Establishing a proper skincare routine can be quite challenging. The abundance of choices on store shelves, conflicting advice on Social Media, and an overwhelming number of product reviews make it difficult to know where to begin. Additionally, skin types, formula preferences, schedules, and lifestyles differ from person to person, further complicating matters. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, so we consulted top dermatologists to assist you in creating the best routine for your skin.

By EMMA JOHNSON, SOPHIA GARCIA Updated FEB 15, 2024 6:45 AM

How to build the perfect at-home regimen for your skin type. 

If you want to maximize the benefits of a daily skincare regimen, no matter your skin type, start with three fundamental steps, advises Ashley Magovern, M.D., a dermatologist and the owner and founder of Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, California:

Cleanse

Treat

Moisturize

While you may be familiar with the concepts of cleansing and moisturizing, "treating" involves targeting specific issues to keep your complexion in top condition. To achieve this goal, it is essential to include serums with beneficial skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, among others, depending on your skin type and desired outcomes. "Adding a middle step in between the cleansing and moisturizing components is really important," emphasizes Dr. Magovern. "It can make a huge difference over time in the health, appearance, and aging of your skin."

Morning Skincare Routine Steps

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. But 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,” Dr. Magovern says. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try washing only at night and rinsing your face with water in the morning.

The best formulas will gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of healthy oils. “A [good] sulfate- and soap-free cleanser for the face will be pH-balanced and gentle to maintain the skin’s barrier without stripping,” says Whitney Bowe, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. For everyday cleansing, here's how to shop for the best facial cleanser based on your skin type:

• Oily skin: A foaming or gel cleanser will ensure adequate removal of excess dirt and oil from your skin; ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid can help regulate and remove excess oil.

• Acne-prone skin: A gentle foaming cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulphur is your best bet.

• Dry skin: Look for a lotion, cream or balm formula with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerine, hyaluronic acid and botanical oils.

• Sensitive skin: Try a micellar water, an ultra-gentle cleanser that includes tiny particles called micelles that trap impurities and lift them away without drying your skin in the process.

2. Toner

Toners are skincare liquids that are applied to dry skin after cleansing using fingers, a cotton ball or cloth, and before using other leave-on skincare treatments like serums and moisturizers. A good toner can help ensure your skin is totally clean and grime-free, plus give it an extra dose of active ingredients.

You don’t need a toner, but swiping one on can be a great way to refresh skin, remove any residual debris and balance pH, Dr. Magovern says. If you're looking for additional complexion-purifying and brightening benefits, today's toners are much more advanced than the drying alcohol- and astringent-based formulas of the past, packed with skin-boosting benefits that can leave you glowing. Here are the ingredients you'll want to look for, based on your skin type:

• If you have acne-prone skin, look for a toner with hydroxy acids, including salicylic acid and lactic acid, which increase cell turnover.

• For dry or sensitive skin, seek out a hydrating toner (or its sister, an essence) made without parching alcohol and with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to soothe.

• For combination skin, opt for gentle exfoliants, hydration boosters and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea, which can combat free radicals and prevent skin damage.

• For oily skin, look for astringents, such as alcohols or witch hazel, that tighten pores.

3. Serum

A serum tailored to your skin concerns can both treat and protect, delivering concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients that can address a number of complexion issues, from wrinkles to dark spots — and if you have multiple concerns, you can use several different serum formulas. Just be sure to read the labels carefully, because some serums are best used in the morning, while others are ideal for nighttime.

One serum anyone can benefit from in the morning? An antioxidant serum, which will prevent the formation of free radicals and lessen signs of aging over time. Vitamin C is considered the gold standard antioxidant. “Everyone should use vitamin C, no matter what age,” Dr. Magovern says. “It helps reverse a lot of the skin damage we get from the sun and pollution.” For darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation can be a common issue, and using a vitamin C serum in the morning can also help mitigate dark spots, says Jennifer David, D.O., a dermatologist in Philadelphia and founder of Skin & Scripts Virtual Dermatology.

In addition to antioxidant serums, you can try anti-aging serums featuring the following ingredients to address wrinkles, fine lines and more:

• Hyaluronic acid serums: They draw moisture into the skin, combatting dryness and dullness and also plumping skin.

• Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that brightens and evens skin tone, boosts collagen production and calms inflammation.

• Retinoids: Stimulate cell turnover to increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Retinol is best used at night.

• Peptides: Made of amino acids, they are the building blocks of collagen and can boost its production to smooth lines and increase skin's firmness.

