Have you ever thought about why your skincare routine works great in one place but not in another? An important factor is that your skin responds to several factors, including the climate, pollution, and, to a lesser extent, the time of year. Let’s dive into a dermatologist-approved Best Skin Routine for the UK & USA.
Morning Skincare Routine (Start Your Day Right)
1. Cleanser: Remove Overnight Build-up
Dermatologists highlight that applying a pH-balanced cleanser (approximately 5.5) helps maintain the natural barrier of the skin. According to research, keeping the skin’s pH between 4 and 6.5 during cleansing may help avoid irritation and breakouts. Alkaline cleansers have the potential to cause dryness and acne by disturbing the microbiome. For the best skin health, experts advise using a cleanser with a pH balance.
Apply a hydrating cleanser with ceramides & glycerin to retain moisture during winter.
If living in a humid climate, choose a gel or foaming cleaner that contains salicylic acid to avoid clogging pores from too much oil.
2. Antioxidant Serum: Protect from Pollution & UV Damage
Research confirms that antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E destroy free radicals, preventing premature aging and hyperpigmentation. When used alongside sunscreen, they enhance UV protection and skin repair.
Apply Vitamin C with ferulic acid to combat pollution and oxidative stress.
In the case of direct sunlight exposure, include niacinamide to prevent redness and repair the barrier.
3. Moisturizer: Lock in Hydration
A clinical study showed that moisturizers with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as shea butter, improved skin hydration in just two weeks, especially for those dealing with dryness or sensitivity.
Choose a rich formula with shea butter and squalane for further hydration.
Light gel Moisturizer works best in humid climates with hyaluronic acid.
4. Sunscreen: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Product
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine discovered that using sunscreen daily lowers skin aging by 24% as compared to using it just occasionally. Daily use of SPF 15 or higher reduces the risk of skin cancer by up to 50%.
Use SPF 30+ with antioxidants to prevent pollution-inspired aging.
Select SPF 50+ and water-repellent formulas when exposed to strong sun.
Pro Tip: Dermatologist recommends tinted sunscreen with iron oxide to block blue light from the screen (which accelerates pigmentation).
Night Skincare Routine (Repair & Rejuvenate)
1. Double Cleansing: Remove Dirt & Makeup
✔ Step 1: Start with a cleansing balm or oil (which removes sunscreen and makeup).
✔ Step 2: Follow a gentle cleanser to remove the remaining dirt.
2. Treatment Serums: Target Skin Concerns
A study in Dermato-Endocrinology shows Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) increase collagen and reduce wrinkles.
Retinol 0.3% or Bakuchiol for anti-aging.
Adapalene (OTC Retinoid) or Niacinamide 5% for acne & redness.
3. Moisturizer: Repair Skin Barrier Overnight
The nighttime is when your skin heals itself.
Use a thicker night cream with peptides and ceramides.
If you’re acne-prone, use a gel moisturizer with Centella Asiatica (it calms inflammation).
Weekly Additions: Exfoliation & Masking
At-home use of AI tools scans your skin to recommend exact exfoliation needs.
Oily Skin: Salicylic acid + PHAs gently exfoliate dead skin while controlling oil, making them perfect for anyone who is acne-prone or exposed to the elements and/or pollution.
Dry Skin: Exfoliators based on enzymes that dissolve dead skin without irritation and keep skin from drying out or flaking.
Final Thoughts: Science Over Trends!
Skincare trends can easily take over or become a craze, but at the end of the day, science-backed routines are the ultimate winners. If you stick to what is proven to work, your skin will thank you!
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