What should a basic skin care routine include?

Basic Skin Care Routine Recommendations

A comprehensive skin care routine should include gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection as the three essential components for maintaining healthy skin and preventing skin conditions.

Essential Components

Cleansing

• Use gentle, non-soap cleansers with neutral or mildly acidic pH for daily face washing 1
• Bathe with water alone or with a non-soap cleanser at least 2-3 times per week 1
• Pat skin dry with clean, smooth towels rather than rubbing to avoid irritation 1
• For acne-prone skin, cleansing twice daily with a gentle cleanser can help reduce lesions and improve skin condition 2

Moisturizing

• Apply hypoallergenic moisturizing creams, ointments or emollients daily to smooth the skin and prevent dryness 1
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture 1, 3
• Choose bland, thick emollients with minimal or no fragrances or preservatives 1
• Consistent use of moisturizers improves skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss and helps restore the skin barrier 4, 3

Sun Protection

• Apply sunscreen daily to exposed skin areas regardless of the season 1
• Use hypoallergenic sunscreens with high SPF (at least SPF30, UVA/UVB protection), preferably broad spectrum containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide 1
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and seek shade when outdoors 1
• Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours 5

Skin-Specific Considerations

Dry Skin

• Use moisturizers with both occlusive and humectant properties 4
• Consider ceramide-containing products for severely dry skin 6
• Avoid hot water when bathing as it can further dry the skin 1
• A consistent skin care regimen with mild cleanser and moisturizer has been shown to significantly improve clinical measures of dry skin and quality of life 3

Acne-Prone Skin

• Cleanse twice daily with a gentle cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin 2
• For those 12 years and older, topical adapalene may be used once daily on affected areas 5
• Apply adapalene to clean, dry skin and cover the entire affected area with a thin layer 5
• Limit use of adapalene to once daily, as more frequent application may worsen skin irritation 5

Sensitive Skin

• Avoid greasy creams as they might facilitate the development of folliculitis 1
• Avoid manipulation of skin to reduce infection risk 1
• Avoid hot blow-drying of the hair 1
• Choose products labeled for sensitive skin that are free of common irritants 7

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using topical acne medications without proper guidance - these may irritate and worsen skin conditions due to their drying effects 1
• Inappropriate use of topical steroids - can cause perioral dermatitis and skin atrophy if used inadequately 1
• Over-cleansing or using harsh soaps - can damage the skin barrier and worsen skin conditions 7, 4
• Applying more product than directed - will not provide faster or better results but may worsen skin irritation 5
• Neglecting sun protection - even on cloudy days or during winter months 1

Special Considerations

• When using adapalene or other topical retinoids, expect that your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal) 5
• It may take up to 3 months of once daily use to see results with topical treatments like adapalene 5
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: consult a doctor before using medicated skin products 5
• For children under 12 years of age, consult a doctor before using specialized skin care products 5

A consistent skin care routine with these components has been shown to objectively and subjectively improve skin condition and quality of life 3.