What is a good skin regimen?

• Wash your face. Morning and night, rinse your face water and rub a small amount of gentle cleanser between clean palms.
• Apply toner.
• Apply serum.
• Apply eye cream.
• Use spot treatment.
• Moisturize.
• Apply retinoid.
• Apply face oil.

Thus, we present to you our guide to a daily skincare routine for every skin type. With the expertise of skin guru and esthetician Renée Rouleau, we’ve put together the exact types of products (plus our best product picks, of course!) you should be looking for based on your particular skin type.

Most people should be using a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturizer day (with SPF) and night (a creamier, richer one). For some of you, you'll be sprinkling some serums in there, too—antioxidants for day and retinol while you sleep. And everyone gets some extra à la carte options, because indulgent skin care is the best kind, in our humble opinion.

We’re hoping to help you take the guesswork out of your a.m. and p.m. skin routines and explain why those with dry skin should use a cleansing milk or why anyone with sensitive skin should try a gel-based mask (serious game changer, by the way).

Curious? Keep scrolling for the best skincare routine for every skin type.

You might find the word "normal" as a skin type classifier on product packaging, but no one actually has perfectly normal skin. However, if your skin isn’t particularly oily or dry, and if anti-aging, acne, and sensitivity aren’t concerns on your radar, then you have what we consider to be "balanced skin."

Your Menu

Cleanser (Morning/Night): A sulfate-free cleanser with a gentle lather, like Renée Rouleau’s Purifying Face Wash ($37) or Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38), promises to help keep your skin blemish-free.

Toner (Morning/Night): Avoid ingredients like SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; “These [ingredients] are commonly found in toners and should be avoided,” Rouleau cautions. Try Cremorlab Mineral Treatment Essence ($48) for a boost of energizing, brightening hydration.

Moisturizer With SPF (Morning): “When you moisturize, do two applications, one on the face and one on the neck," Rouleau says. She adds, "Sun protection isn’t just about the number—it’s about how generously you apply it.” A light moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 will protect your skin from the sun and hydrate without clogging your pores. Rouleau suggests looking for ingredients like dimethicone, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid).

Antioxidant Serum (Night): Rouleau suggests looking for an antioxidant serum with brightening ingredients like vitamin C and algae extract, as well as naturally revitalizing ingredients like rosemary and peppermint. We’re fans of Caudalie Reveratrol Lift Firming Serum ($82).

Moisturizer (Night): At night, you can go with a creamier moisturizer, sans SPF, meant to nourish your skin while you sleep. Try Tatcha's The Water Cream ($68).

Your à La Carte Extra

When it comes to keeping your normal skin normal, Rouleau suggests incorporating glycolic acid into your routine a few times a week. “This is an [alpha-hydroxy acid] that is favored because it has the smallest molecular structure and can absorb deeper within the skin,” Rouleau explains. “This helps to dissolve surface dry skin cells to encourage brighter, more even-toned, smoother skin.” Try Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel ($88) for easy, on-the-go smoothing and brightening.

(Read more of Rouleau’s advice on serums.)

The best skincare routine for dry skin typically contains products that keep skin hydrated. “Dry skin has a damaged moisture barrier,” Rouleau says. “Your skin has invisible cracks in it and it allows moisture to escape and irritants to get in more easily.”

Your Menu

Cleansing Lotion (Morning/Night): “A no-foam, no-lather, super-mild cleansing lotion is best for those with dry skin,” Rouleau says. Try her line’s Calming Chamomile Cleanser ($36) or Clarins Cleansing Milk With Alpine Herbs ($49).

Toner (Morning/Night): To rebalance your skin's pH level, restore moisture, and protect against environmental stress, try Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner ($34).

Antioxidant Serum (Morning): Rouleau recommends using a highly potent antioxidant serum (look for vitamins E, A, and C) during the daytime to help prevent collagen breakdown—just make sure to follow with SPF. We love Skin Inc Supplement Bar Vitamin A Serum ($35).

Moisturizer With SPF (Morning): A hydrating moisturizer with SPF is the final step in your a.m. skin routine. Try Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 ($34), which contains hydrating ingredients meant to help your skin retain moisture while guarding against UVA/UVB rays.

Retinol Serum (Night): Rouleau recommends incorporating an over-the-counter retinol serum into your regimen five nights a week. “I prefer serums over creams because they have smaller molecules and can better penetrate the skin,” she says. Some of our favorite retinol serums for dry skin include Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM ($65) and Chantecaille Retinol Intense+ ($140).

Eye Cream (Night): “Look for an eye serum with peptides because they’re good for boosting collagen activity,” Rouleau says. Try Youth to the People Superfood Peptide Eye Cream ($35).

