It seems like everyone these days is on the hunt for skincare tips that will help them achieve healthy, radiant, and glowing skin. And honestly who wouldn’t be?
Whether you’re someone who has never used a skincare product in their life, or you’ve dabbled occasionally, skincare as a whole may seem super complicated. But it doesn’t have to be!
Here are 17 easy to follow skincare tips to help you transform your skin!
17 Skincare Tips That will Transform Your Skin
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Don’t Use Too Many Products
10 step skincare routines have gained a ton of popularity recently. Although really great for hydration, they’re not for everyone. So don’t rush out to buy a bunch of products yet. For some people, 10 products can be a bit too much.
Many people, especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, may benefit more from a much simpler skincare routine.
When you pile on the products, especially products you don’t actually need, you can end up doing more harm than good. Using too many skincare products can aggravate the skin. It can also cause excess oil, which can lead to breakouts. Another important reason to keep products to a minimum, some products can’t truly work their magic if they’re being overshadowed by everything else you’re using.
The most basic of skincare routines, a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF, is all many people truly need. If you want to add more, choose those extra products wisely. Stick to one-four products that target your own specific skin concerns, like acne, hyperpigmentation, or anti-aging.
Know Skincare Ingredients + What They Do
It’s easy to want to blindly jump on the latest trendy skincare product. “Everyone is using it, and everyone is getting amazing results from it, it must be good!” But it’s not really a good idea to use skincare products when you don’t even know what the ingredients in them are or what those ingredients do.
Which is why it’s so important to do your own research, aka read the label!
Before using a new product, find out what’s in it! Find out what the key ingredients are, what those key ingredients do, which skin concerns they target, what skin type it’s suitable for, and which products can be used along with it.
You might find that the need-to-have skincare product of the moment actually isn’t suitable for your skin type, and you’ll save yourself the mess of having to fix your skin after!
SPF All Day Everyday
This is one of the skincare tips you can’t afford to skip over!
Wearing sunscreen is super important. It protects your skin from sun damage, can help prevent skin cancer, and helps to prevent the signs of aging skin. And it should be worn every single day.
Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Yes, even if you’re inside, (if you sit near a window/a decent amount of sunlight comes in). Yes, even if you “don’t burn” or if you have a darker skin tone. There’s no excuse to not wear sunscreen. Besides the obvious skin cancer risks that come along with not wearing sunscreen, skipping it can also age your skin faster than any other external factor.
Your sunscreen should be at least SPF 30. You don’t necessarily have to use an SPF that’s higher, since an SPF 30 will block 97% of the sun’s UVB rays, which is enough for everyone. (For reference, SPF 50 will block about 98%, and SPF 100 will block about 99%). There is currently no SPF that blocks 100%.
Unfortunately there are no sunscreens that actually give you all day sun protection, so sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours.
My personal favorite sunscreens include the La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60, the Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50, and the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.
And if for whatever reason, you’re still convinced that you don’t need to wear sunscreen, think of this. Sunscreen is the single most important part of any skincare routine. Since the sun’s UV rays cause more skin damage than any other external factor, if you’re not wearing sunscreen every other product you’re using is pretty much useless. So please, wear your sunscreen!
Massage Your Face
This is one of my favorite extra skincare tips! Facial massages are beneficial for your skin for a number of reasons.
Massaging your face can help relieve tension. Our faces hold a lot of tension, mostly because whatever we’re feeling can usually be seen on our face. And all of that tension can cause wrinkles. Just massaging can help relieve some of that tension. Plus, it helps relax and de-stress you, which is also good for your skin, and the rest of you!
Facial massages also increase blood flow and improve circulation. This results in improved lymphatic drainage, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as give your immune system a boost! Increased blood flow and circulation can also help boost collagen, which can make you look more youthful!
You can get a facial massage from a professional, or you can do them yourself! Just be gentle, don’t apply too much pressure, and always look up reputable tutorials.
If a DIY facial massage sounds like too much work for you, you can try using a face roller or a gua sha tool to aid in massaging your face to relieve tension, boost circulation and blood flow, and to help your products really get into your skin and work their magic! These two tools are my favorite to really make my skincare routine feel luxurious and relaxing!
Healthy Foods + Lots Of Water
Believe it or not, the things you put into your body reflect onto your skin. And really, why wouldn’t they? Your skin is basically your body’s largest organ, and just like how the foods you eat affect your internal organs, it affects what’s on the outside too.
Foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that improve the appearance of your skin and keep it looking youthful and healthy. A diet rich in these foods will help the overall appearance of your skin.
As far as foods to avoid, everybody is different. Some people may breakout from foods such as dairy or gluten. Others might notice that sugars and carbs affect the look of their skin. Pay attention to how your skin reacts when you eat certain foods. And keep in mind, everything in moderation. Unless you have foods that you’re sensitive to, you don’t need to cut them out of your diet entirely. Just make sure you’re eating plenty of those foods rich in antioxidants!
