How to Build a Skincare Routine for Glowing, Healthy Skin: Dermatologist Advice

Choosing an Effective Gentle Cleanser

A gentle cleanser is a foundational step in any skincare routine. Selecting the right product can help maintain the skin’s barrier, prevent dryness, and reduce the risk of irritation, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Importance of a Gentle Cleanser

Using a gentle cleanser supports the skin’s natural protective barrier and helps avoid unnecessary stripping of natural oils. Harsh cleansers, or those containing alcohol and abrasive exfoliants, can lead to dryness, redness, or breakouts.

Sensitive skin types are especially prone to irritation from aggressive skin care products. Dermatologists recommend using lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil without damaging the skin’s surface.

A proper cleansing routine can result in healthier, more balanced skin with fewer flare-ups and less discomfort. A gentle approach supports daily skincare goals, allowing the skin to better absorb moisturizers and treatments.

Learn more at Face washing 101 from the American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101.

Recommended Ingredients for Cleansing

When selecting a cleanser, look for ingredients that cleanse without disrupting the skin’s moisture balance. Some beneficial options include:

• Glycerin: attracts moisture into the skin and prevents overdrying
• Ceramides: help restore and protect the skin barrier
• Hyaluronic acid: hydrates and soothes
• Mild surfactants: cleanse without being too harsh or stripping

Avoid cleansers with strong fragrances, sulfates, and alcohol, especially if the skin is easily irritated or sensitive. Products made with these gentle ingredients are more likely to support healthy-looking, glowing skin by minimizing irritation during daily face washing.

Dermatologists emphasize mild formulations as a key step for maintaining skin health, as detailed in guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology on achieving healthier-looking skin.

Hydration and Moisturizers for Healthy Skin

Supporting the skin’s hydration barrier and choosing the right moisturizing ingredients can reduce dryness, boost radiance, and help maintain a soft, resilient complexion. Proper moisturizing steps rehydrate the skin, minimize visible roughness, and protect from everyday environmental stressors.

Role of Moisturizer in Skin Health

A well-formulated moisturizer plays a critical role in skin care by restoring hydration, reducing water loss, and supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Regular use can improve smoothness, elasticity, and overall resilience.

Dermatologists recommend moisturizing both morning and night, especially after cleansing, to replenish moisture and prepare the skin for the day. Moisturizers help minimize flaking, rough patches, and irritation caused by dryness.

For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free options are often suggested to prevent clogged pores and adverse reactions. Consistent hydration from moisturizing also supports other steps in a skincare routine, such as the use of serums and sunscreen, which function best on well-hydrated skin.

Learn how to choose effective moisturizers and incorporate them into a daily skincare routine.

Best Ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides

Key ingredients can make a significant difference in the performance of a moisturizer. Glycerin is a powerful humectant, attracting water from the environment and deep skin layers to hydrate the surface.

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to visibly plump and soften dry areas while maintaining long-lasting moisture. Ceramides help restore and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing water loss and shielding the skin from irritants.

Choosing products with these proven ingredients can offer better moisture retention, softer texture, and stronger skin defense. For a deeper look at dermatologist-developed products that target hydration and barrier strength, see CeraVe’s skincare routines.

When reviewing product labels, look for moisturizers combining these ingredients with minimal fragrance and suitable formulations for individual skin types to promote real, healthy-looking skin.

Daily Sun Protection and Sunscreen Use

Sun protection is a key element in maintaining glowing, healthy skin. Applying sunscreen daily helps reduce the risk of premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer caused by UV exposure.

Why Sunscreen Is Essential

Sunscreen plays a crucial role in safeguarding the skin from sun damage. Regular use prevents sunburn, reduces the risk of skin cancer, and helps maintain an even skin tone.

Dermatologists recommend sunscreen for all skin types and ages to minimize the cumulative effects of UV radiation. According to expert guidance, sunscreen should be used every day, even on cloudy or cold days since up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds.

In fact, sunscreen is considered the closest thing to a “fountain of youth” because it effectively slows visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. The risk of sun-related health problems decreases significantly with consistent sun protection and proper application practices.

Choosing Broad-Spectrum SPF Products

Selecting the right sunscreen requires attention to the label. Broad-spectrum SPF products are designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering more complete coverage than products that block only one type of radiation.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is widely recommended. Water resistance and non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) properties are also worth considering, especially for those with oily or sensitive skin types.

People who spend extended periods outdoors, swim, or sweat heavily should reapply sunscreen every two hours and after water activities. For added protection, sunscreen should be used alongside other sun safety measures such as hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.

A detailed routine that includes broad-spectrum SPF can significantly reduce the risk of sun-induced skin issues.

UVA and UVB Protection Explained

UVA and UVB rays are two types of ultraviolet light that damage the skin in different ways. UVA rays deeply penetrate and accelerate skin aging, contributing to wrinkles, brown spots, and loss of elasticity.

UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and directly damage DNA in skin cells, raising the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma. To ensure effective defense, dermatologists advise choosing sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum,” as they shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Look for specific UVA and UVB star ratings, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide when evaluating sun protection products. Applying sunscreen correctly and thoroughly aids in preventing both visible and hidden forms of UV-induced skin damage.