Best Skin Care Routine: Simple Steps for Radiant Skin Achieving radiant and healthy skin doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right skincare routine, you can transform your skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. A consistent beauty self-care routine tailored to your unique skin type not only enhances your natural glow but also strengthens your skin’s protective barrier. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity, these simple yet effective steps will guide you to achieve a flawless complexion.

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Experts say the best skincare products for men are the streamlined everyday products you’d likely expect: a gentle cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

“My skincare philosophy, and the philosophy my line is based on, is that one size does not fit all,” celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau tells Bazaar. “It’s not about using a complicated skincare routine; it’s about carefully choosing the right ingredients for your skin type. Men most commonly have thicker skin with enlarged pores prone to oiliness and blackheads.” Rouleau adds that products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, sodium PCA, witch hazel, and panthenol are key for controlling oil production and minimizing overall breakouts.

How do I start a daily skincare routine?

To get the most benefit from a daily skincare regimen, no matter what your skin type, you should start with three basic steps, according to Ashley Magovern, M.D., a dermatologist and owner and founder of Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, California:

• Cleanse
• Treat
• Moisturize

You probably already know that cleansing means washing your face and moisturizing means hydrating your skin, but what does “treating” involve? Well, in addition to keeping your complexion in great shape, the goal of any skincare routine is to target problem areas. Treating means incorporating serums packed full of beneficial skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and others, depending on your skin type and the results you want to see. “Adding a middle step in between the cleansing and moisturizing components is really important,” Dr. Magovern says. “It can make a huge difference over time in the health, appearance and aging of your skin.”

There are other bonus steps you can add to your skincare routine depending on your needs and the time of day, including applying toner, sunscreen and eye cream; these are detailed below.

Morning Skincare Routine Steps

Best Skin Care Routine: Simple Steps for Radiant Skin

1. Cleanser

Face cleansing should be the first step in any skincare routine, as it clears away impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and dull skin. However, be gentle: “Many people cleanse too often or use a cleanser that’s overly harsh, which will actually break down your skin’s protective barrier,” says Dr. Magovern.

Tips for Different Skin Types:

• Oily Skin: A foaming or gel cleanser effectively removes dirt and oil. Look for ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid to regulate and reduce excess oil.
• Acne-Prone Skin: Choose a foaming cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur.
• Dry Skin: Opt for a lotion, cream, oil, or balm-based cleanser with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils.
• Sensitive Skin: A gentle fragrance-free formula or micellar water, which lifts impurities without dehydrating the skin, is ideal.

2. Toner

Toners are skincare liquids applied to dry skin after cleansing. They’re typically used before other leave-on treatments like serums and moisturizers. A good toner ensures your skin is completely clean and provides an extra dose of active ingredients for additional benefits.

3. Serum

A serum tailored to your skin concerns can both treat and protect. Serums deliver concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients to address complexion issues such as wrinkles, dark spots, and dryness. Ensure to check the labels, as some serums are formulated for morning use while others are best suited for nighttime routines.

4. Eye Cream

Eye creams are specifically formulated for the delicate eye area, which ages faster than the rest of your face. If you’re concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, dark circles, or puffiness, incorporating an eye treatment product can be beneficial.

5. Moisturizer

Moisturizers keep your skin soft, hydrated, and resilient by strengthening its barrier. They’re essential for all skin types year-round.

Tips for Choosing a Moisturizer:

• Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Opt for a lightweight lotion or gel that absorbs quickly and doesn’t pill under makeup.
• Dry Skin: Choose a thicker cream formula for more intense hydration.
• Key Ingredients: Look for ceramides or hyaluronic acid, which are crucial for moisture retention.

Pro Tip: Massage the moisturizer into your skin as you apply it to enhance absorption and boost circulation.

6. Sunscreen

Dermatologists agree that sunscreen is the most crucial step in any skincare routine for all skin types and ages. “If you don’t wear sunscreen, you might as well not do any of the other steps,” emphasizes Dr. Magovern. The sun is the leading cause of premature skin aging, and daily sunscreen use protects against both cosmetic and health-related concerns, including skin cancer.

Good to Know:

• Sunscreen is necessary even indoors, as UV rays can penetrate through windows.
• If you’re treating hyperpigmentation, daily SPF use prevents setbacks and enhances results.

Bonus Tips for a Complete Self-Care Routine:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin plump and glowing.
• Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids to nourish your skin from within.
• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep to allow your skin to repair and rejuvenate.
• Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress that can impact your skin.