Hydrating Moisturizer (Night): “Some ingredients I recommend to look for in moisturizers are rose hip seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, phospholipids, cranberry oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil,” Rouleau says. “All of these ingredients mimic the natural lipids in your skin and do a better job of repairing your skin’s moisture barrier.” Try Perricone MD Nourishing Moisturizer ($69) or Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Moisture Binding Cream ($75) for a big dose of moisture that doesn’t feel greasy.

Your à La Carte Extras

“Dry skin responds well to [gentle] exfoliation,” Rouleau says. “If your skin is dry, it means you have dead skin cell buildup—if you try to hydrate dried skin cells that are expired, it makes no sense.” She says that dry skin has invisible “cracks,” so you should avoid using a facial scrub with sharp edges. “Chemical exfoliants do a better job of dissolving dead skin cells without tearing at your skin,” she says. Try her line’s Triple Berry Smoothing Peel ($86) or AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel ($60).

If your skin is extremely dry, you can swap your p.m. moisturizer for a nourishing face oil like Shiva Rose Face Oil ($120) or Mun Brightening Youth Serum ($38), both of which are 100-percent organic and full of hydrating natural oils.

“Oily skin has larger oil glands and a high sebum content,” Rouleau says. “This is genetic. Oily skinned women have built-in oil, so the goal is to lessen the oil activity by keeping your skin cells lightly hydrated.” The skincare routine for oily skin contains ingredients that help control excess oil production.

Your Menu

Cleansing Gel (Morning/Night): “In the case of oily skin, oil breeds bacteria, and bacteria leads to breakouts,” Rouleau says. “Wash your skin three times a day if possible. The more oil, the more breeding ground for blemishes.” She recommends using a gel or foam cleanser that’s free of sulfates. “You want agents that will cut the oil but you don’t want to dry your skin out with too many detergents,” she says. We love The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Face Wash ($67).

Toner (Morning/Night): Rouleau says to look for an alcohol-free toner that has ingredients like sodium PCA (a humectant meant to hold water to your skin), geranium (an essential oil good for cutting oil), and witch hazel (a natural astringent without the drying effects of alcohol).

AHA/BHA Serum (Morning): Any serum with alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids will help reduce the appearance of large pores as well as brighten dull spots. If you have acne-prone, look for ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil to keep your skin clear. Try Ren Radiance Perfection Serum ($56).

Oil-Free Moisturizer (Morning/Night): Lest you think your skin’s oil production warrants skipping moisturizer, know this: Your skin might actually get oilier when it’s dehydrated, by overcompensating. With this in mind, choose a light, oil-free moisturizer with sodium PCA and glycerin in the ingredient list—they’re humectants that are meant to help your skin retain moisture. Our oily-skinned editor reaches for Intraceuticals Hydration Gel ($89).

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (Morning): “Oily skinned ladies are the least likely to use sunscreen because they can’t find one compatible to their skin type,” Rouleau says. “Definitely look for zinc oxide sunscreens because those will leave a more matte finish to your skin. Plus, it’s a natural antibacterial and ideal for people prone to breakouts.” Try Rouleau’s Weightless Protection SPF 30 ($56). If you can’t find an SPF that works for you, try a mineral-based powder like Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($65) to act as your sunscreen.

Retinol Serum (Night): “Retinol is good for oily skin because it helps your pores look smaller with continued use,” Rouleau says. Try Verso Super Facial Serum ($130) or RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum ($25).

Your à La Carte Extras

Rouleau recommends indulging in a gentle clay mask once a week. “Make sure your clay mask doesn’t dry too much before rinsing it off,” she warns. “If you smile and it cracks into 10,000 pieces, you’ve waited too long and it’s gotten too dry—this can actually dehydrate your skin.”

Face oil and oily skin might seem a strange pair, but Rouleau says it’s a good product to have on hand in super-dry environments like airplanes. “Use one drop of oil over moisturizer every hour you’re flying to prevent dryness and extra oil production, but I wouldn’t recommend using it as part of your daily routine,” Rouleau says.

The skincare routine for combination skin contains ingredients that treat a wide range of skin concerns. “The concept of combination skin is that you’re oily in some places and dry in others,” Rouleau says. “You don’t necessarily want to use two different routines, but instead find one in the middle of the road.”

Your Menu

Cleansing Gel (Morning/Night): Start with a cleansing gel like Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($14). If your skin starts getting too dry, you can switch to a cleansing lotion like OSEA Ocean Cleansing Milk ($54).

Toner (Morning/Night): Try a simple balancing witch hazel toner like Thayer's Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner ($9).

AHA/BHA Serum (Morning): AHAs and BHAs minimize the appearance of pores and brighten up dull skin. If you’re acne-prone, look for ingredients like salicylic acid and tea-tree oil to keep your skin clear. Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum ($49) is fine like wine.

