With the trend of high-end skin care and seemingly endless products to choose from, taking care of your skin can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be as complicated as the 10-step routines you see online! Going back to basics may be just as effective for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Here’s how to streamline your routine.
Daily defense
As wonderful as the sun’s rays can feel, there’s no escaping the damage they can do to your skin. From premature aging to hyperpigmentation and even acne, the sun can trigger a myriad of skin issues.
“In terms of anti-aging and skin protection, everybody should be using a daily SPF, and they should look for a physical barrier, meaning a mineral-based sunscreen, with at least SPF 30,” says Kelly Cmolik, DTCM, RAc, a holistic dermatology and chronic inflammation specialist and member of the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Association.
POP QUIZ: Women should drink at least______ cups of water a day. Men should aim for at least______ cups of water a day.
Staying hydrated does wonders for your health—and your skin! The recommended intake is 2.7 liters of water a day for women and 3.7 liters for men. Since about 20% of your water comes from food, that breaks down to roughly 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 for men. But keep in mind, if you’re active, live in a hot climate, or are pregnant, you’ll likely need more to stay properly hydrated and keep your skin glowing.
The beauty of vitamin C
Vitamin C serum is a powerhouse product that deserves a spot in your routine. Studies show this potent antioxidant protects, brightens, soothes, and firms. Just be sure it’s clear or yellowish in color; if it’s orange or brown, it has oxidized and will no longer be effective.
The serum’s potency should range from 10 to 20 percent for optimal effectiveness. Higher concentrations may cause irritation, and “be cautious with treatment-based topicals, if you’ve got any type of sensitivity,” Cmolik warns.
Barrier boost
Lock in hydration and the benefits of your serum with a nourishing moisturizer. Cmolik recommends a product with a hyaluronic acid base as it’s “generally well tolerated across all skin types.” For acne-prone skin, be sure to check that your moisturizer is non-comedogenic, or pore-clogging. For more mature skin, she advises something with an added oil—like jojoba seed—to encourage long-lasting moisture.
Sequence for success
Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser designed for your skin type. If you’re looking to go back to basics, Cmolik suggests skipping the toner (often used after washing to prime the skin) in favor of a vitamin C serum. Follow this with a moisturizer, and if it’s daytime, apply SPF as your last step. Just be sure to wait 5 minutes to allow your moisturizer to sink in.
Less is more
Using too many products packed with active ingredients can lead to irritation and may do more harm than good. However, if you have specific concerns, there are research-backed ingredients that may help address them.
Get your glow back
Quick cell turnover keeps skin radiant, but it slows with age, leading to dullness. Gentle exfoliation is the fix! Cmolik recommends “AHA or BHA peel pads a few evenings a week” to boost cell turnover and revive your skin.
Break free from skin breakouts
Spot treating a pimple with tea tree oil can “be helpful,” says Cmolik, “because its antimicrobial properties kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.” But if acne is an ongoing problem, she recommends treating it holistically with Traditional Chinese Medicine. “Addressing the gut, lymphatics, and the liver is very important for any skin issues. If you never get to this stuff from the inside, you can end up harming your skin and wasting your money.”
Harness the power of honeybees
Bee-venom contains a mix of peptides, enzymes, lipids, and proteins, that have been clinically shown to reduce wrinkles. Look for a serum with a high concentration of bee venom sourced from a reputable beekeeper or brand known for sustainable practices.
Soften your dark spots
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. To ramp up results, choose products that combine niacinamide with tranexamic acid, a lysine derivative.
Do you need a retinol cream?
Retinol is the “gold standard” when it comes to acne treatments, according to Cmolik, who also recommends it for its anti-aging benefits and the “glow” it delivers with dedicated use. This skin care superstar, made from vitamin A, boosts cell turnover and collagen production, which can improve acne, fine lines and uneven texture. It’s gentle enough for most skin types; just start with a low potency and slowly build up to avoid irritation.
Also, retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so add it to your nighttime routine underneath your moisturizer—and be sure to wear your sunscreen anytime you’re outside.
A tailored approach
As you revamp your skincare routine, it’s important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone’s skin is different, and it’s essential to find what works for you. Consider visiting a dermatologist if you have any larger concerns with your skin, and make sure to spot-test new products on an inconspicuous area to avoid irritation. And remember, regardless of wrinkles, dark spots, or acne—your skin is beautiful and unique to you.
Supplement savers
Collagen is the skin’s fundamental building block, so it makes sense that collagen peptide supplements have been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Cmolik’s top pick for boosting collagen is combining vitamin C with the amino acid lysine. “They’re essential co-factors for collagen production and have additional health benefits, including supporting the immune system and combating chronic inflammation,” she explains.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also skin saviors—they’ve been shown to help with acne, eczema, and psoriasis, thanks to their potent anti-inflammatory effects.
This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of delicious living magazine.
