The Cosmetic Routine Most Recommended by Dermatologists

A good cosmetic routine is a very important skin care measure. It's about preserving the skin and protecting it from external aggressions.
The Cosmetic Routine Most Recommended by Dermatologists

Last update: 10 September, 2022

In general, women are more concerned about skin care. Today, however, more and more men are following a cosmetic routine. To put it into practice, dermatologists recommend the use of products with specific properties that help to simplify the steps.

External factors that attack the skin

Every day, the skin’s surface is exposed to multiple factors that can cause various aggressions. In fact, over time, all of them influence the appearance of signs of premature aging. According to a publication in Dermato-Endocrinology, some of these factors include the following:

  • Tobacco consumption
  • Poor rest
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Blue light from electronic devices and sunlight
  • Pollution
  • Stress

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A woman putting lotion on her arms.
It’s key that the steps to be followed in your skincare routine are simple to perform in order to sustain them over time.

In any cosmetic routine, it’s best to be governed by the premise of “less is more”. The simpler the skin care steps are, the easier it will be to maintain them over time and be able to perform them both in the morning and at night.

On the other hand, the addition of too many steps can increase the likelihood of skin allergies or product sensitivity. Therefore, it’s enough to prioritize the right options according to the needs and characteristics of each skin and read the components to discard those containing phthalates.

The purpose of any skincare routine is to contribute to its beautification while decreasing the chances of premature aging. To do this, three basic steps are essential to put into practice during the morning and evening.

1. Daily cleansing

Cleansing the skin is recommended as the first step in the morning and evening routine. Micellar water or a cleansing lotion specifically for oily or sensitive skin can be used.

In general, gels are more appropriate for oily skin, while lotions or creams are better for normal or dry skin.

Superficial peels can also be added every 21 days to help loosen dead skin cells that weren’t removed spontaneously. After this procedure, the use of a soothing or nourishing mask is advised.

2. Moisturizing the skin

After cleansing the skin, you should proceed to provide it with adequate hydration. In fact, it’s a good idea to maintain the correct level of water so that the skin surface preserves its elasticity and barrier function.

This is one of the steps in which the cosmetic product must conform to the nutritional requirements of the skin, in addition to its physiological properties.

Products containing hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C can be chosen, as evidenced in a publication in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. In addition, to increase the effectiveness of the products used in this step, a correct cleansing should be performed beforehand.

A woman with freckles putting lotion on her face.
It’s important to keep skin hydrated so that it fulfills its function as a protective barrier. For this, products that have hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C are recommended.

3. The use of sunscreen

The constant and daily use of sunscreen is important to avoid future lesions, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging. It’s also advisable to use creams with sunscreens over 50 as a mandatory final step in every skincare routine.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays is one of the most damaging factors for the skin. For this reason, it’s important to start taking precautions from an early age. In addition, other strategic measures include avoiding exposure to the sun and applying sunscreen every 2 hours.

Complements indicated in the night routine

Although the use of sunscreen isn’t necessary in your night routine, there are other measures that can complement the other steps. For example, any traces of makeup and dirt from the day should be removed.

After cleansing, it’s best to apply a cosmetic product with a high concentration of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or retinol, which cause a slight peeling or desquamation effect on the most superficial layer of the skin. Cosmetics with antioxidants are also recommended to combat free radicals.

Final considerations regarding your cosmetic routine

The best cosmetic routine for the skin is one that preserves the skin surface in good condition, protects it from external aggressions, and maintains its natural hydration. In turn, it contributes to increased regeneration, elasticity, and smoothness of the skin.

In conclusion, it’s best to practice all the steps that can be maintained over time and that don’t cause weariness when performing them. Otherwise, you’re more likely to abandon them.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Vierkötter A, Krutmann J. Environmental influences on skin aging and ethnic-specific manifestations. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):227-31. doi: 10.4161/derm.19858. PMID: 23467702; PMCID: PMC3583881.
  • Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S. Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Mar;7(3):27-9. PMID: 24688623; PMCID: PMC3970829.
  • Phthalates in Cosmetics. [Internet] Disponible en: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates-cosmetics

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.