agent that can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots around the eye area.

  • Fluocinolone acetonide: This prescription eye cream is a corticosteroid that can help to reduce inflammation and redness around the eye area, making it a popular option for treating conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

  • Azelaic acid: helps to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation around the eye area, making it a popular option for treating conditions such as rosacea and melasma.

Step 5: Moisturizer

Moisturizer is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and protected, and can also help to lock in the benefits of your other skincare products. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type and concerns, and apply a small amount to your fingertips. Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin in upward and outward motions.

• Recommended products: Cerave Moisturizing Cream, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

• Prescription products/ingredients:

  • Urea: humectant that can help to hydrate dry, itchy skin.

  • Ceramides: restore the skin's natural barrier function, making it a popular option for treating conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

  • Hydrocortisone: mild corticosteroid that can help to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin, making it a popular option for treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

  • Lactic acid: exfoliate the skin and improve its texture, making it a popular option for treating conditions such as hyperkeratosis and keratosis pilaris.

  • Emollients: This prescription moisturizer is designed to soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a popular option for treating conditions such as dry skin and atopic dermatitis.

Step 6: Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it liberally to your face and neck. Reapply every two hours or as needed, especially if you are spending time outdoors.

• Recommended products: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen

Oily vs normal vs dry skin: what changes in my routine?

Oily skin:

• Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for a foaming or gel-based cleanser that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help control oil production and prevent breakouts.

• Toner: Use a toner that contains witch hazel or tea tree oil to help tighten and minimize the appearance of pores. Avoid toners that contain alcohol, as these can dry out your skin and cause irritation.

• Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog your pores. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help hydrate your skin without making it feel greasy.

• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won't clog your pores.

Normal skin:

• Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for a cream or lotion-based cleanser that contains nourishing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

• Toner: Use a toner that contains antioxidants like green tea or vitamin C to help protect your skin from environmental damage. Look for a toner that is alcohol-free and won't dry out your skin.

• Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients like vitamin E or niacinamide to help improve the texture and tone of your skin.

• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won't clog your pores.

Dry skin:

• Cleanser: Use a gentle, creamy cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for a cleanser that contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.

• Toner: Use a toner that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help hydrate your skin. Look for a toner that is alcohol-free and won't dry out your skin.

• Moisturizer: Choose a rich, creamy moisturizer that will provide your skin with the hydration it needs. Look for a moisturizer that contains emollients like shea butter or jojoba oil to help soothe and soften your skin.

• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a moisturizing formula that contains nourishing ingredients like ceramides or antioxidants.

What ingredients should I look for in OTC skincare products?

There are several over-the-counter skincare ingredients that can be incorporated into your skincare routine to help improve the appearance of your skin. We always recommend looking for the following ingredients:

• Retinol: Retinol is a type of vitamin A that can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It is available in OTC products in varying strengths and formulations.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It is available in various forms, such as ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, can help improve the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and dull skin. It is also effective in reducing redness and inflammation, making it a great ingredient for sensitive skin.

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizer that can help improve the hydration levels of the skin. It works by attracting and retaining water in the skin, helping to plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, can help exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the pores to unclog them and help prevent breakouts. They can also help improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.

Remember that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to listen to your skin and adjust your skincare routine as needed. What’s important is finding a skincare routine and products that work for you! It may take some trial and error to get into your skincare groove, but once you do, you will glow!

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Skincare on a budget. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skincare-on-a-budget

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Skincare habits that can worsen acne. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care-habits-worsen-acne

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). The best ways to exfoliate acne-prone skin. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/acne/the-best-ways-to-exfoliate-acne-prone-skin

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). What to look for in a moisturizer. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/moisturizer-facts/what-to-look-for-in-a-moisturizer

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Why sunscreen is important. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-why-you-need-it

Harvard Health Publishing. (2019, August). The benefits of vitamin C for your skin. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c-for-your-s