It might sound cliche, but I am here to give you THE most effective skincare routine. And it’s probably not what you think. To start off this topic I am going to hit you with the FACTS³.

1. Skin is the largest organ of our body!
2. It makes up about 15% of total body weight.
3. It has it’s own metabolism
4. It is an emotional organ.
5. And finally, skin has it’s own microbiome!

These points are important when considering the most effective skincare routine. Now, let’s dive into it.

1. Water

As I have said before, the best thing you can do for your health is DRINK WATER. Adequate water intake ensures hydrated and optimally functioning skin. Optimally functioning skin means more effective skin cell turnover, fewer clogged pores, and reduced inflammation. Check out my post for more on the benefits and how much is enough https://lrxwellness.com/the-best-thing-for-your-health/.

2. Nutrition

A well-balanced diet rich in protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables promotes a healthy and functional body, including skin! It is important to consume adequate macro and micro nutrients to encourage skin health. Check out my post for more info on daily requirements. https://lrxwellness.com/macro-and-micro-nutrients/

There is emerging evidence associating gut and skin health. A healthy gut promotes healthy skin⁴.

Sugar, smoking, and alcohol may worsen skin health and expedite the natural aging process.

3. Exercise

Increased blood flow provides oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin giving you that glow, slowing skin aging, and encouraging skin cell turn over. Exercise also regulates sleep and stress. Leading me to…

4. Sleep

Insufficient sleep causes hormonal disruption, including but not limited to cortisol spikes. This may cause increased inflammation, redness, dryness and/or oiliness. Literature has found that those with low quality sleep have increased signs of aging⁵.

Improve sleep quality by improving hygiene (avoid blue light (television, phones) prior to bed, stick to a schedule, and minimize alcohol and caffeine intake) and getting plenty of rest.

5. Reduce Stress

Stress also leads to hormonal changes. These changes may be detrimental to skin health. A whole slew of skin related side effects come with high stress including acne, wrinkles, hair loss, and more. Therefore, stress management is key for optimal skin health.

6. Protect Skin

UV exposure leads to not only premature skin aging but also increases risk of cancer. It is important to protect skin by covering, using SPF + reapplying frequently, and avoiding sun at peak hours. For more info on skin protection and cancer prevention check out this post https://lrxwellness.com/skin-protection-and-cancer-prevention/.

7. Simplify Routine

It’s all over the media. A 7 step skin care routine. It’s complicated, difficult to maintain, and does it really work?. While there are many effective skin care products they are not benign. Many have undesirable side effects with little research supporting their use. I do not want to take away from very skilled skin experts with beneficial and effective routines but I will say… sometimes less is more. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests “focusing on the basics such as: a gentle cleanser, SPF, and a moisturizer. Using multiple products, particularly anti-aging, can result in skin irritation. Establish an AM and PM routine and stick with it.²“

**If you are dealing with a specific skin condition/issue that is not improving seek care from an expert.

In Conclusion

There are many complex skincare routines, devices, procedures, etc. But what is the most effective routine? Taking care of your body and mind results in improved skin health. Adequate water intake, a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, optimal sleep, and stress management all promote healthy skin. A 2-3 step bi-daily routine is ideal including a cleanser, SPF, and moisturizer. More is not always better. Find what works for you and be consistent.

As always, reach out with questions, comments, or for further discussion.

Lindsey, PharmD, BCPS

References

¹American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.-a). 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin

²American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Skin care tips dermatologists use. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use

³DeMaio, K. B. (2023, July 11). 10 surprising things about your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/10-surprising-things-about-your-skin/

⁴Mahmud, Md. R., Akter, S., Tamanna, S. K., Mazumder, L., Esti, I. Z., Banerjee, S., Akter, S., Hasan, Md. R., Acharjee, M., Hossain, Md. S., & Pirttilä, A. M. (2022). Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: Gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of Therapeutics and skin diseases. Gut Microbes, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995

⁵Oyetakin-White, P., Suggs, A., Koo, B., Matsui, M. S., Yarosh, D., Cooper, K. D., & Baron, E. D. (2014). Does poor sleep quality affect skin ageing? Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 40(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.12455