Starting Optimal Care for Your Skin
One trip to the skincare aisle can have your head spinning by just looking at all the cleansers, toners, serums, and creams available. With so many options, it’s easy to see how anyone can feel overwhelmed. The truth is, a skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated in order to be effective.
In this article, you’ll find expert tips and advice to help you put together a beginner’s skincare routine that works for you.
Our products are developed by a pharmaceutical company approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) who use medical-grade ingredients. Our products are designed on 4 pillars – high purity, penetration, and efficacy with minimal irritation.
For beginners, I recommend starting with a basic three step routine —cleanse, treat, and moisturize. In the morning, you will also add a fourth step - apply sunscreen. Of course, this can be modified, and products can be added depending on your individual skincare needs. For example, if you’re struggling with acne, you may consider adding a spot treatment. No matter the case, the core three steps remain as the foundation of a successful skincare routine.
A Cleanser removes the dirt, oil, and bacteria that you come in contact with during the day, or at night while you sleep. This first step in your routine is critical. Cleansing your face will help you start or end your day with fresh skin. Additionally, you’ll be able to receive the maximum benefits from the products you apply after cleansing, because your face will be free of any dirt and debris that would impact the way products are absorbed.
As a dermatologist, I recommend effective cleansers such as:
For Sensitive Skin: Ultra Gentle Cleanser
For Oily Skin: GlySal 5%-2% Cleanser
For Dry Skin: Green Tea Foaming Cleanser
Our Clarifying Brightening Polish can be used daily for Oily Skin patients or intermittently for all skin types to make the skin glow for a special social event!
The next step is to treat the skin with a brightener and/or anti-aging Treatment product to help prevent and reduce sun damage. Because we are physicians, we are able to offer medical-grade skin care products that have stronger strengths of the ingredients you may be familiar with from products at the drugstore.
Morning Treatment Products
For Sensitive or Dry Skin: Triple Antioxidant Cream or Vitamin C 20% Brightening Serum
For Normal to Oily Skin: Vit CE + GTP Serum
Evening Treatment Products
For Sensitive or Dry Skin: Retinol 3x Gentle Smoothing Serum.
For Normal to Oily Skin: Retinol 5x Gentle Smoothing Serum.
The third step in any skin care regimen is Moisturize.
Morning Moisturizer with SPF: Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50
Evening Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum followed by Ultra Light Moisture Dew Cream or Triple Antioxidant Cream.
We find that many patients only use sunscreen during what seems like the obvious times to do so, like a sunny day at the beach. But, in reality, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day. In addition to reducing your skin cancer risk, you’ll also be preventing the effects of photoaging—which can include dark spots and wrinkles.
Many moisturizers and cosmetics contain SPF, making it easy for you to get the sun protection you need without buying more than one product. Whether you get your protection from cosmetic products or from stand-alone sunscreens, make sure the formula contains board-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to ensure you’re as protected as possible.
Once you have all of your products, it’s time to put them together into a routine for the morning and the evening. Consistency is key when it comes to skincare, so make sure whatever routine you create is one that you’ll be able to consistently follow on a daily basis.
Because everyone has different skin types, every skincare routine is unique. For example, if your skin is dry, you may want to skip a cleanser in the morning and just splash water on your face instead. Or, if you have oily skin, you may opt to only moisturize your skin at night. If you have questions about building a routine, consult with one of our dermatology providers.
Don’t get discouraged if your skin doesn’t change overnight with your new routine. For the most noticeable results, aim to follow your routine for at least six weeks. This is approximately the amount of time it takes your skin to complete the cycle of renewing itself with new skin cells. Once this cycle is complete, you can begin to see the impact of the products you’ve been using.
We have many other products that you can "step-up" to if you tolerate these products, but for a beginner, I recommend starting with the above.
Specific-focused products to consider in addition to the above are:
Nutrafol vitamin supplement for aging-related hair thinning or hair loss.
Neck Firming Cream for aging of the neck skin
We are always happy to meet with you in person to create a customized skin care regimen for you based on your skin type and level of sun damage. In person, we would be able to pick and choose specific products that are best suited for your skin.
Also, don't throw away products that you have (unless they are expired!). We can always help integrate products that you already love into an improved regimen!
Finally, if you have read through this entire page (I am impressed), an easy way to get started is with a discounted gift box:
The Core 5 Brightening Regimen
The Core 6 Age-Defying Regimen