Lightweight Moisturizer (Morning/Night): “Combination skin doesn’t need an oil-free moisturizer, but it does need a lightweight one,” Rouleau says. Try Fresh Peony Brightening Moisture Face Cream ($73) for a silky texture and a dose of hyaluronic acid.

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (Morning): Just like with oily skin, zinc oxide sunscreens are great for combo skin, thanks to the matte finish. Try Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 ($34).

Retinol Serum (Night): A retinol serum is pretty much a friend to all skin types, and combination skin is no exception. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane ($14) is super affordable, yet potent. You'll wake up with practically brand new skin.

Your à La Carte Extras

Since combination skin tends to get oily around the T-zone, focus on that area alone when using a clay mask.

Face oils can do wonders for combination skin—save them for nighttime, however, to avoid an overly dewy face in the a.m.

The skincare routine for sensitive skin needs to be nonirritating. “A lot of people think of sensitive skin as acne-prone, but I think of it as skin that gets red and irritated easily,” Rouleau says. “It’s more delicate skin that you can’t be aggressive with.”

Your Menu

Cleansing Lotion (Morning/Night): A gentle, sulfate-free cleansing lotion like Peet Rivko Gentle Skin Cleanser ($28) will get rid of your makeup and any impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.

Alcohol-Free Toner (Morning/Night): Ingredients like white tea extract, green tea, chamomile, and bisabolol are all calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients to look for in toners and moisturizers. Rouleau also says beta-glucan is an ingredient that helps support your skin’s immune system to make it less sensitive over time. Try Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Treatment Lotion With White Tea ($25.

Fragrance-Free Moisturizer (Morning/Night): When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, make sure to find one that doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Avoid alcohol and synthetic dyes as well if your skin gets irritated easily.

Zinc Oxide SPF (Morning): “Zinc oxide sunscreens are the least likely to irritate sensitive skin,” Rouleau says. “Titanium dioxide sunscreens are good, but not as compatible with medium and darker skin tones because they can leave a white cast.” Try CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 ($12) or Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($28).

Your à La Carte Extras

A gel-based mask has a naturally cooler temperature, which makes it perfect for irritated, inflamed skin. “It helps to put out the fire and delivers water-based hydration,” Rouleau says. We love her line’s Bio Calm Repair Masque ($50) as well as Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydration Mask ($75), one of our favorite overnight masks.

Just because you have sensitive skin doesn’t mean you should skip exfoliating. If glycolic acid is too harsh, try a lactic acid serum like Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel ($85) instead—it’s milder and better for sensitive skin. Rouleau suggests using a lactic acid–based serum twice a week.

Finally, for a skincare routine for older skin, your main goal is to plump up wrinkles, banish dark spots, and lift sagging. Rouleau says that your skin regimen will be similar to that of those with dry skin, with a few small differences.

Your Menu

Cleansing Lotion (Morning/Night): For aging skin specifically, Rouleau says to remember your neck when it comes to cleansing, treating, and sunscreen—it’s a secret spot that often shows the first sign of aging. Try Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm ($64)

Toner (Morning/Night): Some toners have AHAs and BHAs in them, like Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner ($23), which helps gently brighten mature skin.

Antioxidant Serum (Morning): Rouleau suggests looking for an antioxidant serum with brightening ingredients like licorice and vitamin C, to fade dark spots and discoloration. Korres Black Pine 3D Sculpting, Firming & Lifting Face Serum ($75) will brighten as well as plump fine lines and wrinkles with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and resveratrol.

Moisturizer With SPF (Morning): For moisture and sun protection with an antioxidant kick, try Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 ($29).

Physical Exfoliator (Night): Skin gets more delicate as it ages, which is why Rouleau says a gentle physical exfoliator with round beads works best on aging skin—especially on your neck.

Retinol Serum (Night): Depending on the severity of your wrinkles, you may want to visit a dermatologist for a prescription retin-a. Confused about the difference? Check out our ultimate guide to retinol.

Eye Cream (Night): Look for an eye cream with peptides meant to absorb easily, like Skin Laundry Wrinkle Release Eye Cream ($30).

Hydrating Moisturizer (Night): A moisturizer with retinol, like Verso Day Cream ($110), is meant to smooth fine lines and prevent future ones from forming.

Your à La Carte Extras

If dark spots and hyperpigmentation are your main concerns, try a brightening serum like SK-II GenOptics Spot Essence ($225).

Your skin may get drier as it ages, so consider incorporating a nourishing face oil with anti-aging ingredients, like Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil ($72), into your p.m. skin regimen a few times a week.

