Skincare 101: How to Improve Your Skin’s Health and Appearance
Taking care of your skin is an important part of your well-being. Everyone’s skin is unique – some people have oily skin, others have dry skin, and others have a combination of both. But no matter your skin type, there are steps we can all take to maintain skin health and prevent conditions like acne, sun damage and premature aging, and even skin cancers.
Establishing a healthy skincare routine can help you cleanse, nourish, and protect your skin. Learn how to start an easy 3-step skincare routine, plus get information on treating and preventing acne, fine lines, and wrinkles from board-certified plastic surgeon Claire Dillingham, DO.
Skincare Basics: An Easy 3-Step Skincare Routine
While your skincare routine should be customized to your skin’s specific needs, there are basic steps everyone can take to improve their skin’s health and appearance. Here’s how to start an easy and effective 3-step skincare routine.
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. Cleansing in the morning helps to remove oils that can accumulate overnight, while evening cleansing removes makeup and pollutants from the day that can clog your pores and lead to acne. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Step 2: Moisturize
Moisturizing day and night is important for all skin types – even if you have oily skin! A good moisturizer helps lock in hydration and keeps your skin soft and supple. It can also balance your skin’s oil production or calm excessive dryness and irritation.
It’s important to choose a moisturizer that works for your skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a thicker, cream-based moisturizer, and if you have oily skin, you may prefer lightweight, oil-free options.
Step 3: Protect
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most crucial steps in your skincare routine. Not only does sunscreen protect against sunburns, but it reduces your risk of sun damage and helps prevent premature aging.
Sunscreen is important for people of all skin types and skin tones. People with darker complexions are still at risk of sun damage that can harm their skin and increase their risk for skin cancer. To protect skin health, everyone should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning.
How do I choose the right skincare products?
It’s important to choose skincare products that won’t clog your pores. Look for products made without oils or for products that are described as non-comedogenic. It’s also important to avoid products with strong artificial fragrances, which can cause irritation and redness.
There are many over-the-counter options for skincare. You may also consider medical-grade skincare products, which unlike over-the-counter options, are clinically tested and FDA regulated.
Medical-grade skincare products can effectively treat a variety of skin conditions, from acne to fine lines. They require a prescription from a physician, and they have:
- Pure ingredients.
- Higher concentrations of active ingredients with no fillers or impurities to ensure effectiveness.
- Clinical testing to make sure they work as described.
If you have questions about which products are best for you, reach out to a health care provider.
How do I treat acne?
It’s not only teens that experience acne – adults can have acne too! The first step to treating and preventing acne is to be consistent with your basic skincare routine, which should include cleansing, moisturizing and wearing sunscreen.
There are many acne treatments available over-the-counter and by prescription. You may also consider in-office treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, facials, or laser therapy. These treatments can help you treat acne and improve the appearance of acne scarring and irregular pigmentation.
How do I treat fine lines and wrinkles?
One of the best ways to prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines is by wearing sunscreen consistently! It’s never too early or late to start wearing sunscreen, and remember: Wearing sunscreen to prevent skin damage is important for people of all skin tones and skin types.
You may also consider cosmetic procedures to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser therapy, cosmetic injectables, and dermal fillers can all improve your skin’s look and feel.
When choosing a provider for these services, it’s important to receive care from medical professionals who have the right training and experience. Receiving care from a board-certified physician can provide the best possible outcome and ensure a safe and effective procedure.
Questions? Consult With a Provider for Personalized Recommendations
Do you have questions about how to improve skin’s health and appearance? At Cone Health Plastic Surgery Specialists, our skincare treatments, laser therapies, injectables and fillers are all provided under the care of expert physicians. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and receive a customized treatment plan.
About the Expert
Claire Sanger Dillingham, DO, is board-certified in plastic surgery. She is Cone Health Medical Group’s chief of plastic surgery and she specializes in the full scope of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
