The 10 Commandments of Skincare, According to Our Editors

Taking care of your skin can seem like an overwhelming amount of work, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By incorporating simple habits — applying sunscreen, drinking water, and moisturizing your skin — your skincare routine can become second nature, making it easier to get and maintain clear, glowing, and gorgeous skin. Below, find our ten commandments of skincare to help break down the basics.  

Always Wear SPF

Whether you’re hanging out in direct sunlight, shoveling snow or sitting in traffic on your morning commute, wearing sunscreen is a necessary step in any and all skincare routines. Unprotected sun exposure can lead to premature signs of skin aging (read: fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots) or worse: skin cancers. So, be sure to apply and reapply often. Find your perfect sunscreen match here. 

Moisturize from Head to Toe

Moisturizing and sunscreen are the two golden rules of skincare — which is why they’re at the top of our list. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, aging skin and so on, never leave the house without applying moisturizer not just to your face, but to your entire body. Always apply moisturizer after cleansing to help lock in hydration and restore any moisture that may have been stripped away with your face wash or during your shower. Reach for moisturizers that are formulated for your specific skin type in mind so you can get the most out of them.

Don’t Pick 

If you spot a pimple or a blackhead, avoid picking your skin at all costs. Not only can popping a pimple cause the clogged pore to become more irritated and inflamed, but it can also spread the bacteria from said pimple to other areas of your face — which may result in more breakouts. Resist the urge and apply a topical spot treatment (we love the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Spot Treatment) to the troubled area while you wait for it to go away. If you absolutely must address a pimple right away, consult with your dermatologist before going near it.

Don’t Neglect Your Neck

As we age, our skin becomes less elastic, causing it to appear loose and saggy with more pronounced lines and crevices. As one of the first spots on our bodies that start to show signs of aging, our necks should be taken care of to slow down the appearance of skin aging. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen to your neck daily — just like you would your face — and don’t be afraid to use other anti-aging products that you use on your face, like retinol and vitamin C serum, below your chin as well.

Drink Up

Health and hydration go hand in hand, and dehydration can show up on our skin as dullness, dryness or an uneven tone. Drink a healthy amount of water each day in order to keep your body and your skin hydrated. 

Remove Your Makeup and Cleanse 

Even when you’re tired and when your makeup is being stubborn, don’t go to bed with your makeup still intact. Removing your makeup and cleansing your face can reduce your chances of clogged pores, breakouts, and blackheads. Washing your face each day—morning and night for some skin types—is necessary for clear skin.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Making smart food choices — and incorporating antioxidant-rich superfoods into your daily meals or snacks — can help promote a glowing complexion from the inside out. So, the next time you go to grab a sugary treat, think about your skin. 

Kick Bad Habits to the Curb

Lifestyle habits like smoking, not getting enough sleep and heavy drinking too many nights in a row can wreak havoc on the skin. Kicking these bad habits to the curb can help you go for the glow!

Take Care of Your Hands 

Like our necks, our hands can be one of the first places on our bodies that show our age — or at least the premature signs of it. Fortunately, there are some precautions that you can take in order to offset the effects. Keep your hands covered when using cleaning products or other harsh chemicals, moisturize often and apply sunscreen religiously.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells that build up on its surface, causing everything from dull complexions to clogged pores. As we age, the natural exfoliation process of our skin slows down, so giving it a helping hand — being careful not to overdo it — is necessary. Shop some of our favorite exfoliators here.

Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn

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