There seems to be an endless amount of skin-care advice out there nowadays, especially now that many of us can learn new tips and tricks on TikTok. But how do you know what to trust? As we look to answer that question ourselves, we thought to take a peek into the routines of our favorite dermatologists. They are, after all, the ultimate experts in the space who can provide medical guidance on achieving your best skin yet. And although it may seem obvious, they have the typical skin-care concerns like acne, sensitivity, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and more, just like us.

So, we asked five top dermatologists to share their actual skin-care regimens from morning to night. Generally speaking, a proper routine might consist of a gentle yet effective cleanse, a specialized treatment based on their skin type, and a quenching moisturizer—supplemented by perhaps a carefully-chosen face mask or high-tech beauty gadget. All these details and more below: read on to shop dermatologist-recommended skin care and discover some helpful insights to inform your routine.

Skin Type: “Overall, I have what is referred to as ‘normal’ skin,” Engelman notes. “Occasionally, I experience some mild oiliness in my T-zone, but I’m not particularly sensitive, nor do I tend to be blemish-prone.”

Step One: “In the mornings, I keep it simple with the LoveCraftBeauty Micellar Water," says Engelman. “This helps to gently remove the products I’ve used the night prior.” The formula uses a blend of aloe, neroli water, cucumber, and chamomile to soothe, renew, and cleanse the skin.

Step Two: Next up is eye cream. “My go-to is the Valmont L’Elixir Des Glaciers Vos Yeux Swiss Poly-Active Cream, a really rich eye cream packed with hyaluronic acid to minimize dehydration lines and increase radiance and brightness,” she explains. When she’s applying makeup, on the other hand, she reaches for SkinMedica’s cooling eye patches because they “catch the fallout from eyeshadow application and smooths the intraorbital skin.”

Step Three: Then comes vitamin C serum. “I use SkinBetter Science’s Alto Defense Serum, which contains a rich blend of antioxidants for protection against free radical damage caused by environmental assailants like UVA/UVB and pollution,” she says. The serum also promises to reduce the look of redness and uneven skin tone.

Step Four: “Next, I layer on my moisturizer,” she details. “I love the Isdin Hyaluronic Concentrate, which is a water-gel serum that contains hyaluronic acids, BioMarine extract, skin-firming peptides, and lentil extract. It’s so hydrating and soothing.”

Step Five: Engelman is sure not to forget lip care in her regimen—reaching for Sara Happ’s balm even over lipstick. “It helps keep my lips hydrated while giving a fresh, glossy appearance,” she says.

Step Six: “Like any good dermatologist, sunscreen is a huge part of my skin-care routine,” Engelman explains. “One of my favorites is the Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50, which is a lightly tinted mineral sunscreen with antioxidants to protect the skin against both the sun and environmental pollutants. In my bag, I keep the Isdin Mineral Brush Daily Protection Powder for re-application throughout the day. I love this because it helps absorb excess oil and can be applied over makeup.”

More to Know: “Before a big event or filming anything, I always apply Isdin Instant Flash to my face, neck, and chest. It makes my skin look amazing and makeup goes on beautifully on top,” she says. Otherwise, Elle Macpherson’s WelleCo supplement is a must each morning. “It’s designed to support 11 systems of the body, including skin, hair, and nails.”

Step One: “Because I wear makeup most days, I’m a big fan of the double cleanse, and I love the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm to lift any makeup, dirt, or grime from the day,” explains Engelman. “This balm uses papaya extract, sunflower, and ginger root oils to remove impurities and nourish the skin and feels really luxurious on the skin. To finish the double cleanse, I follow with my favorite Epionce Lytic Gel, which has willow bark extract, which is naturally anti-inflammatory and a [has] specific complex that helps optimize skin’s pH levels.”

Step Two: Post cleanse, she moves onto toner disclosing her appreciation of Biologique Recherche’s cult favorite Lotion P50 Original 1970, which she applies every other day. “It contains niacinamide, AHAs, and PHAs for a thorough and gentle exfoliation,” she says. “It also helps to maintain the proper pH of the skin’s acid mantle (pH - 5.5).” When she isn’t using P50, Humphrey’s Clarifying Cleansing Pads do the trick. “We use Humphrey’s toners at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue to prep patient’s skin prior to treatments, so I was excited that they’ve created these easy-to-use pads, which are also great for when I’m traveling.”

Step Three: At night, she opts for SiO’s Super EyeLift Patches. “These are easy to use and help me look younger and well rested (even though neither of those is accurate),” she says. Made from medical-grade silicone, the patches are designed to plump, lift, and smooth the look of wrinkles overnight.

