Basic training

Skincare 101, brought to you by derms and facialists.

1. WHY DO I EVEN NEED A SKINCARE ROUTINE?

Dr. Nowell Solish, a Toronto-based dermatologist, says there is “no question” that a good skincare routine promotes skin health. At the bare minimum, daily cleansing will remove the buildup of oil, dirt and pollution that accumulates on your face throughout the day. “It’s an essential part of having nice skin,” adds Dr. Dennis Gross, a dermatologist in New York City, noting that the results you can get from using at-home products today are “unprecedented.”

2.

WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO WASH MY FACE?

Start by removing eye makeup, which can be tricky to get off. Then double-cleanse, by using either an oil-based cleanser followed by a face wash or a micellar water or makeup remover and then a face wash. The idea is to remove all your makeup on the first rinse so the second cleanse is all about your skin. Keep the water temperature warm—not too hot or too cold.

3. CAN’T I JUST USE A FACE WIPE?

Aside from it being not the most environmentally friendly of options, some people can get redness or rashes from the preservatives in wipes. Use them sparingly.

4. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I EXFOLIATE?

“It takes about two weeks for a skin cell to make its way from the lower skin layer to the surface,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. “Then enough dead cells must accumulate to interfere with light reflection and lead to dullness. I typically recommend exfoliating once a week. If your skin can tolerate it, then it is okay to advance to twice a week.”

5.

DO I NEED TO WEAR MOISTUR - IZER IF I’M WEARING SUNSCREEN?

“Sunscreens are moisturizers,” says Solish. Most of us don’t put on SPF-containing moisturizers thick enough to get full advantage of the sun protection, he notes. “Pick a sunscreen that has a moisturizing base that you like [ a rich cream or a gel texture, for example] so it’s a onestep process.”