Dermatologists Share the 8 Best Skin Care Routine for Every Skin Type

Step Three: Next for skin is moisturizer of course. “I then apply either the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream in the summer, or the Barrier Butter in colder months.”

Step Four: Last is a hair growth product: “I apply Hairstim minoxidil 7% with topical dutasterdie each night to my hair (a prescription via Skin Medicinals).”

More to Know: Bhanusali’s routine is pretty similar each day, but he does work in a few additional treatments. “I usually exfoliate on Sundays if I can, and skip the retinoid that night,” he says. “The goal is to refresh for the week.” If he has any media filming, on the other hand, he likes Neutrogena’s Hydroboost face mask—rich in hyaluronic acid to keep skin nourished and glowing. The dermatologist is also a fan of dermaplanning, and uses the razors from Jill to edge up his beard two to three times per week. “I do a facial at our Aesthetica Skin Lab once every month or two just to pop the skin and keep it healthy,” he continues. “I monitor how my skin ages via our Visia system and sometimes add in other actives or topicals depending on what the results show (for example, any increased pigment, etc). I also use this to guide any lasers I may need for maintenance.”

Best Skin-Care Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Courtesy of Dr. Corey L. Hartman

Dr. Corey L. Hartman

Skin Type: “My skin is oily and acne-prone, so I really must watch what I use on it and stay away from oils and heavy creams,” Hartman explains.

Morning

Step One: “I start by applying the Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector for 15 minutes before I shower, and then cleanse my face with either SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser,” he says. Both face washes are powered by exfoliating acids to remove excess oils and decongest pores, particularly on breakout-prone skin.

Step Two: For Hartman, specialized treatments are next. The SkinMedica Brightening Treatment Pads are enriched with glycolic acid (a well-known alpha hydroxy acid), witch hazel, lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niaconamide to slough away dead skin cells, even tone, and smooth skin texture. This is followed by a prescription acne cream, Winlevi, and a few drops of SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF—an oil-free vitamin C serum designed for blemish-prone skin types.

Step Three: Face creams are his third step. Versed Dew Point delivers lightweight moisture thanks to a jelly-like texture enriched with hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, and green tea. “Right before sunscreen, I spot treat and dark spots with SkinMedica Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream,” he details. The spot treatment uses a blend of glycolic acid, retinol, kojic acid, and vitamin C to diminish the appearance of dark spots from acne or sun damage.

Step Four: Sunscreen is last, specifically a La Roche-Posay Anthelios formula known to quell shine or clog pores. “This combination of products works well to address any active acne, prevent future breakouts, and help to even out discoloration left behind by previous acne,” he details. “My skin is appropriately moisturized and protected from the sun without being overly dry or extra shiny or sticky. It helps me to maintain an active regimen to keep breakouts under control.” On choosing the best sunscreen for face, look for an SPF 30 or higher.

Night

Step One: Hartman starts his nighttime routine with Neutrogena’s Hydroboost cleanser. The lightweight gel formula is powered by hyaluronic acid to nourish skin while sloughing away dirt, oil, and buildup. Not to mention, its non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin types.

Step Two: Similar to his daytime regimen, a serum duo is next. He pairs Skinbetter’s retinoid and AHA-powered serum with Paula’s Choice’s formula enriched with retinoid, niacinamide, and hexylresorcinol (an acclaimed skin-brightening ingredient). Sometimes, this is supplemented by SkinMedica’s aforementioned spot treatment. “This combination of products works well to address any active acne, prevent future breakouts, and help to even out discoloration left behind by previous acne,” Hartman says. “My skin is appropriately moisturized and protected from the sun without being overly dry, or extra shiny or sticky. It helps me to maintain an active regimen that keeps breakouts under control.”

Step Three: “I apply Revision D.E.J. Daily Boosting Serum as the last step at night,” he says. Designed to energize fatigued skin and strengthen the skin barrier, this serum promotes a soft, hydrated, supple complexion through a complex antioxidant blend.

More to Know: For the most part, Hartman follows this routine each day—only toggling his cleansers in the morning to address any immediate needs and quickly deal with active breakouts. “But I do add either Hyper Even Fade and Glow Mask and/or Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial one to two times per week to help control oil production and add another layer of skin tone evening,” he continues. Otherwise, the dermatologist supplements his routine with the “Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask a few times a week, as well as in-office chemical peels, Hydrafacials, and SkinPen microneedling, which [he] cycles every four to six weeks rotating.”

Best Skin-Care Routine for Hyperpigmentation

Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Nkem Ugonabo

Dr. Nkem Ugonabo

Skin Type: “I would describe myself as having combination skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation,” says Ugonabo.

Morning

Step One: “The first thing I do [in the morning] is use a cleanser, typically one that has some sort of active ingredient in it,” Ugonabo explains, citing these picks by Replenix and SkinMedica as current favorites. “Both products have very gentle exfoliating acids that help me control my oily T-zone and also provide cell turnover on my skin, which is helpful for discoloration from prior acne, for example.”

