15 Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Tips for the Best Skin of Your Life

Waking up to flawless skin is all in a few key steps.

We all dream of flawless, radiant skin, but with new products constantly hitting the shelves and with seemingly endless skincare advice on the internet, finding the skin care routine that works best for you is not always easy. You know the basics - drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and wash your face, but what will it all be like? Fortunately, there is no need to spend a lot of cash on magic tricks or expensive creams to get flawless skin.
We've talked to dermatologists and top beauty experts to make a list of some of the best skin care tips. From choosing the right cleanser for your skin type to the importance of cleaning your makeup brush, these simple techniques - as well as picking some top-notch products from the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab - will guide you to brighter skin as soon as possible. tomatoes clear skin acne

1. Use the correct cleanser for your skin type.

"For oily or acne-prone skin, a salicylic gel or benzoyl peroxide wash works great," said Dr. Ava Shambhan, a dermatologist in Santa Monica. "For dry mature skin, use a moisturizing glycolic or milky cleanser. For brown spots or flaky skin, use a bright wash like Alpha Hydroxy Acid Cleanser."

2. Don’t use too many products.

NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Julia Xu says layering on multiple skincare products at once is a big no-no. It can be hard on the skin, causing more breakouts and clogging of the pores.

3. Moisturize both day and night.

"The best time to moisturize is when you get out of the shower and just before you go to sleep," explains Dr. Janet Priestowski, MD, a NYC-based dermatologist. Avoid heavy scented lotions and make sure you find enough moisturizers for daily use with zero irritation.

4. Don’t touch your face.

"It's very important to figure out how to avoid touching your face," said Dr. Xu. It doesn't just spread bacteria and cause breakouts - it can cause scarring, wrinkle growth and even the flu or other viruses.

5. Hydrate inside and out.

We talked to every dermatologist and emphasized the importance of hydration. Dr Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in Connecticut, said: "Lack of water means less luminosity and more drowsiness." He recommends choosing products (cleansing, moisturizing and anti-aging) that have a hydrating formula. And, of course, drink about eight glasses of water a day.

6. Avoid direct heat exposure.

Just don’t pay attention to the sun - getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can wreak havoc on your skin. "It causes inflammation and collagen breakdown. I recommend staying at least ten feet away," explained Dr. Debbie Palmer, a dermatologist in New York. So the next time you're roasting chestnuts or smors on an open fire, take a step back.

7. Exfoliate a couple times per week.

"We lose 50 million skin cells every day, and without the slightest extra stress, they can hang on to the skin," said Dr. Gohara. To combat this, you should "choose a product that is pH neutral so that it does not dry out as it exfoliates." And don't just stop with your mouth - your body skin also needs exfoliation.

8. Vitamins should go on your skin, too.

A balanced diet is important, but there are multiple ways to give your skin vitamins. Also contains topical antioxidants, which are serums and creams that nourish the skin (think vitamin C serum!)

"These can really help repair the skin from sun damage," says Dr. Palmer. Not sure how to use them? The best time to apply them is after cleansing so that your skin can keep them moist, or for extra protection they can be layered under your sunscreen.

9. Get your greens.

While it's tempting to drink coffee the moment you wake up, Joanna Vargas, a skincare facialist at NYC, says choosing the right drink can be a game changer. "Drink a shot of chlorophyll every morning to brighten, oxygenate and hydrate your skin. Drinking chlorophyll also helps relieve puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system, so it is also good for cellulite."

Chlorophyll supplements can be found at many drugstores and healthy food stores if you are not interested in taking a shot down of things. He recommends drinking green juices with lots of vegetables: "It will transform your skin in a few days - and it helps to oxygenate the skin and stimulate lymphatic drainage, so it is also de-puffing."

10. Maintain a healthy diet.

"Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture and essential omega-3 fatty acids," Joanna advises. "Tamarind seeds in your salad or even walnuts will instantly increase your omega-3s, thus increasing your skin's ability to retain moisture." And be sure to eat fewer foods with higher glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).

11. Clean your makeup brushes regularly.

To fight infections and clogged pores, Dr. Priestowski recommends washing the concealer and foundation brush once a week. He recommends twice a month for the brushes you use around your eyes and once a month for any other brush.

Here's how: Put a drop of a mild shampoo on the palm of your hand. Soak Brussels sprouts with lukewarm water. Then, massage the bristles on your palate to distribute the shampoo with the brush. Avoid wetting the metal part of the brush and / or brushing the hair roots as the glue may soften and the bristles may fall off. Wash off the shampoo and rinse with a towel. Place the brushes next to the bristles hanging on the edge of the counter for drying.

12. Wear sunscreen 365 days a year — rain or shine, indoors or out.

"A lot of people think they just need to protect themselves on a sunny day or when going to the beach," said Dr. Palmer. "But the truth is that we also need to protect our skin when we are driving, flying or working. This is the daily UV exposure that contributes to the visible signs of aging." Which type of sunscreen is best? Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher - and remember to reapply every 2 hours.

13. Sun protection doesn't stop at sunscreen.

We're talking SPF makeup, sunglasses, and wide brimmed hats. "Preventing sun damage is a million times better for your skin than treating it after the truth," says Dr. Priestowski.

14. Simplify your skincare routine.

"It's fun to try fad products and fancy ingredients, and sometimes they work well," says Dr. Priestowski, "but usually they stay off the shelf as soon as they're on them." Find a cleanser and moisturizer that you know works for you and keep them at the core of your routine.

15. Sleep smarter.

It's not just about getting eight hours a night. Regular use of clean silk pillows will also benefit the skin. "The substance glides easily and prevents creases and wrinkles," said Jeslyn Ahluwalia, M.D, a dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. Silk is also easy for hair - it helps to avoid tangles and breakage. "Does hair and skin look good while sleeping? Yes, please.