Quick Summary
- Skin supports overall health by acting as a protective barrier, retaining moisture, and showing links to mental health.
- A minimal routine includes three steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Use a gentle, unscented cleanser to remove dirt, oil, dead skin, and irritants that can contribute to acne and dullness.
- Moisturizer helps hydrate and protect the skin’s natural barrier, while daily SPF 30+ helps prevent cosmetic damage and skin cancer.
- After the basics, you can add toner and serums; introduce new products slowly, patch-test first, and use strong SPF if using chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.
So you’ve decided to pay more attention to your skin, congratulations! Skin is your body’s largest but often–overlooked organ. It serves as a barrier against microbes and pathogens, keeps moisture in your body, and is in constant symbiosis with your guts. Keeping your skin healthy helps to keep your whole body healthy. Studies have shown that there is also a correlation between mental health and skin health.
There is certainly no shortage of products available to treat any number of skin conditions. But figuring out which ones will work for you, and how they work together can be confusing. Whether in Bellevue or Burien, our clinical dermatology and aesthetic professionals are here to help!
You don’t need a fourteen-step skincare routine. A minimal skincare routine consists of a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Cleansers remove dirt, oil, dead skin, and environmental irritants that can build up on our skin and cause acne and dullness. Choose a gentle, unscented cleanser. We like Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser, CeraVe, and La-Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, which are all available in our Burien and Bellevue locations. Ask for a sample! Moisturizers hydrate and protect your skin’s natural environmental barrier. Last but not least, sunscreen. An SPF of at least 30 prevents cosmetic damage and skin cancer.
Once you have these basic steps down, you can add in toner after your cleanser and serums after that. Keep in mind that a strong SPF is especially necessary if your toner or serums include any chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid that make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Add new products slowly, and always patch-test your products first before putting them on your face.
With these tips, you’ll be glowing in no time! As always, see our Bellevue Master Aesthetician Holly if you need more guidance on how to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh.