Also, make sure you’re getting enough water! Drinking water helps the body flush out toxins and increases blood flow to the skin giving it a healthy and glowing appearance.
Double Cleanse
This is one of my favorite skincare tips for everyone, but especially those who wear makeup! You’ll always know for sure that all of your makeup is off your face when you double cleanse.
To double cleanse, most people use an oil based cleanser, or any other type of makeup remover, first to properly remove all makeup, sunscreen, and other surface level dirt and impurities. After the first cleanse, go in with a water-based cleanser to really clean your face and get dirt, oil, and other irritants out of your pores.
Double cleansing is suitable for all skin types. But be aware of what products you’re using. Make sure your cleansers aren’t too harsh, drying, or stripping. Also, always be gentle when washing your face, no harsh skin scrubbing!
My current double cleanse routine includes the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, followed by the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal To Oily Skin. (But if your skin is on the drier side, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a good and affordable choice!).
Remove Your Makeup
You should know this by now, but as a reminder: you need to remove your makeup before going to bed!
Sleeping with makeup on can cause so much damage to your skin. Breakouts, wrinkles, and even infections, are some of the negatives of not taking your makeup off before bed. Plus, how can you do the rest of your skincare routine if you haven’t taken your makeup off?
Make it a habit to remove your makeup every night before bed. If you’re forgetful, try keeping a reminder near your bed, on your mirror, or set an alarm on your phone. You can also try getting into the habit of taking it off as soon as you get home, before you get comfy!
Also, invest in a makeup remover that makes the whole process feel effortless. Skip the makeup wipes, and instead use some micellar water and a reusable cotton round to take makeup off. A cleansing balm, like the Banila Co Clean It Zero, also works to easily remove makeup!
Patch Test Products
Just like you shouldn’t rush out to buy skincare products if you don’t know what’s in them, you shouldn’t rush to put them on either. Patch testing your skincare products before applying them all over your face is really important, especially when it comes to stronger products, or if you have sensitive skin.
Whenever you purchase a new skincare product, especially if it contains an ingredient, (or has a higher concentration of an ingredient), that you’ve never tried before.
To do a patch test, just take a small amount of product and put it on a small area of your face that’s mostly unseen. Some examples include the on the side of your neck, the underside of your jaw or behind your ear. When doing a patch test, avoid using any other products so you can get a clear idea of how your skin is reacting to the product you’re testing. Allow about 48 hours to see if your skin reacts to the product or not.
And if for whatever reason a product, whether you skipped the patch test or over time, does end up giving you some sort of reaction, (you’ll know if your skin is excessively itchy, red, burning, or irritated), just cleanse your skin and apply a soothing moisturizer or other product. I love using Aquaphor for any and all problems!
Exfoliate The Right Way
Exfoliating is one way to give your skin a healthy and glowing look. It removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. When done correctly, skin is left looking smoother, more even, and healthier. Which all sounds amazing, but are you exfoliating the right way?
Exfoliating shouldn’t be done every day. It’s too harsh, and can actually damage your skin. Instead, exfoliate at least once a week, but no more than two to three times a week. If you’re choosing to exfoliate with a face scrub, skip those harsh or coarse ones, and choose something more gentle, like the Origins Ginzing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser. If using a chemical exfoliant, like the Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, always patch test and read all directions so you know you’re using it properly.
And don’t forget the SPF! Exfoliating can make your skin more sensitive, so skipping SPF after is a big no!
Layering Your Products Correctly
Ever feel like your skincare products aren’t working or doing their job? You might be layering them incorrectly!
Skincare products actually need to be applied in a specific order for them to work properly. And if you want to get the most out of your products, this skincare tip is a must follow!
A good rule of thumb when it comes to order of application for skincare products is to go from thinnest to thickest. Your products that have the thinnest formulations should be applied first, then work yourself up to your thicker ones.
Also, your water based products should always be applied before oil based ones. This is because the oil in those products can block your water-based products from penetrating, which means you won’t get the benefits of your water-based products.
Moisturize In The Morning + At Night
After sunscreen, moisturizer is probably the second most important product in every skincare routine. It helps keep skin hydrated, soft, and healthy. Moisturizer is an essential skincare product for all skin types, including those with oily skin!
Always apply your moisturizer in the morning, after cleansing and applying your other products, but before your sunscreen. Sunscreen always comes last. At night, your moisturizer is usually the last product you apply. Moisturizers typically come last because they’re usually thicker than serums, and they help keep everything locked in.
When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, find one that’s suitable for your skin type.
If your skin is dry you might want a super hydrating moisturizer like the Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer, or the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
Those with oily skin might benefit most from an oil free moisturizer like the Origins Ginzing Oil-Free Energy Boosting Moisturizer, Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Moisturizer, or CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion.
And if you have normal skin focus on hydration! Some good picks include Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer, Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream, or The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer.