4. Eye Cream

Eye creams are different than face creams because they’re formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, which ages faster than the rest of your face — and therefore fall into the "treat" category, too. If you're concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, a lack of firmness, dark circles or undereye bags, an eye treatment product is definitely a good option.

To target dark circles, seek out niacinamide or vitamin C; and for puffiness, use a formula with caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas with peptides and retinol. In addition, "vitamin K can help brighten dark undereye circles and hyaluronic acid hydrates dry skin," says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, CT and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. To treat multiple eye area issues, shop for a combo of these ingredients targeted to your needs.

When applying in the morning and at night, lightly tap on a formula targeted to your eye-area concerns using your ring finger (your weakest) to avoid tugging on this delicate area and causing damage.

Gently dab an eye cream, or alternatively a bit of your face serum or treatment, around your eyes. “You don’t have to use a lot, but if you start training your skin to tolerate more active products around the eye, you’ll see more change,” Dr. Magovern explains.

5. Moisturizer

Next come face moisturizers, which keep your skin soft and hydrated and help strengthen its barrier. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lighter moisturizer during the daytime, such as a lotion or gel that will absorb quickly and won’t pill under makeup. If your skin is dry, try a thicker formula, like a cream. Either way, dermatologists recommend moisturizers for all skin types year round, since hydrating is crucial for keeping skin youthful and healthy. “Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, since these ingredients are the building blocks of moisture retention in skin,” Dr. David explains.

Pro tip: Massage moisturizer in as you apply it, which will increase its absorption and effectiveness, plus improve circulation. 

Here's how to pick a moisturizer formula, based on your skin type:

• Dry skin: A rich cream packed with emollients, humectants, ceramides and occlusives is key to quenching dryness.

• Oily or acne-prone skin: Look for light lotions or gel-based formulas labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free."

• Sensitive skin: Seek out formulas that are hypoallergenic and free of potential irritants, like fragrance and alcohol.

6. Sunscreen

Dermatologists agree: Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine for every skin type and age. “If you don’t wear sunscreen, you might as well not do any of the other steps,” Dr. Magovern says. “The sun is the number one reason skin ages prematurely.” The damage isn’t only cosmetic, no matter what your skin color: “People of color can and do get skin cancer,” Dr. David says. “Plus, if you’re treating hyperpigmentation without daily SPF use, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step backward.”

Heads up: Protecting your skin from the sun is important even if you're spending your days indoors, as UV rays can penetrate through the windows. 

Smooth on a nickel-sized dollop of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher face sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, including on your neck and the backs of your hands, 30 minutes before you head outside. If you want to minimize the steps in your routine, you can use a daily moisturizer with SPF instead of applying a moisturizer and SPF separately.

There are two main types of sunscreen formulas:

• Chemical sunscreens are made with chemical ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate, which absorb the UV light that comes in contact with skin.

• Physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral sunscreens) contain mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect UV light off of skin.

Some SPF formulas include both chemical and physical ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists generally recommend mineral and pure zinc-oxide sunscreens (though many chemical sunscreens have not caused irritation in GH Beauty Lab tests). For those with oily skin, look for non-comedogenic, oil-free gel formulas. If you have dry skin, avoid spray or gel sunscreens with alcohol. People with darker skin tones may prefer chemical sunscreens to avoid the white cast of some physical formulas, though brands have begun to produce mineral formulations without a chalky appearance.

Night Skincare Routine Steps

It's important to switch up your skincare routine at night — and not just because you don't need SPF while you sleep. Your night-time routine is the perfect time to make sure your skin is getting as many nutrients and active ingredients as possible, since your skin regenerates and repairs itself while you snooze, Dr. Magovern says. (Hence the term "beauty sleep.") You'll still follow the same basic three steps — cleanse, treat and moisturize — but at night, the regimen will look a little bit different.

1. Cleanser

First, remove the day's makeup and grime. Start by applying a separate makeup remover, if needed, to take off any cosmetics. “Cleansers are not necessarily designed to dissolve makeup, especially on eyes, and haven’t done so effectively in our testing,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. Follow with the same cleanser as in the morning, working from the inside of the face up, then out and down along the hairline and perimeter to just underneath the chin, she suggests.

2. Toner

If you’re opting for a toner, apply it the same way you would in the morning. Because they’re liquids, toners should go on before heavier formulas like serums and moisturizers so they can absorb into skin.

