GoodRx Health / Maryann Mikhail, MD
Key takeaways:
- When it comes to building a skin care routine, keep it simple and consistent, and use products that work with your skin type.
- Be patient. Most skin care products take at least 6 weeks to start working.
- Sunscreen is key for preventing skin cancer and premature aging.
With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing products to use on your skin. You don’t need to spend a fortune on skin care, but you do need to find products that work well with your skin type and be patient with them. If you’re new to the whole skin care game, it can be helpful to start with some basic tips and tricks.
Here are tips to keep in mind when starting a skin care regimen.
10 Tips for Starting a Skin Care Regimen
There are a few basic guidelines when designing your regimen:
- Be patient. It should be simple enough that you can be consistent. Most products take at least 6 weeks to start working, so you’ll notice changes over time and not overnight. Try taking pictures before starting a regimen. This way, you can compare your results over time.
- Know the basics. The foundation of a regimen is cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning and then cleanser and moisturizer at night. Specific products and additional steps should be tailored to your skin goals and skin type.
- Keep your skin type in mind. The skin care you use should be appropriate for your skin type. What works well for one person can cause irritation for someone else. Understanding your skin type is very important. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to check in with your dermatologist.
- Protect your skin from the sun. Good sun protection is the best thing you can do for your skin. Sun damage increases your risk of skin cancer, causes dark spots, and leads to premature aging. In one study, people who used sunscreen daily over a period of 4.5 years found that their skin aged 24% less than those who used it occasionally.
- Ease into your regimen. When using products with active ingredients like acids or retinol, start with one at a time. Use the recommended amount, and give your skin a couple of weeks to get used to it before adding something else. Applying too much of an active product won’t help but can cause irritation or even a chemical burn.