Apply Products To Your Neck + Chest
Skincare isn’t face exclusive! Since the skin on your neck and décolleté area tends to be thinner and have less sebaceous glands, (which secrete oil), these areas are more inclined to show signs of aging. So make sure you give these areas love too!
Whatever you’re doing to your face, should also be done to your neck and chest area. This includes cleansing, applying hydrating or anti-aging serums, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen.
Your usual face products are enough to hydrate this area but can also use products specifically formulated for the more delicate areas of your skin. Two popular options are the StriVectin Tl Advanced Tightening Neck Cream or the IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Neck Cream Moisturizer.
Bonus skincare tip: products that don’t work on your face, can be used on your chest. If you have extra sensitive skin on your face, but your chest isn’t as sensitive, try them out on your chest. Repurpose those products and use them in other areas! (I do this all the time, since the skin on my face is more prone to breakouts).
Know Your Skin Type
This is one of the most essential skincare tips. Knowing your skin type is an absolute must!
Knowing what your skin type is will help you determine what your overall skincare needs are and which products you’ll benefit most from.
There are six skin types, and you can be a combination of a few. Skin changes seasonally, and with age and other factors. (Ex: some people have dry skin in the winter, but oily skin in the summer.)
Different Skin Types + Key Features Of Each
Oily Skin
People with this skin type typically deal with the overproduction of oil. Although not always a bad thing, those with oily skin may have skin that is shiny or greasy-feeling throughout the day. Makeup may not stay in place, and you may deal with breakouts due to excess oil.
Dry Skin
Those with dry skin, deal with not enough oil production. Dry skin has a harder time retaining moisture. You may have dry skin if your skin feels dry, tight, or itchy.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is a mix of both dry and oily skin. People with combo skin have areas of their face that are oily, while other areas are dry. The most commonly oily area for people with combo skin is the t-zone area.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is exactly what it sounds like, normal! People with normal skin typically don’t have dry or oily areas. Skin is well hydrated and healthy looking.
Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin are more prone to irritations. Sensitive skin can come along with any of the above mentioned skin types. If you have sensitive skin, you may have trouble finding skin care products that don’t irritate it.
Acne-Prone Skin
Just like sensitive skin, acne-prone skin can come along with any of the other skin types above. People with acne-prone skin are more susceptible to breakouts. This could be due to too much or too little oil production or hormonal imbalances.
Pimple Patches
As an acne sufferer, this is one of my all time favorite skincare tips ever!
Although whether pimple patches actually work or not is often debated, there is one thing they’re really great for! Preventing you from picking and popping pimples, which can make acne worse.
Since popping and picking at pimples can spread bacteria, which can spread acne, or even cause irritations and infections, covering them up prevents that from happening.
Just take some pimple patches and cover up any pimples you’re dying to pick at or pop. That’s it! The simplest of skincare tips that will keep you from spreading bacteria, and acne, all over your face!
Looking for a good pimple patch that will also help make pimples banish overnight? Zitsticka is filled with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide. And Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches can be worn during the day, even under your makeup!
Apply Hyaluronic Acid While Skin Is Damp
Hyaluronic acid is an amazing skincare ingredient that does wonders for keeping skin looking healthy and hydrated, as long as you’re using it correctly!
Hyaluronic acid is a wonder particle that can hold 1000 x its weight in water. It works by helping our skin retain moisture and preventing that moisture from disappearing.
Every time you apply hyaluronic acid your skin should be damp. This is because it needs water to bind to in order to properly work. You also always need to apply a moisturizer or other hydrating serum over it. If you don’t, moisture will actually be pulled from your skin. So make sure your skin is nice and hydrated after applying your HA serum!
If you want to know more about this wonder-product that’s suitable for all skin types and some more must-know skincare tips, check out What Is Hyaluronic Acid + Why You Need To Be Using It!
Anti Aging Is All About Prevention
When it comes to anti-aging all emphasis should be put on preventing. It’s much easier to prevent wrinkles from appearing than it is to try to get rid of them.
Skincare products that include anti-aging ingredients should be used before your skin starts to show the signs of aging. Most dermatologists recommend starting to incorporate anti-aging products into your routine at around 20 years old, but this number can be different for everyone.
Either way, start adding anti-aging products into your skincare routine in your early twenties, future you will thank you!
Always Listen To Your Dermatologist
You now what they say, last but not least! Out of all the skincare tips on this list, this is probably the most important one!
When it comes to skincare, dermatologists are the experts! So listen to them. And especially listen to your own derm!
Your dermatologist knows your skin. They know what’s best for it, they know what products can treat any concerns you may have. They know what they’re talking about when they tell you to avoid that super tredny skincare product becuase they know it won’t work with your skin type.
Whenever you’re in doubt about a skincare product, or you have any skincare concerns, hit them up.
What are some of your must-know skincare tips?
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