Step Four: “You probably already know how much dermatologists love retinol; this ingredient helps to increase cell turnover, build collagen, improve discoloration, treat wrinkles, hydrate skin and even reduce acne!” says Engelman, who is a years-long fan and a consulting dermatologist for Elizabeth Arden—the brand that crafts her retinol of choice. “[The Retinol Ceramide Capsules] are perfectly dosed in anhydrous, preservative-free, single-use, biodegradable capsules. They contain ceramides to help mitigate any potential dryness.” Alternatively, when she is not using retinol, she’ll reach for the M-61 PowerGlow Peel, “which is a one-minute treatment that combines glycolic and salicylic acid, [to] help exfoliate and improve skin texture.”

Step Five: Lastly, Engelman locks in moisture with a night cream. Skinbetter Science’s Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment is just the ticket for its gel-like consistency and featured three types of hyaluronic acid. “The time-release HA helps keep my skin feeling hydrated all night long and I wake up with softer, smoother skin in the morning.”

Step Six: “I’ll often finish with the Lanolips Superbalm, especially right now in the winter when it’s extra dry, to keep my lips moisturized overnight,” she says of the lanolin-rich multipurpose hydrator.

Step Seven: “On wash nights, I like to use the NatureLab Tokyo Scalp Scrub, which doubles as a scalp scrub and a lathering shampoo,” she details. “It gently exfoliates with sugar crystals (instead of the traditional salt crystals), so it’s very gentle and color safe.”

More to Know: High-tech beauty tools are part of Engelman’s at-home regimen, too, pointing out three devices as her top picks. There is Medicube Age-R Booster-H, a glow-boosting tool she uses for five minutes each night. She’s also a fan of the Lyma Laser, which she describes as “a powerful at-home device that addresses anti-aging, wrinkles, skin elasticity, skin texture, and skin tone.” (Each morning, Engelman also takes Lyma’s daily supplement that’s engineered to improve one’s sleep, complexion, mood, and stress levels through ingredients like ashwahgandha root extract, plant-based vitamin D, and soluble keratin.) Conversely, if she’s low on time, she might put on HigherDose’s silicone LED face mask, which combines red and near-infrared light to rejuvenate skin and quell inflammation in one 10-minute treatment.

Skin Type: “My skin is oily and acne-prone, so I really must watch what I use on it and stay away from oils and heavy creams,” Hartman explains.

Step One: “I start by applying the Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector for 15 minutes before I shower, and then cleanse my face with either SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser,” he says. Both face washes are powered by exfoliating acids to remove excess oils and decongest pores, particularly on breakout-prone skin.

Step Two: For Hartman, specialized treatments are next. The SkinMedica Brightening Treatment Pads preps skin, evens tone, and smooths skin texture. This is followed by a prescription acne cream, Winlevi, and a few drops of SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF—an oil-free vitamin C serum designed for blemish-prone skin types.

Step Three: Face creams are his third step. Versed Dew Point delivers lightweight moisture thanks to a jelly-like texture enriched with hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, and green tea. “Right before sunscreen, I spot treat and dark spots with SkinMedica Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream,” he details. The spot treatment uses a blend of glycolic acid, retinol, kojic acid, and vitamin C to diminish the appearance of dark spots from acne or sun damage.

Step Four: Sunscreen is last, specifically a La Roche-Posay Anthelios formula known to quell shine or clog pores. “This combination of products works well to address any active acne, prevent future breakouts, and help to even out discoloration left behind by previous acne,” he details. “My skin is appropriately moisturized and protected from the sun without being overly dry or extra shiny or sticky. It helps me to maintain an active regimen to keep breakouts under control.”

Step One: Hartman starts his nighttime routine with Neutrogena’s Hydroboost cleanser. The lightweight gel formula is powered by hyaluronic acid to nourish skin while sloughing away dirt, oil, and buildup. Not to mention, its non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin types.

Step Two: Similar to his daytime regimen, a serum duo is next. He pairs Skinbetter’s retinoid and AHA-powered serum with Paula’s Choice’s formula enriched with retinoid, niacinamide, and hexylresorcinol (an acclaimed skin-brightening ingredient). Sometimes, this is supplemented by SkinMedica’s aforementioned spot treatment. “This combination of products works well to address any active acne, prevent future breakouts, and help to even out discoloration left behind by previous acne,” Hartman says. “My skin is appropriately moisturized and protected from the sun without being overly dry, or extra shiny or sticky. It helps me to maintain an active regimen that keeps breakouts under control.”

Step Three: “I apply Revision D.E.J. Daily Boosting Serum as the last step at night,” he says. Designed to energize fatigued skin and strengthen the skin barrier, this serum promotes a soft, hydrated, supple complexion through a complex antioxidant blend.

