Taking care of your skin is taking care of yourself, and here at Bryn Mawr Dermatology we believe that it doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to work. To simplify things we recommend that you create a skin care regimen that is easy to remember and easy to repeat, because even the most beneficial products don’t do a darn thing if they sit on your shelf. Different skin types require different types of attention, but what our dermatologist agree should be steps in every skin care regime are the following products.
step 1
cleanse
Find a cleanser that works well with your skin type whether it’s oily, dry or somewhere in between. The cleanser
should remove excess oils, daily dirt and any products you may apply to your face, without stripping it of its protective layer. “Squeaky clean” is not the goal. If you want to exfoliate during the cleansing process we recommend additives like salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants like walnut shell or scrubby beads. Physical exfoliants tend to cause micro-abrasions to the skin and invite bacteria to culminate while the right chemicals are gentle.
step 2
treat
This step is optional, but allows you to add in a bevy of products that address your specific skin needs. If you have acne-prone skin you may want to consider using an exfoliating pad with an α-hydroxy acid to help unclog pores. If you have extra-dry skin you could add a hyaluronic acid serum to help seal in moisture. If you are fighting the good fight against aging skin you might consider a retinol to increase skin cell turnover or a Vitamin C serum to neutralize free-radicals.
step 3
moisturize
Depending on your skin type and the weather you might need to adjust this step. During hot, humid summers,
especially if you have oily or acne prone skin, you could easily skip this step. But if your skin is tight and feeling thirsty then it is time to choose a moisturizer. We always recommend a product that is oil-free and non-comedogenic (this means it won’t clog your pores). Try out different weight moisturizers to identify what feels right for you. You should feel hydrated but not have a sticky film of unabsorbed product layering your skin.
step 4
protect
Every face (not to mention every décolletage and set of hands) deserves a healthy, daily dose of sunscreen every morning. If we had to recommend only one product for our patients to add into their daily routine, it would be a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Sunscreen serves to prevent skin cancer and to reduce the visible signs of dermatological wear and tear.
& Repeat
Perform these steps twice a day (omitting sunscreen in the PM) to reveal healthy glowing skin. We recommend that you perform your regimen when you wake up in the morning, before your face faces the day, and once again before going to bed.