Demand for skincare products has been growing! There is a dizzying array of every type of basic skincare product available from cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, to hundreds of specialized skincare products for anti-aging and overall skin renewal. What is a consumer to do? Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist has always recommended to her patients that they only need a few products in their daily skincare routine for healthy and radiant skin. According to Dr. Baxt the new popular catchphrase for this approach is ‘skin streaming.’ “It is just a fancy word for streamlining your skincare to a few essential products. I have always 100% recommended this approach to my patients for their skincare routine,” says Dr. Baxt.
The ‘skin streaming’ terminology has arisen from consumers who are concerned about how many products they are buying and using. Frequently asked questions include: Why are so many products needed? Does the routine have to have so many steps? Does the routine help or hurt your skin? These concerns are not limited to adults as teens and even tweens “are obsessed with skincare. Their curiosity for all kinds of creams, gels, face masks and facial peels has even earned them a viral moniker: “Sephora Kids.” 1
Patients who come for their consultation constantly bring, “bags and bags of so many things that they’ve purchased,” says Dr. Baxt. “And either they are not using them consistently, they don’t know what to use, they are confused, or many have allergic reactions.” The bottom line: Dr. Baxt finds that most are wasting a lot of money and time.
What Skincare Products are Fundamental for Healthy Skin?
Protecting
Cleansing
Moisturizing
Preventing
Dr. Baxt advises her patients that there are 4 key skincare steps necessary for maintaining results and having healthy, vibrant skin. These 4 steps are:
1. Protection
Sunscreen is a vital part of keeping your skin healthy. Because most sun damage results from everyday ultraviolet exposure, Dr. Baxt strongly recommends the daily use of sunscreen. The most effective active ingredients for blocking out both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B is zinc oxide based sunblock.
2. Cleansing
The essential things are a mild cleanser, typically cool water, and your own fingertips to wash your face in the sink. Your face can be washed in the evening and splashed with water in the morning or can be washed twice a day.
Dr. Baxt treats many patients who have acne. Her recommendation for acne patients is to use acne cleansers, but don’t use scrubs! Listen to Dr. Baxt’s podcasts on acne to learn more.
3. Moisturizers
Most people need moisturizers after washing. If you’re acne prone, use an oil-free moisturizer, otherwise, whatever moisturizer that you like is fine. Be sure to use a good quality sunscreen on top, sometimes the sunscreen functions as double moisturizer and sunblock.
4. Prevention
For a little extra help for your skin, Vitamin C serum is recommended as Vitamin C serum or cream can reduce skin aging and dark spots. Add the Vitamin C serum underneath your sunblock to help scavenge free radicals, and theoretically reduce any sun damage. In the evening, Dr. Baxt’s advises that you wash and either wait 30 minutes before putting on a retinoid, or wash and moisturize and then put on a retinoid. Please note not everyone can tolerate a retinoid and so some people will use glycolic acid or Vitamin C or a peptide cream.
Incorporating these 4 key steps into your skincare routine is easy! It’s just a few steps in the morning and a few steps in the evening, it should be less than a few minutes of your time to invest in your skin’s health.
Schedule a skincare consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt, at her premier medical and cosmetic dermatology practice in Paramus, NJ.
Schedule online or call, 201-265-1300 today!
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Dermatologist Recommended Skincare for your 20’s! Dr. Rebecca Baxt interviewed by the American Academy of Dermatology, Feb 2023. It’s never too early to begin a good skin care routine. Dr. Rebeca Baxt addressed the need for a good skincare regimen starting in your 20’s. The article discussed recommendations for women in their 20s to keep their skin looking youthful. (Read full article).
Dr. Rebecca Baxt interviewed by Today, February, 3, 2023, “How to build an anti-aging skin care routine, according to dermatologists” (Read full article)
1. The ‘Sephora kid’ trend shows tweens are psyched about skincare. But their overzealous approach is raising concerns,” Parija Kavilanz, CNN, March 2024.
