Q&A: taking the stress out of your skin care routine

Now that we’ve talked about why it’s important to monitor the internal and external factors that affect your skin, let’s dive into some common skin care routine questions.

Q&A: Common skin care routine questions

What’s a good, basic, no-nonsense skin care routine?

The common foundation of a solid skin care routine starts with cleansing, moisturizing and protecting your skin from environmental factors like the sun and pollution. Don’t forget your lips and neck!

How do I do skin care on a budget?

There are so many expensive products out there, but skin care doesn’t have to break the bank. Limiting the number of products is a step in the right direction to simplify your routine. Your core steps are still to cleanse, moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. But you can make your moisturizer go farther by applying it to damp skin.² Also consider using dual-protection products like a moisturizer that contains sunscreen.^1,2 And you can protect yourself from the sun by covering up and seeking shade to cut back on the amount of sunscreen you need to use.¹

Face washing: What’s the real deal?

Keep it simple! First, use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and warm—not hot—water.^1,2 Don’t scrub your skin, and after you rinse simply pat your skin dry.^1,2 Limit face washing to twice a day and after sweating.^1,2

Is there a correct order for applying skin care products?

Yes, order matters! Here’s the sequence dermatologists recommend:²

1. Wash your face.
2. Apply medication or treatment.
3. Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen.
4. Apply makeup if you wear it.

How often should I replace my skin care products?

Sunscreens: The FDA mandates that sunscreens stay at their original strength for three years. Most sunscreens have a date on them, so check that before applying. If it is expired, or you aren’t sure how long you’ve had it, throw it out.

Moisturizers/skin care products: These are typically good for a year after you open them, or two to three years if unopened. It’s a good idea to give it the sniff test before using: If it smells or looks funky or questionable, throw it out.

Makeup: Most sources agree that you should toss your makeup after six months of use. And don’t share—makeup is one area where sharing isn’t caring.

Should I clean my makeup brushes? And…how?

It’s definitely a good idea to clean your makeup brushes regularly. Here’s a quick and easy way to clean yours:

1. Rinse the tips under lukewarm, running water to remove any leftover makeup.
2. Add a tablespoon of gentle shampoo or facial cleanser to a bowl of lukewarm water.
3. Dip and swirl the bristles of your brushes.
4. Rinse brush tips under running water. If the water doesn’t run clear, go back and shampoo again.
5. Use a clean, dry paper towel to squeeze out the excess moisture.
6. Lay brushes down to dry.

What do the pros do for skin care?

Pros start with the same skin care basics as the rest of us: cleanse, moisturize and protect from the sun. There’s just no substitute for a simple routine. Then they fine-tune it with a few best practices:

1. Avoid tanning. Whether it’s real sun or tanning beds, the exposure can damage your skin.^1,2
2. Choose products formulated for your skin type. ^1,2
3. Remember your lips! Treat yours with sunscreen and moisturizer.^1,2
4. Try to keep your hands away from your face.^1,2
5. Do regular skin checks to spot changes in the way your skin looks or feels.^1,2

And remember, always choose products with labels that say "alcohol-free," “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” “oil-free” or “won’t clog pores.”

Looking for expert guidance? Set up your Teladoc Health account and a board-certified dermatologist will review your questions and give you personalized skin care guidance.