Essential Skincare: What You Really Need and the Right Order to Apply It

Skincare

Jan 12

A common question I hear is, “Which skincare ingredients do I really need, and in what order should I apply them?” With so many products available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—unsure of when to use them, how much to apply, or what they actually do for your skin. My goal with this blog post is to simplify the process and encourage a straightforward, consistent routine that works well for many skin types. However, it is always best to consult with your provider for specific concerns like acne, rosacea, melasma, for a more personalized approach. Below, I’ll walk you through a daytime and nighttime regimen that emphasizes the fundamentals: cleansing, exfoliating, brightening/protecting, UV protection, and hydration.

Daytime Skincare Routine

Your morning routine should focus on protecting and prepping your skin for the day ahead.

Here is a simple, effective regimen:

1. Cleanser – Start with a gentle cleanser to remove oil, sweat, and impurities from the night. I recommend SkinMedica Facial Cleanser

2. Exfoliation (as needed) – Use a chemical exfoliant 2–3 times a week to start for smooth skin and remove dead skin cells. A personal favorite is SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating cleanser, which contains alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids to help exfoliate the skin and reveal a more youthful appearance. Tip: Alpha-hydroxy acids increase sun sensitivity, so don’t skip SPF!

3. Brightening/Protecting Serum – Apply an antioxidant serum, such as vitamin C to protect against environmental stressors and boost skin radiance. Other skin concerns may benefit from different ingredients. A personal Vitamin C favorite is Perfect Derma Peel The Perfect C, and is available within.

4. Moisturizer – Lock in hydration with a lightweight moisturizer, such as SkinMedica Ultra Sheer which suits your skin type.

5. Sunscreen – Finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. SkinMedica ‘s original or tinted Essential Defense SPF is a light formulation, which is paraben free, hypoallergenic, oil free, and fragrance free.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

At night, the focus shifts to repairing and rejuvenating your skin while it rests. The steps are similar, but there’s an emphasis on anti-aging ingredients:

1. Cleanser – Wash away makeup, dirt, and sunscreen from the day with a thorough cleanse. Double cleansing is an option that may be beneficial if you wear heavier makeup. Double cleansing is the use of a skin oil or balm first, on dry skin, to lift away make-up. The oil is washed off, and followed with a cleanser.

2. Exfoliation (as needed) – Exfoliate 2–3 times a week to start. Monitor for skin sensitivity, and general advice is to exfoliate either in AM or PM, but not both.

3. Serums – This is the time to use active treatments, like serums containing peptides or retinol, for anti-aging benefits.

4. Retinol – A key ingredient for an anti-aging regimen. Retinol promotes skin cell turnover, unclogs pores, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen production, and improves skin texture. Start with a low concentration and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. I start my patients on SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 if they are new to retinol use, which detailed instruction on cautious use.

5. Moisturizer – Depending on your skin type, and the season, select a fitting moisturizer. You may find in the colder months, a richer moisturizer such as SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream more effectively hydrates your skin and support its overnight repair process. For normal or oily skin types, SkinMedica Ultra Sheer may be sufficient.