Unveiling a Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Routine: Secrets to Beautiful Skin with Powerful Ingredients
At this age of social media, there are so many skincare gurus out there recommending different products that we should use. It can get overwhelming and confusing at times.
Visiting a dermatologist for a skincare routine can be an enlightening experience. Dermatologists provide tailored advice based on your skin type and concerns, ensuring you use the most effective products.
This article will discuss a typical skincare routine a dermatologist might prescribe to get clear, smooth and beautiful skin. But first, let’s talk about some important skin care ingredients often used by dermatologists and their benefits for the skin.
Key Ingredients and their Benefits
Glycolic Acid:
Exfoliates dead skin cells
Promotes cell turnover
Brightens complexion
Reduces fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation
Hyaluronic Acid:
Hydrates and plumps skin
Reduces appearance of fine lines
Maintains skin’s moisture balance
Benzoyl Peroxide:
Kills acne-causing bacteria
Reduces inflammation
Effective for spot treatment
Adapalene:
Unclogs pores
Promotes cell turnover
Reduces acne and fine lines
Azelaic Acid:
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
Treats acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation
Evens out skin tone
Arbutin:
Brightens skin
Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Inhibits melanin production
Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with the different skincare ingredients that dermatologists usually use, let’s now discuss how we can incorporate these ingredients in our evening and morning skincare routines. We’ll also include some recommended products and where you can purchase them.
Evening Skincare Routine
Step 1: Micellar Water
Always start your evening skincare routine with a makeup free face. A great way to remove makeup is by using a micellar water. It works through the presence of micelles which are compounds that are highly effective in removing oil, dirt and makeup.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water from amazon.com
Step 2: Face Wash
Follow up with a face wash to ensure that your skin is totally clean before you put on the succeeding skincare products. Working with a clean base allows skincare products to be absorbed properly so you can enjoy all of their benefits.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser from ulta.com
Step 3: Toner
Now it’s time to incorporate glycolic acid which helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Removing dead skin cells helps prevent acne since acne is primarily caused by pores that get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells.
Just apply a couple of drops of a glycolic acid toner on a cotton pad and gently swipe all over your face.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution from yesstyle.com
Step 4: Moisturizer
After all the cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to bring back some moisture to the skin. Apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid all over your face and neck to hydrate and plump the skin.
Torriden Dive In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream from yesstyle.com
Step 5: Acne Treatments
Dermatologists usually recommend a combination of benzoyl peroxide and adapalene to treat acne. However, since these ingredients are very potent, you can only acquire products with this combination through a dermatologist’s prescription.
If you do not have access to a dermatologist, there are some over the counter products that you can use. However, we strongly advise against using these products at the same time. It is recommended to choose just one or you can use them in an alternating manner. If you use a benzoyl peroxide product tonight, then skip the adapalene. Use it tomorrow night instead and give benzoyl peroxide a rest.
For benzoyl peroxide, just apply a small amount on your pimples. For adapalene, apply a thin layer all over your face. If you experience any irritation or negative effects, immediately stop using the products.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide from ulta.com
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment from ulta.com
Step 6: Azelaic Acid
Finish off your night time skincare routine with some protection from azelaic acid. Its antimicrobial properties help kill bacteria that can cause acne. It is also an antioxidant that protects the skin from the harmful effects of toxins.
However, studies have shown that azelaic acid is most effective at at least 15% concentration. At the moment, products with 15% azelaic acid can only be purchased with a prescription from a dermatologist.
Nevertheless, here are some popular azelaic acid products that you can try. These contain 10% azelaic acid.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension from ulta.com
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum from sephora.com
Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse with Water
More and more dermatologists are starting to recommend washing your face in the morning with just water. Since you’ve cleansed your face really well the night before, there really is no reason to wash your face again in the morning.
Step 2: Arbutin
After cleansing your face with water, follow up with a brightening serum with arbutin. This helps with hyperpigmentation and gives your skin a brightening and glowing effect.
Numbuzin No. 5+ Vitamin Concentrated Serum from yesstyle.com
Step 3: Moisturizer and Sunscreen
Keep your morning routine quick and simple by finishing off with a multi-use product that can both moisturize with hyaluronic acid and protect your skin from the sun.
Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum from yesstyle.com
Conclusion
A dermatologist-prescribed skincare routine can significantly improve your skin’s health and appearance. By incorporating powerful ingredients like glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, azelaic acid, and arbutin, you can address various skin concerns effectively. Always consult with a dermatologist to create a personalized routine that’s best suited for your skin type and needs.
