The Best Skincare Routine, According To An Expert

Mastering a skincare routine can be somewhat of an overwhelming process these days. Everyone has slightly different skincare needs, and there are so many products on the market that a mere trip to Sephora can can leave you feeling stressed—and your wallet empty. To get this all wrinkled out (pun intended) we went straight to an expert to guide us on the most effective steps to take to achieve—and maintain—that youthful glow on a daily basis, plus some tips and tricks for routine maintenance that can be done at a dermatologist to further fight those pesky signs of aging.

According to Cosmetic Surgeon and Dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad, choosing the right products and treatments is key to both short term and long term skin success. “As we age, our bodies start to produce less collagen, which leads to drier, thinner and less elastin in our skin,” says Ostad. “The loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation. Your body starts to lose about 1% of collagen a year after you turn 30. Due to the loss of collagen, you may start to notice the appearance of lines forming and pigmentation may occur.”

Below, Ostad shares his tips and tricks for achieving a youthful glow, no matter what age bracket you fall in.

When choosing a cleanser, consider your skin type to yield the best results and avoid irritation, especially in the dryer winter months. “If you have dry or rosacea prone sensitive skin, you should use a gentle cleanser,” says Ostad. “If you have oily skin, you should be using a cleanser with salicylic acid.”