From the Guidelines
A comprehensive skincare regimen should include moisturizing regularly, protecting against excessive sunlight exposure, using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen, and using emollients or soap substitutes, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When it comes to different skin types, the approach may vary:
- For dry skin, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides can be beneficial.
- For oily skin, salicylic acid and niacinamide may be recommended.
- For combination skin, balanced formulas with gentle exfoliants can be used.
- For sensitive skin, fragrance-free products with soothing ingredients like aloe or centella asiatica are preferred. However, it's essential to consider the most recent and highest-quality evidence, which suggests that a simple, gentle approach to skincare is often the most effective, regardless of skin type 1. In some cases, particularly for skin types I and II, no active treatment other than using camouflage cosmetics and sunscreens may be considered, as suggested by older guidelines 1. But, the most critical aspect of a skincare regimen is to prioritize sun protection and moisturizing, as emphasized in the most recent study 1. Key takeaways for a skincare regimen include:
- Moisturizing regularly
- Protecting against excessive sunlight exposure
- Using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen
- Using emollients or soap substitutes
- Considering individual skin type and concerns when selecting products.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use a mild, non-medicated soap Avoid frequent washings and harsh scrubbing. Wash your skin gently with a mild, bland soap. Two or three times a day should be sufficient. Pat skin dry with a towel Cleanse the application area and pat dry. Gently massage a thin layer into the affected area of skin until fully absorbed. Protect treated skin from sunlight by following up with an SPF 30+ sunscreen.
An appropriate skincare regimen for different skin types includes:
- Gentle cleansing: washing the skin 2-3 times a day with a mild, non-medicated soap
- Avoiding harsh scrubbing: avoiding frequent washings and harsh scrubbing, as this can make acne worse
- Protecting from sunlight: using an SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect treated skin from sunlight
- Moisturizing: gently massaging a thin layer of product into the affected area of skin until fully absorbed 2, 3
From the Research
Skincare Regimens for Different Skin Types
- For acne-prone skin, a suitable skincare regimen may include the use of lipid-free cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients such as humectants, emollients, and oil absorbers 4, 5.
- The Baumann Skin Type Indicator (BSTI) categorizes skin into 16 different types based on four parameters: dry or oily, sensitive or resistant, pigmented or nonpigmented, and wrinkled or unwrinkled 6.
- For dry skin, a consistent skincare regimen with a mild cleanser and moisturizer can lead to improvements in skin health and quality of life 7.
- In the treatment of facial acne vulgaris, a lipophillic hydroxy acid derivative of salicylic acid and 5% benzoyl peroxide have been shown to be effective, with the former being a potential option for patients intolerant to benzoyl peroxide 8.
Key Considerations for Skincare Regimens
- The importance of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris, including the selection of suitable cleansers and moisturizers 4, 5.
- The role of skin barrier dysfunction in acne and the benefits of adjunctive skincare in managing acne-prone skin 4.
- The need for a consistent skincare regimen in the management of dry skin, including the use of mild cleansers and moisturizers 7.