How to Create a Skincare Routine? A Dermatologist's Perspective

Where should you start with skincare?

The first step isn't choosing a product, but assessing the skin's current condition: oily/dry/combination type, sensitivity, acne, rosacea, eczema, pigmentation, and the products being used should all be considered.

How many steps are in a basic routine?

Morning: Gentle cleansing if needed, moisturizer, sunscreen. Evening: Cleansing, targeted active treatment if needed, moisturizer.

How often should the face be washed?

For most people, gentle cleansing morning and evening is sufficient. For very dry/sensitive skin, water alone in the morning may be enough. Excessively frequent cleansing can disrupt the skin's barrier.

Is moisturizer necessary for everyone?

It is beneficial for most people. It can reduce transepidermal water loss, support the barrier, and improve tolerance to drying active treatments.

Should oily skin use a moisturizer?

Yes. Excess sebum doesn't necessarily mean well-moisturized skin. Lightweight and non-comedogenic formulas are preferable.

What happens when the skin barrier is compromised?

Dryness, burning, stinging, redness, flaking, and sensitivity to previously tolerated products may develop. In such a case, simplifying the routine may be better than adding new active ingredients.

Is sunscreen necessary daily?

It is important in terms of photoaging and pigmentation. It is a fundamental step, especially in melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and photosensitive conditions.

Are serum and toner necessary?

No. Serum is a product form, while toner isn't essential for most people. What matters isn't the product name, but the active ingredient and intended use.

Are retinoids necessary?

It's not a mandatory part of every routine. It can be used for acne, photoaging, or certain pigmentation issues. Tretinoin has one of the strongest pieces of evidence against photoaging; however, due to its potential for irritation, appropriate use is necessary.

Should multiple active users be used simultaneously?

It's usually not necessary. Adding retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and similar active ingredients simultaneously can increase the risk of irritation, barrier disruption, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. It's safer to make one change at a time in the new routine.

Is skin cycling necessary?

This is not a standard scientific protocol that everyone should follow. For some people, dividing the active ingredients into different nights may help reduce irritation.

Essential routine for acne-prone skin.

Morning: gentle cleanser, acne treatment (if needed), light moisturizer, sunscreen.

Evening: cleanser, retinoid or treatment prescribed by your doctor, moisturizer.

Basic routine for dry/sensitive skin.

Morning: water or gentle cleanser (if needed), barrier-supporting moisturizer, sunscreen.

Evening: Gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Unnecessary acid and exfoliation can be minimized.

Key characteristics of a good routine

It should be a simple system, tailored to the individual's skin type, taking into account existing dermatological conditions, protecting the barrier, providing photoprotection, and only used as needed. More products don't necessarily mean healthier skin.