If you’ve recently achieved a skin goal, congratulations! Now what? Here, skin experts share the next steps you should take so you can keep up that flawless complexion of yours.
Maintaining your skin is a lot like exercising. To reach your goals, you have to put in the work. You might have to pay attention to what you eat, too, as well as manage your stress. There will likely be setbacks and there’s no one formula that works for everyone. But if you stick with it, success can be yours – and boy does it feel good!
And as with working out, once your goal has been met, you don’t just stop everything and revert back to your old ways. Now, you have to maintain that complexion.
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Wondering how to keep your skin clear, hydrated, youthful, or even-toned? Below, skin experts share their tips on what to do when you’ve achieved your skin goals.
Acne
“Even after your face is clear, you should continue to treat your face to prevent a recurrence,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. For this reason, it’s not just about spot-treating, but treating the whole face.
Adriana Martino, esthetician and co-founder of SKINNEY Medspa, recommends using products that contain glycolic and/or salicylic acids to “help stop a breakout in its tracks to prevent future breakouts.” The Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner contains both AHAs and BHAs (salicylic acid) to keep skin clear.
Hyperpigmentation
“The number one reason for developing dark spots is UV light exposure from the sun,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Once you have successfully brightened hyperpigmentation, make sure not to forget to apply daily sunscreen. Look for a product that contains at least SPF 30 with broad spectrum protection.”
Josie Holmes, an esthetician at SKINNEY Medspa in NYC, also recommends continued using of brightening ingredients like vitamin C and licorice root. Try mixing the Neogen Real Vita C Powder Lemon with the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner.
If you want to go the professional route, Holmes suggests looking into laser facials like Clear & Brilliant or Fraxel.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
“Continued use of ingredients like retinol will improve the appearance of wrinkles over time. It is important not to get lazy and skip your treatment in order to stimulate collagen production and keep the skin foundation strong,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Professional treatments like like Fraxel, Microneedling, Botox and radiofrequency like Thermage will keep your skin looking younger longer, says Martino.
Dryness and Dehydration
In order to keep your skin hydrated, it’s important to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, which according to Holmes is about “what your skin is lacking.” She explains, “with dehydrated skin, you are lacking water, but with dry skin you are actually lacking oil.” While dry skin is a skin type, dehydrated skin is a condition that can be caused by harsh products or the environment. Learn more about the differences and how to treat them here.
No matter which relates to your skin, “using a creamy cleanser and a good hyaluronic acid as part of your daily skin routine will keep your skin hydrated all year long,” says Martino. “Also, exfoliating your skin is very important to reduce dry dull skin enabling fresh youthful skin to shine through.”
The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100 serum is favorite among the K-beauty community. Top it off with a moisture-sealing cream.
Plus, “for someone who suffers from either dryness or dehydration I always love to suggest a nice facial like the HydraFacial treatment,” says Holmes.