More to Know: For the most part, Hartman follows this routine each day—only toggling his cleansers in the morning to address any immediate needs and quickly deal with active breakouts. “But I do add either Hyper Even Fade and Glow Mask and/or Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial one to two times per week to help control oil production and add another layer of skin tone evening,” he continues. Otherwise, the dermatologist supplements his routine with the “Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask a few times a week, as well as in-office chemical peels, Hydrafacials, and SkinPen microneedling, which [he] cycles every four to six weeks rotating.”

Skin Type: “I am naturally more oily, acne-prone,” Kagha explains. “With my skin type, mild hyperpigmentation can arise.”

Step One: “In the morning, I use a gentle wash. Depending on how my skin is doing, I alternate between CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, Senté Exfoliating Cleanser, and Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash.” Senté and Revision Skincare’s formulas are powered by exfoliating acids to brighten and slough away impurities, and CeraVe’s is infused with benzoyl peroxide to remove excess dirt and oil and prevent new breakouts.

Step Two: “Then, I apply a vitamin C serum; I’m currently using SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF.” Formulated with oily and acne-prone skin in mind, this serum features a cocktail of silymarin (milk thistle extract), L-ascorbic acid, and ferulic and salicylic acid to reduce oiliness, breakouts, and skin texture.

Step Three: Next is moisturizer, which at the moment is the Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. This is packed with linoleic acid, oat kernel, and silver mushroom to soothe and nourish the skin.

Step Four: “Finally, I apply sunscreen. Currently, I am using EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44,” Kagha says. The tinted mineral sunscreen provides universal sheer coverage to most skin types, along with protection against UV rays. “For fancier days, if I want more coverage, I may mix a drop of Dermablend Flawless Creator foundation with my sunscreen.”

“At night, I alternate between the same washes mentioned in my morning routine,” she says. “I then use a small pea-size amount of Arazlo 0.045% lotion. Finally, I apply a moisturizer, which is sometimes La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.” This coveted French pharmacy find is known to be incredibly gentle and nourishing thanks to its featured ceramides, niacinamide, and prebiotic thermal water.

More to Know: “Depending on active breakouts, I do have a prescription benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin lotion that I apply intermittently to problem areas,” Kagha said of what supplements her routine. In light of her specialties in aesthetics and lasers, she often treats her diverse clientele and her own skin with this approach. “One of the most common complaints of my personal skin type is hyperpigmentation,” she notes. “For this, I enjoy combining other less frequent in-office options, including non-ablative fractional lasers and chemical peels for more stubborn areas. I always encourage patients to take a more preventative approach and begin caring for their skin early for better results.”

Skin Type: “My skin is sensitive, dry, and I am prone to occasional breakouts,” Bowe says.

“My morning skin-care routine is consistent and streamlined—I do not skin cycle in the morning,” Bowe explains. “My goal is to protect my skin from the daily stressors that can generate free radicals, like ultraviolet rays and pollution.”

Step One: “Cleanse using a gentle cleanser and warm (not hot) water,” she advises. “One of my long-time favorites is La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, which is milky and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished, not stripped and tight.”

Step Two: Next up, vitamin C serum. “I’ve been using SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF because their CE Ferulic tends to break me out, but I’m really excited about the newer, more stable vitamin C derivatives like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate because we know that L-ascorbic acid, the more traditional form of vitamin C, is highly unstable.”

Step Three: “I moisturize using Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream, which was clinically tested using an instrument called a Tewameter to measure TEWL, or transepidermal water loss, meaning how much water is evaporating from the surface of the skin,” she says. “It’s powered by a proprietary blend of deeply hydrating and restorative ingredients including prebiotics, postbiotics, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane.”

Step Four: For sun protection, she reaches for Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen, a lightweight K-beauty cream powered by rice extract and grain fermented extracts to be ultra moisturizing. Otherwise, she likes Supergoop!’s Glowscreen for a dewy and sun-kissed glow.

Step Five: “The last and final step of my morning routine is drinking my Bowe Growe,” she says. The elixir targets inner skin care—what she considers the missing layer of your skin-care routine. “Bowe Growe is a vegan elixir made with a blend of polyphenols which are powerful plant-based nutrients that help rebalance your gut microbiome and support healthy skin from the inside out. I treat the skin from the inside out and from the outside in as part of my three-dimensional approach to skin health, and although I eat an incredibly healthy diet, I also believe in smart, strategic supplementation.” Bowe drinks one to three drops of the elixir in four ounces of water once per day.

Starting a proper skincare routine is no easy feat. The store aisles are daunting, the TikTok tips and tricks are conflicting and the skincare product reviews are endless. Not to mention that everyone has different skin types, formula preferences, schedules and lifestyles. While there is no one right way to take care of your skin, we spoke with top dermatologists (the pros who really know) to help you figure out where to start and what to keep in mind while building the best routine for your skin.

