If you’ve just gone your whole life without thinking about your skin care regimen, it’s never too late to step up and make significant changes to your skin’s health in a positive way.
Unfortunately, there are consequences to neglecting your skin, and the longer you go without taking care of its needs, the more work you have to do to repair the damage. Whether you’re not careful with your sunscreen, have trouble remembering to take your makeup off at night, or your skin has never seen a drop of moisture in its life, eventually you’ll start to see the effects of neglect and mistreatment.
Dr. Shari Sperling, a board-certified dermatologist at Sperling Dermatology in New York and New Jersey, told HuffPost that problems like acne, blemishes, dryness, skin inflammation, and signs of aging can be caused by neglect, including going to bed without washing. your face This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, as well as compromise your skin’s natural repair process, which in turn can cause premature aging. Alarmingly, he also mentioned that removing eye makeup can even cause eye irritation or infections.
Additionally, Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist based in MDCS Dermatology in New York, noted that maintaining a regular skin care routine is a healthy practice: “Maintaining skin-healthy habits can prevent and treat signs of premature aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, and disease.” , like acne.” Like Sperling, she also emphasized the importance of washing your face, adding that “by not washing your face, you’re not removing excess oil, debris, and impurities that can irritate the skin or cause inflammation.”
Ideally, Camp recommends developing healthy skin habits early in life, encouraging teens to develop a basic regimen that includes cleansing, medicating, and moisturizing, and people in their 20s to start incorporating antiaging measures into their routines.
And while issues like sun exposure can’t be reversed at the cellular level, that doesn’t mean you can’t start a skin care routine later in life. “It’s never too late to start a skin care routine,” Camp explained. “Skin has different needs at all stages of life. Whether you’re early or late to the game, simple changes to your skin care can make a difference to your physical and mental health.
It’s a relief to know that all is not lost, and it’s always worth it to help restore your skin to its former glory. You can even start with baby steps as you get into your skin care comfort zone. Sperling said that “it doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but proper cleansing and moisturizing of the skin and daily use of SPF can make a difference.” But if you want to add a few more potent and restorative ingredients, she recommended ingredients like retinol (which can help reduce lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production and evening out skin tone) and vitamin C (an antioxidant). which protects the skin from oxidative damage and can help improve texture and tone).
Below, I’ve rounded up Camp and Sterling’s skincare regimen reset recommendations, and they include everything from cleansers and moisturizers to serums and masks. They come in a variety of price points and are loaded with the healing ingredients they claim and more. Choose for yourself and pamper your skin the way it deserves.
HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Each product is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts we’ve heard from in this story don’t necessarily endorse future products unless otherwise noted.
CeraVe moisturizing cream
“This is a great affordable option for those with dry skin. It’s super hydrating and spreads easily on the skin. It’s made with ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural barriers.” — Sperling
First Aid Beauty moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid
“Hyaluronic acid (HA) is normally found in the skin and works by attracting water molecules to keep the skin moist. Using an HA serum at night helps the skin recover from the previous day’s environmental stresses.” — Camp
Supergoop City Serum Sunscreen SPF 30
“Incorporate a daily SPF moisturizer into your skin care routine and use it year-round. An SPF moisturizer can help prevent skin cancer, and it can reduce the effects of UV rays on premature aging. This includes reducing the likelihood of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.” — Camp
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
“Retinols help normalize skin cell turnover, which can reduce the likelihood of clogged pores and acne. Overtime, retinols can promote collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” — Camp
La Roche-Posay Toleriane moisturizing gentle cleanser
“Use a cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can cause acne and skin irritation. If you have dry skin, consider using a cleanser once a day or using water as a cleanser.” — Camp
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Eye Serum
“Eye creams and serums help prevent the delicate skin around the eyes from showing your true age. Products containing vitamin C or retinol effectively promote collagen production and minimize wrinkles.” — Camp
CeraVe make-up removing cleansing cream
“Use a gentle cleanser that helps remove makeup without stripping too much of your skin’s natural oils.” — Camp
Image Skincare Vital C moisturizing enzyme mask
“This mask is soothing, anti-aging, hydrating and suitable for all skin types, including dry/dehydrated skin. It leaves skin looking and feeling refreshed.” — Sperling
Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
I had to throw this pick in because it’s perfect for those just starting to dip their toes into skincare. It’s a multi-tasking serum packed with delicious active ingredients recommended by Camp and Sperling, such as vitamin C and niacinamide, while acting as both SPF and foundation, giving skin a hint of color.
Elta MD UV clear SPF 46
Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright serum
“Vitamin C serums neutralize oxygen free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures such as DNA, lipids and proteins. When used regularly, they can also help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots.” — Camp
Differ’s gel
“Retinol helps promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen, reduce pigmentation, and restore skin’s natural texture and tone. Differin, previously over-the-counter but now available over-the-counter, is a great anti-acne and anti-aging product.” — Sperling
Cetaphil daily facial cleanser
Keep things simple with this inexpensive and readily available cleaner recommended by Camp. It is great for people with oily skin, other skin conditions and people who want to repair previous damage. It is gentle and does not irritate even the most angry skin.
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing night cream
“This cream is made with peptides, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to deeply moisturize the skin and at the same time renew the skin’s natural protective layer during the night.” — Sperling
Avène Retrinal ceramide lipid supplement balm
“Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids in the skin that help retain moisture and maintain the integrity of the skin’s protective layer. Including ceramides in a skin moisturizer helps the skin stay smooth and hydrated.” — Camp
U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive treatment
This ultra-focused Night Care is a HuffPost Editors’ Choice we couldn’t pass up. It uses bioactive marine ingredients that promote skin regeneration and can soften, regenerate, revitalize and strengthen the skin.