When it comes to better skin, even small changes can make a big difference. Over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of little skin-care hacks that are affordable, accessible and easy to work into your routine. Here are 10 skin-care tips I regularly share, plus my go-to product recommendations to help you put them into practice.
Use Medicated Cleansers on the Body, Too
Medicated cleansers aren’t just for the face; they can be used on the body, too. For example, a ketoconazole shampoo like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($17) can double as a body wash for certain fungal skin conditions. A benzoyl peroxide cleanser can also help with body odor. I like Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser ($16).
If You Have Hyperpigmentation, Switch to Tinted SPF
If you struggle with dark spots or hyperpigmentation, switch to a tinted sunscreen. The iron oxides in tinted sunscreen help protect against visible light, which can worsen pigmentation.
For drugstore options, I like Eucerin Sun Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 35 ($19) or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 ($43). I also love Oathology Inzincable Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($45), which is dermatologist-founded and ALASTIN HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 ($84) as a luxury pick.
Switch Your Razor If You’re Prone to Ingrown Hairs
If you struggle with ingrown hairs on the body, try switching to a single-blade razor. Washing folliculitis-prone areas with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser can also be helpful. The aforementioned Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser ($12) is one I recommend. Hibiclens can also be helpful for these areas, but one important caveat: do not use Hibiclens on the face.
Get the Anti-Aging Basics Right First
An anti-aging routine can get as complicated as you want it to, but I always recommend getting the basics down first: SPF and vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night. Before adding 10 different serums, make sure you’ve nailed those three powerhouse ingredients.
For sunscreen, aim for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. For vitamin C, I’m currently loving Remedy 15% Vitamin C Complex Brightening Serum ($28), and Vanicream Vitamin C Serum ($20) is a great option for sensitive skin. For retinoids, RoC has several options in both serum and moisturizer formulas. I also like Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Multi-Corrective Cream ($68).
Give Dark, Rough Elbows and Knees Extra Attention
For dark, rough elbows and knees, try a moisturizer with urea or lactic acid. These ingredients gently exfoliate and hydrate thickened skin to help improve texture and the appearance of discoloration over time. Some of the products I recommend for this are AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion ($16), Cetaphil Rough & Bumpy Daily Smoothing Moisturizer ($15) and Remedy for Body Bumps ($25).
Focus on Three Things for the Appearance of Pores
The best ingredients for improving the appearance of pores are salicylic acid, retinoids and SPF. Salicylic acid helps clear buildup inside pores, retinoids support collagen and better skin texture and SPF helps prevent collagen breakdown that can make pores look more noticeable.
For salicylic acid, I like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser ($19). Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% ($15) is an over-the-counter retinoid option. For sunscreen, look for any broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that you’ll use consistently.
Protect Sensitive Areas Before Applying Your Retinoid
If you struggle with retinoid irritation, protect your most sensitive areas first. Before applying your retinoid, put a little Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($12) around the corners of your nose, lips and eyes to help prevent dryness and irritation. It’s a small step, but it can make using a retinoid much more manageable if those areas tend to become irritated.
Apply Moisturizer While Your Skin Is Still Damp
Moisturizer works best on damp skin. After showering, apply it while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration. If you’ve already dried off, spritz your skin with Avène Thermal Spring Water ($20) first, then apply moisturizer. The best moisturizer varies depending on your skin type, but Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream ($40) and Cetaphil Healthy Renew Night Cream ($20) are two I’ve been recommending a lot lately.
Layer Your Lip Products Before Bed
One of the easiest ways to wake up with smoother lips is to layer your hydration. Apply a hydrating serum, like one with hyaluronic acid, to your lips first, then seal it in with an occlusive like Vaseline or Aquaphor. I like Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum ($30) for the first step, followed by Vaseline Original Healing Jelly ($8). This helps lock in hydration overnight and creates a smooth base for lipstick in the morning.
Don’t Try to ‘Train’ Your Scalp to Produce Less Oil
Skipping washes won’t train your scalp to produce less oil. Instead, try incorporating a salicylic acid shampoo once or twice a week to help exfoliate the scalp, remove buildup and improve oil control over time. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo ($9) is one I recommend for this.
