The complete retinol review, part 2: A basic manual for putting together your ideal restorative skincare routine

The best cleansers will wash away dirt or bacteria, while not stripping your skin barrier, which includes the good bacteria and natural sebum that protect your skin (one of the keys to keeping a youthful glow). Harsh cleansers can strip the barrier, leaving skin prone to damage. Try finding a cream or liquid cleanser that’s: 

• Sulfate-free 
• Hypoallergenic 
• Non-comedogenic 

And don’t forget your cleansing method and tools. Protect skin by:  

• Avoiding over-washing: This can lead to dry skin, irritation, dryness and even excess sebum—all detriments to skin health. Start by washing day/night and after exercising. 

• Using microfiber cloths: It’s tempting to grab the nearest bath towel or face wipe for an easy cleanse. But rough textures can lead to premature aging and deep wrinkles. Instead, gently lather the cleanser onto your face, and wipe it off with a soft microfiber towel. 

• Turning down the heat: When in doubt, tepid it out. Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, while cold water may not cleanse the face effectively. Stick with lukewarm water, which will soothe and cleanse. 

To keep skin fresh and radiant, dead skin cells and buildup need to go. That’s where exfoliation comes in. There are two main types of exfoliants: chemical (which encourages the bonds between dead cells to break) and physical (which gently sloughs off the dead skin cells). Some of exfoliating ingredients to build into your routine: 

• AHA/BHA: Almost all chemical exfoliants are either alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). Find one with both to combine the water-soluble power of AHAs with the sebum-clearing effectiveness of BHAs.  

• Glycolic acid: This AHA has a very small molecule size, letting it deeply penetrate the skin to clear out any buildup. Research has also shown that glycolic can boost collagen levels, which can help promote a youthful look. 

• Enzymes: Enzyme exfoliants gently reduce dead skin buildup by breaking down keratin (a vital skin protein). Bromelain (pineapple enzyme), papain (papaya enzyme), and actinidin (kiwi enzyme) are popular options.

The most important note with exfoliants? Don’t overdo it. Experts recommend two to three times per week after cleansing to avoid dryness or irritation.

After cleansing and exfoliating, skin is ready to absorb all the goodness of treatments. Find these replenishing ingredients in toners, serums or essences to help restore skin health: 

• Antioxidants: Free radicals (aka unstable atoms that wreak havoc on cells) can cause premature aging, so fight them off with antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid. These powerhouses can also help build collagen production and reduce hyperpigmentation.  

• Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide can improve hyperpigmentation, elasticity and promote collagen (a key to youthful skin). Add this all-purpose active via serum or nourishing moisturizer. 

• Hyaluronic acid: This naturally occurring ingredient draws hydration to skin and having properly hydrated skin can help reduce the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles, while improving elasticity. 

Proper moisturization is the foundation of skin health and self-replenishment. But not all moisturizers are created equally. Try finding a hydrating routine with these elements: 

• Non-comedogenic: Avoid the potential of clogged pores with non-comedogenic formulas (aka free of congesting ingredients like beeswax or shea).

• Fatty lipids: Good, natural oils are essential for a healthy complexion to protect and moisturize. Ceramides can be particularly helpful—not only adding hydration, but also helping to build the skin barrier to seal it in.