To get the most benefit from a daily skincare regimen, no matter what your skin type, you should start with three simple steps, according to Ashley Magovern, M.D., a dermatologist and owner and founder of Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, California:

You probably already know that cleansing means washing your face and moisturizing means hydrating your skin, but what does "treating" involve? Well, in addition to keeping your complexion in tip-top shape, the goal of any good skincare routine is to target problem areas. So, treating means incorporating serums packed full of beneficial skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and others, depending on your skin type and the results you want to see. "Adding a middle step in between the cleansing and moisturizing components is really important," Dr. Magovern says. "It can make a huge difference over time in the health, appearance and aging of your skin."

Stick with it! Good things come to those who wait — and that includes skincare routines. Even the best skincare products take time to work, so don't expect results overnight. If you stick to a consistent, daily routine, you can likely expect to see some benefits within six to 12 weeks — and it can often take at least three to four months to know if your new routine is really working.

Here, the best dermatologist-approved daily skincare routines for morning and night, including the basic steps that should be in every at-home regimen for oily, dry, combination or acne-prone skin (we've included the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab's top-tested product picks for each step, too).

Face cleansing should be the first step in any skincare routine, as it clears away impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and dull skin. But be gentle: “Many people cleanse too often or use a cleanser that’s overly harsh, which will actually break down your skin’s protective barrier,” Dr. Magovern says. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try washing only at night and rinsing your face with water in the morning.

The best formulas will gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of healthy oils. “A [good] sulfate- and soap-free cleanser for the face will be pH-balanced and gentle to maintain the skin’s barrier without stripping,” says Whitney Bowe, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. For everyday cleansing, here's how to shop for the best facial cleanser based on your skin type:

Toners are skincare liquids that are applied to dry skin after cleansing using fingers, a cotton ball or cloth, and before using other leave-on skincare treatments like serums and moisturizers. A good toner can help ensure your skin is totally clean and grime-free, plus give it an extra dose of active ingredients.

You don’t need a toner, but swiping one on can be a great way to refresh skin, remove any residual debris and balance pH, Dr. Magovern says. If you're looking for additional complexion-purifying and brightening benefits, today's toners are much more advanced than the drying alcohol- and astringent-based formulas of the past, packed with skin-boosting benefits that can leave you glowing. Here are the ingredients you'll want to look for, based on your skin type:

A serum tailored to your skin concerns can both treat and protect, delivering concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients that can address a number of complexion issues, from wrinkles to dark spots — and if you have multiple concerns, you can use several different serum formulas. Just be sure to read the labels carefully, because some serums are best used in the morning, while others are ideal for nighttime.

One serum anyone can benefit from in the morning? An antioxidant serum, which will prevent the formation of free radicals and lessen signs of aging over time. Vitamin C is considered the gold standard antioxidant. “Everyone should use vitamin C, no matter what age,” Dr. Magovern says. “It helps reverse a lot of the skin damage we get from the sun and pollution.” For darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation can be a common issue, and using a vitamin C serum in the morning can also help mitigate dark spots, says Jennifer David, D.O., a dermatologist in Philadelphia and founder of Skin & Scripts Virtual Dermatology.

In addition to antioxidant serums, you can try anti-aging serums featuring the following ingredients to address wrinkles, fine lines and more:

Eye creams are different than face creams because they’re formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, which ages faster than the rest of your face — and therefore fall into the "treat" category, too. If you're concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, a lack of firmness, dark circles or undereye bags, an eye treatment product is definitely a good option.

To target dark circles, seek out niacinamide or vitamin C; and for puffiness, use a formula with caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas with peptides and retinol. In addition, "vitamin K can help brighten dark undereye circles and hyaluronic acid hydrates dry skin," says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, CT and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. To treat multiple eye area issues, shop for a combo of these ingredients targeted to your needs.

When applying in the morning and at night, lightly tap on a formula targeted to your eye-area concerns using your ring finger (your weakest) to avoid tugging on this delicate area and causing damage.

Next come face moisturizers, which keep your skin soft and hydrated and help strengthen its barrier. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lighter moisturizer during the daytime, such as a lotion or gel that will absorb quickly and won’t pill under makeup. If your skin is dry, try a thicker formula, like a cream. Either way, dermatologists recommend moisturizers for all skin types year round, since hydrating is crucial for keeping skin youthful and healthy. “Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, since these ingredients are the building blocks of moisture retention in skin,” Dr. David explains.

Expert tip: Massage moisturizer in as you apply it, which will increase its absorption and effectiveness, plus improve circulation.