Step Two: “I typically follow with my vitamin C serum, which I love for providing extra protection, underneath my sunscreen against free radicals in the environment,” she continues. “It also has a brightening effect on the skin and helps give the skin an overall ‘glow’.” Like many other dermatologists we speak with, she gives the Vogue Verified SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic her stamp of approval.

Step Three: Now it’s time to lock in hydration with “a lightweight moisturizer such as Obagi Hydrate” that, she says, leaves her skin feeling soft and moisturized, without clogging pores.

Step Four: “Finally and most importantly, I always apply a tinted sunscreen with at least SPF 50 protection,” she says. “I use a tinted sunscreen in particular because it provides extra protection for hyperpigmentation, which I am very prone to.” Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Mineral SPF 50 is her current go-to.

Night

Step One: Removing all traces of makeup and sunscreen is top priority at night for Ugonabo. “Double cleansing (with an oil-based cleanser first) is a great way to do this,” she details. “I start with La Roche-Posay’s Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil followed by RoC SkinCare Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam Cleanser—both of which are gentle formulas that work great together for removing all my makeup/SPF, while also adding moisture back into my skin.”

Step Two: Next up is a retinol treatment. Though she uses a prescription retinoid (Tazarotene 0.045% lotion, currently), she cites SkinBetter’s AlphaRet serum as an excellent alternative. “Retinoids are great because they not only help with acne but also help improve skin texture, uneven skin tone, and help boost collagen production over time,” she says.

Step Three: With retinol in place, it’s time to treat les yeux. “Next, I will sometimes use an eye cream, particularly when I notice puffiness underneath my eyes,” she explains. “I am currently using Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair Eye Cream.”

Step Four: Last on the agenda is moisturizer, “which helps mitigate any drying effects/irritation from my retinoid.” For this, she turns to her daily face moisturizer—Obagi’s shea and mango butter-enriched salve.

More to Know: Her daily regimen aside, Ugonabo is also keen on weekly exfoliation. “Currently, I am using Neova’s Intensive Retinol Spray with AHA/BHA (which, in addition to retinol, contains glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to help provide cell turnover and also helps with blemishes),” she says. “It is strong, though, so I only do so once per week and skip my normal retinoid when doing so.” Otherwise, lip treatments are of equal importance. “I also make sure to hydrate lips, which helps prevent dry, cracking lips, especially in the winter months,” the derm names Avène’s restorative lip cream and CeraVe’s Healing Ointment as excellent formulas.

Best Skin-Care Routine for Oily Skin

Courtesy of Dr. Karen Kagha

Dr. Karen Kagha

Skin Type: “I am naturally more oily, acne-prone,” Kagha explains. “With my skin type, mild hyperpigmentation can arise.”

Morning

Step One: “In the morning, I use a gentle wash. Depending on how my skin is doing, I alternate between CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, Senté Exfoliating Cleanser, and Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash.” Senté and Revision Skincare’s formulas are powered by exfoliating acids to brighten and slough away impurities, and CeraVe’s is infused with benzoyl peroxide to remove excess dirt and oil and prevent new breakouts.

Step Two: “Then, I apply a vitamin C serum; I’m currently using SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF.” Formulated with oily and acne-prone skin in mind, this serum features a cocktail of silymarin (milk thistle extract), L-ascorbic acid, and ferulic and salicylic acid to reduce oiliness, breakouts, and skin texture.

Step Three: Next is moisturizer, which at the moment is the Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. This is packed with linoleic acid, oat kernel, and silver mushroom to soothe and nourish the skin.

Step Four: “Finally, I apply sunscreen. Currently, I am using EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44,” Kagha says. The tinted mineral sunscreen provides universal sheer coverage to most skin types, along with protection against UV rays. “For fancier days, if I want more coverage, I may mix a drop of Dermablend Flawless Creator foundation with my sunscreen.”

Night

“At night, I alternate between the same washes mentioned in my morning routine,” she says. “I then use a small pea-size amount of Arazlo 0.045% lotion. Finally, I apply a moisturizer, which is sometimes La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.” This coveted French pharmacy find is known to be incredibly gentle and nourishing thanks to its featured ceramides, niacinamide, and prebiotic thermal water.

More to Know: “Depending on active breakouts, I do have a prescription benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin lotion that I apply intermittently to problem areas,” Kagha said of what supplements her routine. In light of her specialties in aesthetics and lasers, she often treats her diverse clientele and her own skin with this approach. “One of the most common complaints of my personal skin type is hyperpigmentation,” she notes. “For this, I enjoy combining other less frequent in-office options, including non-ablative fractional lasers and chemical peels for more stubborn areas. I always encourage patients to take a more preventative approach and begin caring for their skin early for better results.”

Best Skin-Care Routine for Dry Skin

Courtesy of Dr. Whitney Bowe

Dr. Whitney Bowe

Skin Type: “My skin is sensitive, dry, and I am prone to occasional breakouts,” Bowe says.

Morning

“My morning skin-care routine is consistent and streamlined—I do not skin cycle in the morning,” Bowe explains. “My goal is to protect my skin from the daily stressors that can generate free radicals, like ultraviolet rays and pollution.”