3. Serum or Treatment

Night is an ideal time to use products with ingredients that slough off dead skin cells or stimulate cell turnover while you sleep, such as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or retinol, Dr. Magovern says. These smooth texture, brighten skin and minimize pores. (Some serums can be used day or night; follow the packaging instructions.) If you’re treating hyperpigmentation, alternate between a retinoid and the spot-fading active ingredient hydroquinone, Dr. David recommends.

5. Acne Treatment

If you currently have a blemish (or a few), apply an acne treatment at this time. For chronic breakouts, be proactive rather than treating pimples as they pop up, Dr. Magovern advises. “If you just treat the spot, you’ll get acne right next to it if your skin is clogged,” she says. “You’re getting breakouts because oil is building up, so be consistent with your regimen to keep pores all over your face clear.” (If using a retinoid, let skin adjust before trying acne formulas like salicylic acid.)

6. Night Cream

Moisturizing is especially crucial at night, as it creates a barrier that seals in skin’s natural hydration and any active ingredients to counteract moisture loss that happens as you sleep. But while you can use the same non-SPF day moisturizer at night, using a night-specific formula will have targeted anti-aging benefits, repairing damage from the day. "Where regular moisturizers focus on improving the natural moisture barrier of the skin only, night creams contain active ingredients that assist with improving the skin beyond adding moisture," explains Tonya McLeod, M.D., a dermatologist in Charlotte, North Carolina.

7. Face Oil

It's not a necessary step, but if your skin is still feeling parched, applying a face oil can be a great way to help lock in moisture overnight. “A lot of people think that if they have acne or oily skin, they’ll break out with an oil, but it’s not true,” Dr. Magovern explains. “It can actually really help soften skin.” For a nourishing boost, pat on a face oil as a last step once the rest of your leave-on skincare products dry — just be sure to apply by pressing it into your skin, not rubbing it in.

LED face masks are a popular skincare tool that use light therapy to improve the appearance of the skin. LED stands for "light-emitting diode," and these masks emit different colors of light to target specific skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Here are some of the benefits of using LED face masks:

1. Anti-aging benefits: LED lights can stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Acne treatment: Blue LED light can kill acne-causing bacteria, while red LED light can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

3. Skin brightening: Some LED masks emit yellow light, which can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve overall skin tone.

4. Non-invasive: LED masks are a non-invasive way to improve skin health and do not require any needles or harsh chemicals.

5. Convenient: LED masks are easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home.

Overall, LED face masks offer a range of benefits for improving skin health and appearance, making them a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts

Gua sha  is a traditional Chinese technique that involves scraping a flat tool along the skin to stimulate blood flow and reduce tension. Gua sha tools are typically made of materials such as jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel and come in various shapes and sizes. Here are some popular types of gua sha tools:

1. Traditional Gua Sha Tool: This is a flat tool with curved edges that is used to scrape the skin in a specific direction to release tension and promote blood circulation.

2. Gua Sha Massage Board: This is a larger tool that is used to massage larger areas of the body, such as the back or legs.

3. Jade Roller: This is a handheld tool that is used to roll along the face to help with lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness.

4. Rose Quartz Roller: Similar to a jade roller, this tool is made of rose quartz and is believed to promote self-love and help with emotional healing.

5. Mushroom Gua Sha Tool: This tool has a curved shape that is designed to fit the contours of the face and is used to massage the face, neck, and decolletage.

Overall, gua sha tools can be a great addition to a skincare or self-care routine, helping to reduce tension, promote circulation, and give the skin a healthy glow.

Facial steamers are devices that produce warm steam to help open up the pores and improve skin health. They work by heating water to create steam, which is then directed onto the face using a nozzle or hood. Here are some of the benefits of using a facial steamer:

1. Deep cleansing: Steam can help to open up the pores and remove dirt and impurities that can cause acne and other skin issues.

2. Improved circulation: The warm steam can promote blood circulation, which can give the skin a healthy glow.

3. Hydration: Steam can help to hydrate the skin, making it more supple and less prone to dryness and flakiness.

4. Relaxation: The warm, soothing steam can help to relax the facial muscles and reduce tension, which can help to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

5. Enhanced absorption of skincare products: Steam can help to increase the absorption of skincare products by opening up the pores and allowing them to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Overall, facial steamers can be a great addition to a skincare routine, helping to promote healthy, glowing skin and providing a relaxing spa-like experience at home. However, it's important to be cautious when using a facial steamer and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid burns or other injuries

Should I be using a face mask regularly?

