Skincare Tips for the Best Skin of Your Life

We all dream of flawless, glowing skin, but with new products constantly hitting the shelves and the seemingly endless skincare advice out there on the Internet, it's not always easy to figure out the skincare routine that's going to work best for you. You know the basics — drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and wash your face, but what about everything in between? Luckily, there’s no need to shell out tons of cash on any magical procedures or expensive creams to achieve flawless skin.

You know the basics: drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and wash your face, but what about the rest? Fortunately, you don't have to spend a lot of money on magical procedures or expensive creams to achieve flawless skin.

We spoke to dermatologists and beauty experts to come up with a list of some of the best skin care tips out there. From choosing the right cleanser for your skin type to the importance of cleaning your makeup brushes, these simple tips, along with some proven product selections from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab, will help you achieve glowing skin quickly . .

1. Use the correct cleanser for your skin type.

"A salicyl gel or benzoyl peroxide cleaner works great for oily or acne-prone skin," says Dr. Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa Monica. "For dry, mature skin, use a milky or glycolic moisturizing cleanser. For skin with dark spots or melasma, use a lightening cleanser, such as an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser."

2. Don't use too many products.

Applying multiple layers of skin care products at once is a big no-go,


says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Julia Tzu. It can be harsh on the skin, which leads to more rashes and clogged pores.

3. Moisturizes day and night.

"The best time to drink is right after you shower and before bed," said Dr. Janet Prystowsky M.D., a New York-based dermatologist. Avoid highly scented lotions and make sure you find a moisturizer that is gentle enough for everyday use without irritating.

4. Don't touch your face.

Dr. Tzu says understanding how to avoid touching your face is very important. Not only does it spread bacteria and cause rashes, but it can lead to scarring, increased wrinkles, and even the flu or other viruses.

5. Hydrate inside and out.

Every skin expert we spoke to emphasized the importance of moisture. "Lack of water means less shine and more sagging," says dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara from Connecticut. He suggests choosing products (detergents, moisturizers, and anti-aging) that have moisturizing formulas. And of course drink around eight glasses of water a day.

6. Avoid direct exposure to heat.

Don't just watch out for the sun - getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can damage your skin as well. “This causes inflammation and the breakdown of collagen. I recommend staying at least three meters away, ”says New York dermatologist Debbie Palmer. So next time you're roasting chestnuts or s'mores over an open fire, take a step back.

7. Exfoliate a couple of times a week.

"We lose 50 million skin cells a day, and without a little extra nudge, they can stay and make the skin look acidic," says Dr. Gohara. To counteract this, you need to “choose a product with a neutral pH value so that it does not dry out during the peeling”. And don't be alone with your face, the skin on your body also needs to be peeled.

8. Vitamins should also get on the skin.

Eating a balanced diet is important, but there are many ways to get vitamins into your skin. There are also topical antioxidants, which are serums and creams that contain ingredients 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 is right after you cleanse, so your skin can absorb them, or they can be placed under your sunscreen for extra protection.


9. Get your veggies.

While it's tempting to have a coffee right after you wake up, New York facial specialist Joanna Vargas says choosing the right drinks can be a determining factor. "Drink a dash of chlorophyll every morning to lighten, oxygenate, and moisturize your skin. Drinking chlorophyll also helps reduce swelling by stimulating the lymphatic system, so it's good for cellulite too."

If you're not interested in drinking the substance, chlorophyll supplements can be found at many drug and health food stores. He also recommended drinking green juices with lots of vegetables: "It transforms your skin in a few days, helps oxygenate the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage, so it's also anti-inflammatory."

10. Eat a healthy diet.

"Your skin has a natural barrier to moisture retention, and omega-3s are essential for that," advises Joanna. "Flax seeds in your salad or even nuts will give your omega-3s an instant boost and increase your skin's ability to retain moisture." And be sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).

11. Clean your makeup brushes regularly.

To fight infection and clogged pores, Dr. Prystowsky to wash your concealer and foundation brushes once a week. For the brushes you use around the eyes, he recommends twice a month, and for all other brushes, once a month is fine.

Here's how: Put a drop of mild shampoo in the palm of your hand. Moisten the bristles with lukewarm water. Then massage the bristles into the palm of your hand to spread the shampoo onto the brush. Avoid getting the metal part of the brush or the base of the brush bristles wet, as the glue may soften and the bristles may fall out. Rinse off the shampoo and wring out the water with a towel. Lay the brushes on their side to dry with the bristles hanging over the edge of the counter.

12. Use sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine, indoors or outdoors.

"Many feel that they only have to protect themselves on sunny days or when going to the beach," says Dr. Palmer. "But the truth is, we also need to protect our skin while driving, flying, or shopping. It is daily UV exposure that contributes to the visible signs of aging." Which sunscreen is the best? Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher and don't forget to reapply it every 2 hours.

13. Sun protection is not just sun protection.

We're talking about SPF makeup, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. "Preventing sun damage is a million times better for the skin than treating it afterwards," says Dr. Prystowsky.

14. Simplify your skin care routine.

"It's fun trying out trendy products and fancy ingredients, and sometimes they work well," says Dr. Prystowsky, "but they usually hit the shelves as soon as possible." Find a cleanser and moisturizer that are right for you and keep them central to your routine.

15. Sleep better.

It's not just about getting eight hours of sleep a night. The skin also benefits from the regular use of clean silk pillowcases. "The material glides easily and prevents fine lines and wrinkles," said Jesleen Ahluwalia, M.D., dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. "Silk is also gentler on the hair, it helps prevent tangles and breaks." Better hair and skin while sleeping? Yes, please.