A daily skin care routine at home should include cleansing and toning. Cleansing should focus on protecting the skin from environmental stressors and should be gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Moisturizers should contain antioxidants and hydrating agents. Choosing a cleanser is an essential part of a good skin care routine, as are the correct moisturizers. The following are some products to consider.

The first step of your daily skin care routine at home should be cleansing. Many myths claim that you can skip this step, or simply wash your face with water and it’ll be fine. Regardless of the myths, you should wash your face every single day. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard, as this will only lead to a drier complexion. Once you’ve cleansed your face, make sure you moisturize it, and then choose a serum or exfoliant.

Moisturizers contain SPF. Look for SPF 30 or PA +++ ratings. Sunscreens should also contain sunscreen. For best results, use them with a toner. Toner is applied after cleansing, and can help smooth skin, soothe redness, and replenish the skin’s moisture levels. Always use a sunscreen and moisturizer in the same routine. It’s a good idea to use one product that covers all your bases.

Face masks can be effective and are a great way to pamper yourself on the weekends. Use besan (chickpea flour) or wild turmeric to make a mask. You can also add yogurt, fresh cream, or malai (boiled milk layer).

For nighttime skin care, your products should contain ingredients that promote cell turnover and slough off dead skin cells. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and retinol, smooth out the texture and minimize pores. Some serums are designed to be used either day or night, but be sure to follow instructions on the packaging. Hydrating creams should be applied after other products to lock in the benefits of each step.

Exfoliating is a must-daily skin care routine for oily skin. Oily skin breeds bacteria and leads to breakouts. Make sure you clean your skin at least three times per day. If your skin gets oily, use a cleansing cream that doesn’t contain sulfates. It should also have agents that cut down on oil without drying the skin. You can purchase a moisturizing cleanser for around $7 (the Organic Pharmacy Peppermint, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Face Wash).

You can choose to use the same skincare products or combine them to create a customized skincare routine that fits your skin type. Skin care at home should include anti-aging ingredients and moisturizers that work on all skin types. Using different types of skin care products may not be necessary, but the right routine will help your skin look its best. If you follow these tips, you’ll soon notice a difference in your skin.

Dr. Shah begins her skin care routine with a cleanser with a high concentration of retinol or glycolic acid. Then, she uses a sulfate-free cleanser to remove makeup and dead skin cells. She also uses a chemical exfoliant, such as the SkinBetter AlphaRet, which contains glycolic and lactic acid, and a night cream with retinol. These ingredients help brighten the skin and eliminate fine lines without irritating it.