After all, happy, healthy, glowing skin is not only very apparent to others, but it’s also your largest organ, and you should care for it as such. But what exactly does it mean to care for your skin? With so many products and tools claiming they can do a million different things for your skin, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of skincare products. However, there are a few big skin rules that dermatologists can all agree on.
- Dermatologists have identified a few common habits that people do that are huge no-no’s, including using triple antibiotic cream, popping pimples, and using abrasive facial scrubs.
- But there are a few dermatologists who can share their expert opinions on skincare, and what they have to say is worth listening to.
- Meet the experts:
- 1. Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics and founder of BLCK haircare:
- “I would not do any of those 10-step skin care routines,” says Dr. Rodney. “Too many products can cause irritation and acne breakouts. With so much layering, it’s also unclear how much of the later layers are even being absorbed.”
- 2. Susan Massick, MD, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center:
- “Applying sunscreen is easy, safe, and effective,” says Dr. Massick. “Your skin health is worth that little extra time it takes to apply it. Don’t skip on cloudy days or assume you don’t need it when the weather is cold.”
| Sunscreen vs. Other Products | Why Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen vs. 10-Step Skin Care Routine | Dr. Rodney says that using multiple products can cause irritation and acne breakouts, and that it’s unclear how much of the later layers are being absorbed. |
| Sunscreen vs. Gel Manicures | Dr. Massick says that gel manicures can cause damage to the health of your nails, from contact allergies to damage to the nail plates. |
Dermatologists on Picking Pimples
- Dermatologists have mixed opinions on the topic, but most agree that picking pimples is a bad idea.
- “I would never pick a pimple right before bed,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It’s usually best not to pick pimples at all, but realistically it still happens.”
- “It causes trauma and inflammation of the surrounding skin,” says Dr. “That can cause redness, swelling, and dark spots.”
Avoiding Overwhelming Skincare Routines
- Dr. Rodney advises against using multiple products at once.
- “If you do that, you don’t know which product is giving your skin benefits. On the flip side, if you have a reaction, you won’t know which product is the offending agent,” says Dr. Rodney.
- “I would only try one new product at a time. That’s why I wait a few weeks before trying another,” says Dr. Rodney.
Other Skincare No-No’s
- Triple Antibiotic Cream:
- “It’s notorious for causing contact dermatitis,” says Dr. “It can also cause red and inflamed skin, which can make things worse.”
- Abrasive Facial Scrubs:
- “It’s too harsh on your skin to handle,” says Dr. “A gentle cleanser would be fine.”
Skincare Tips and Tricks
- Use Medicated Pimple Patches:
- “They can help the pimple to dry out more quickly,” says Dr. Rodney.
- Use a Dot of Product Containing Benzoyl Peroxide:
- “Put a tiny dab on a ripe pimple and let it sit for a couple of hours,” says Dr. Rodney.
Gel Manicures
“While gel polish looks great and may last longer than regular nail polish, they can really wreak havoc on the health of your nails,” says Dr. “From the contact allergies from the polish ingredients, to the curing with UV or LED lamps, and then the damage to the nail plates when removed, gel manicures are an expensive way to ruin your nails.”
Skincare Routine
So, what should your skincare routine look like?
