Creating a Basic Skincare Routine: A Guide from a Board Certified Dermatologist

Feb 26

3 min read

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. A solid skincare routine can help maintain healthy, radiant skin and prevent common concerns like dryness, acne, and premature aging. As a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, I often get asked about the best way to build a skincare routine. While everyone's skin is unique, a foundational regimen consists of a few key steps. Here’s how you can create a simple, effective skincare routine tailored to your needs.

Step 1: Cleanse – Start with a Fresh Canvas

Cleansing is the first and most essential step in any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants that accumulate throughout the day or night.

Choose a cleanser based on your skin type:

Oily or acne-prone skin: Opt for a foaming or gel-based cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help control breakouts.
Dry or sensitive skin: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser with ceramides or glycerin to maintain moisture.
Normal or combination skin: A mild, gentle cleanser works well to keep the skin clean without disrupting its natural barrier.

Wash your face twice daily—morning and night—with lukewarm water to avoid irritation. Though I would recommend washing twice daily, if you're only going to wash once daily, wash at night to remove all of the grime from the day. And, be sure to use a new clean wash cloth to dry your face after each wash.

Step 2: Add Targeted Treatments (Optional)

Once you have the basics covered like washing your face, moisturizing and applying SPF every day, then you can introduce additional products to address specific concerns:

Acne: Look for spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C or niacinamide can help brighten dark spots.
Aging: Retinol or peptides can support collagen production and smooth fine lines.

Introduce new products slowly and one at a time to see how your skin reacts.

Step 3: Moisturize - Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, even if you have oily skin. A good moisturizer helps maintain the skin’s barrier and prevent dehydration. When choosing a moisturizer:

For oily skin: Look for a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based formula.
For dry skin: Use a thicker cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or shea butter.
For sensitive skin: Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulations to avoid irritation.

Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

Step 4: Sun Protection – The Key to Healthy Skin

Sunscreen is the most important step in preventing premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (though I recommend SPF 40-50 to my patients) every morning, even on cloudy days or days when you'll be inside (there are still windows!!).

For daily wear: Use a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that layers well under makeup.
For outdoor activities: Choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
For sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to cause irritation.
For pigmentation concerns: Consider a tinted sunscreen as the iron oxides that provide the tint can help protect against visible light that can darken hyperpigmentation.

Sun protection isn’t just for sunny days—UV rays penetrate through windows and clouds, so daily application is crucial.

Be Consistent and Adjust as Needed

Consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Give your routine at least 4-6 weeks to show results, and avoid switching products too frequently. Additionally, listen to your skin—if something causes irritation, scale back or switch to a gentler alternative.

Final Thoughts

A simple skincare routine doesn’t need to be time-consuming. By focusing on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, you can achieve healthy skin. Complicated is not necessarily better so start simple and just ... get started!

If you have specific skin concerns or need personalized recommendations, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can help tailor a regimen that works best for you.

By following these basic steps, you’re well on your way to glowing, resilient skin!