Face masks can give your skin an immediate boost. Incorporate one into an at-home facial regimen once or twice per week by applying it on your clean, dry face, avoiding the eyes and mouth (unless the mask is made for those areas). Remove it per packaging instructions, and follow with other leave-on skincare products as directed or needed. Whether you're opting for a DIY skin treatment, a sheet mask or an overnight mask, you want to make sure you're choosing the right face mask for your skin type:

• Oily skin: Use a mask with ingredients like clay or charcoal, which will absorb oil.

• Dry skin: Look for words on the label like “hydrating,” “moisturizing” or "nourishing" and ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant oils and butters.

• Sensitive skin: Seek out anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe and oat.

• Combination or normal: Look for face masks targeted to your current skin goals or try spot treating certain areas with multiple masks.

What about exfoliation?

Facial exfoliation is a technique that removes the skin's outer layer of dead skin cells in order to make it smoother, brighter and clearer — yet a GH survey revealed that nearly half of women skip it in their skincare routine. There are three main types of exfoliation, each with different functions that work best for different skin types, concerns and needs.

Physical exfoliants are skincare products that use physical abrasion to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. They work by physically scrubbing away dead skin cells and debris on the surface of the skin. There are different types of physical exfoliants, including:

1. Scrubs: These are products that contain small particles, such as sugar, salt, or microbeads, that are massaged onto the skin to remove dead skin cells.

2. Brushes: These are brushes with soft bristles that are used to gently buff away dead skin cells.

3. Konjac sponges: These are made of natural fibers and are used to gently exfoliate the skin.

Physical exfoliants can be an effective way to improve skin texture and promote a brighter complexion. However, it's important to be gentle when using them and to avoid using products with harsh or jagged particles that can cause irritation or damage to the skin. It's also important to limit the frequency of physical exfoliation to once or twice a week, as over-exfoliation can lead to skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. Additionally, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid physical exfoliants altogether and opt for gentler chemical exfoliants instead.

Chemical exfoliants are products that use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover. There are two main types of chemical exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

AHAs are water-soluble acids that work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. They are effective at improving the texture and tone of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve sebum, making them a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA and is known for its ability to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

Chemical exfoliants are often preferred over physical exfoliants (such as scrubs or brushes) because they are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or damage. However, it's important to choose the right type and concentration of acid for your skin type and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-exfoliation or other adverse effects. Additionally, it's important to wear sunscreen when using chemical exfoliants as they can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Combo exfoliants also known as hybrid exfoliants, are products that combine both chemical and physical exfoliants to provide a more thorough and effective exfoliation experience. These products typically contain a blend of AHAs or BHAs, along with small particles that provide physical exfoliation.

The benefit of using combo exfoliants is that they offer the benefits of both types of exfoliants. The chemical exfoliants work by dissolving dead skin cells and promoting skin cell turnover, while the physical exfoliants provide a deeper, more thorough exfoliation by physically removing the dead skin cells and debris on the surface of the skin. This can lead to smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.

However, it's important to use combo exfoliants with caution and to avoid over-exfoliating the skin. Over-exfoliation can lead to irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, which can ultimately damage the skin's barrier and cause further skin issues. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and to use these products only once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity level. It's also important to wear sunscreen when using combo exfoliants, as they can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Does this skincare routine work for all skin types?

Yes, it's a good general guideline and starting point for any type of skin. Remember that it's just that: a starting point, and can and should be tweaked and customized according to your complexion's needs. What works perfectly for your skin may not for someone else and vice versa. Finding your ideal daily routine can take trial and error, but these are the right tools to get you on your way to healthy, glowing skin.

Skincare plays an important role in anti-aging. There are a number of things you can do to help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy as you age. Here are some tips:

1. Protect your skin from the sun: Sun damage is one of the main causes of premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days.

2. Moisturize: As we age, our skin tends to become drier, so it's important to use a moisturizer that helps to hydrate and nourish the skin. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.

3. Use retinoids: Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote collagen production. Look for a retinoid product that is appropriate for your skin type and use it as directed.

4. Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause premature aging and damage to the skin, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help to support healthy skin and reduce the signs of aging.

6. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to keep the skin hydrated and looking plump and youthful.

7. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can cause the skin to look tired and dull, so it's important to get enough sleep each night to help support healthy skin.

Remember that everyone's skin is different, so it's important to find a skincare routine that works for you and your skin type.