It may be the simplest step in your skin care routine, but don't underestimate the importance of correctly cleansing. Not only does it foam away dirt, oil, makeup and other assorted environmental pollutants, it also helps ensures your skin is properly prepped for any products that you use afterwards. This wash strikes the perfect balance between having a pleasantly foamy texture, without leaving your skin feel stripped or tight. (Contrary to popular belief, a squeaky clean feel is not what you should be going for.) Bromelain and apple amino acids help remove makeup, oil and other impurities, plus, it's pH-balanced so you never have to stress about skin irritation.
All dermatologists will tell you that exfoliation is the secret to a smooth, glowing complexion. Consider swapping scrubs for chemical exfoliants, like daily peel pads, (the former can be too aggressive, especially if you have sensitive skin). These contain an effective combo of glycolic, lactic, malic and salicylic acids to dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores and leave skin overall brighter, all while being gentle enough for everyday use.
Retinol is great, but here's the thing: Its strength and efficacy comes with the potential for some unsightly side effects, namely redness and flaking. Plus, it's a no-no if you're pregnant. That's why dermatologists often recommend peptides as a good anti-aging alternative; the amino acids help make up the proteins essential for firm, youthful skin. This cream features the same cult-classic formula, but in a lighter-than-air texture, making it a foolproof pick for oily skin types or those who just doesn't like super heavy creams.
All that fun in the sun over the summer can show up in your skin come fall, namely in the form of unwanted dark spots. Reach for a spot corrector nightly; this one is packed with an ultra-potent form of vitamin C to both stop the production of new pigment and fade existing spots. The only caveat? You have to be wearing sunscreen daily so that you don't undo all your spot-fading efforts.
For a fast fix before a night out or whenever your complexion needs a little extra TLC, nothing beats a face mask. Sheet masks are an especially good choice; keeping your skin covered helps any and all active ingredients penetrate faster and more effectively. In this bargain buy, hyaluronic acid (a derm-favorite hydrating ingredient) delivers an instant hit of hydration, attracting moisture to and keeping it in the skin.