Here's how to pick a moisturizer formula, based on your skin type:

Dermatologists agree: Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine for every skin type and age. “If you don’t wear sunscreen, you might as well not do any of the other steps,” Dr. Magovern says. “The sun is the number one reason skin ages prematurely.” The damage isn’t only cosmetic, no matter what your skin color: “People of color can and do get skin cancer,” Dr. David says. “Plus, if you’re treating hyperpigmentation without daily SPF use, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step backward.”

Heads up: Protecting your skin from the sun is important even if you're spending your days indoors, as UV rays can penetrate through the windows.

Smooth on a nickel-sized dollop of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher face sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, including on your neck and the backs of your hands, 30 minutes before you head outside. If you want to minimize the steps in your routine, you can use a daily moisturizer with SPF instead of applying a moisturizer and SPF separately.

There are two main types of sunscreen formulas:

Some SPF formulas include both chemical and physical ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists generally recommend mineral and pure zinc-oxide sunscreens (though many chemical sunscreens have not caused irritation in GH Beauty Lab tests). For those with oily skin, look for non-comedogenic, oil-free gel formulas. If you have dry skin, avoid spray or gel sunscreens with alcohol. People with darker skin tones may prefer chemical sunscreens to avoid the white cast of some physical formulas, though brands have begun to produce mineral formulations without a chalky appearance.

It's important to switch up your skincare routine at night — and not just because you don't need SPF while you sleep. Your nighttime routine is the perfect time to make sure your skin is getting as many nutrients and active ingredients as possible, since your skin regenerates and repairs itself while you snooze, Dr. Magovern says. (Hence the term "beauty sleep.") You'll still follow the same basic three steps — cleanse, treat and moisturize — but at night, the regimen will look a little bit different.

First, remove the day's makeup and grime. Start by applying a separate makeup remover, if needed, to take off any cosmetics. “Cleansers are not necessarily designed to dissolve makeup, especially on eyes, and haven’t done so effectively in our testing,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. Follow with the same cleanser as in the morning, working from the inside of the face up, then out and down along the hairline and perimeter to just underneath the chin, she suggests.

If you’re opting for a toner, apply it the same way you would in the morning. Because they’re liquids, toners should go on before heavier formulas like serums and moisturizers so they can absorb into skin.

Night is an ideal time to use products with ingredients that slough off dead skin cells or stimulate cell turnover while you sleep, such as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or retinol, Dr. Magovern says. These smooth texture, brighten skin and minimize pores. (Some serums can be used day or night; follow the packaging instructions.) If you’re treating hyperpigmentation, alternate between a retinoid and the spot-fading active ingredient hydroquinone, Dr. David recommends.

Gently dab an eye cream, or alternatively a bit of your face serum or treatment, around your eyes. “You don’t have to use a lot, but if you start training your skin to tolerate more active products around the eye, you’ll see more change,” Dr. Magovern explains.

If you currently have a blemish (or a few), apply an acne treatment at this time. For chronic breakouts, be proactive rather than treating pimples as they pop up, Dr. Magovern advises. “If you just treat the spot, you’ll get acne right next to it if your skin is clogged,” she says. “You’re getting breakouts because oil is building up, so be consistent with your regimen to keep pores all over your face clear.” (If using a retinoid, let skin adjust before trying acne formulas like salicylic acid.)

Moisturizing is especially crucial at night, as it creates a barrier that seals in skin’s natural hydration and any active ingredients to counteract moisture loss that happens as you sleep. But while you can use the same non-SPF day moisturizer at night, using a night-specific formula will have targeted anti-aging benefits, repairing damage from the day. "Where regular moisturizers focus on improving the natural moisture barrier of the skin only, night creams contain active ingredients that assist with improving the skin beyond adding moisture," explains Tonya McLeod, M.D., a dermatologist in Charlotte, North Carolina.

It's not a necessary step, but if your skin is still feeling parched, applying a face oil can be a great way to help lock in moisture overnight. “A lot of people think that if they have acne or oily skin, they’ll break out with an oil, but it’s not true,” Dr. Magovern explains. “It can actually really help soften skin.” For a nourishing boost, pat on a face oil as a last step once the rest of your leave-on skincare products dry — just be sure to apply by pressing it into your skin, not rubbing it in.

Beyond a basic washcloth, you don't need any specific supplies for your skincare routine, but some at-home skin tools and gadgets can deliver added benefits. Here are some worth trying:

Face masks can give your skin an immediate boost. Incorporate one into an at-home facial regimen once or twice per week by applying it on your clean, dry face, avoiding the eyes and mouth (unless the mask is made for those areas). Remove it per packaging instructions, and follow with other leave-on skincare products as directed or needed. Whether you're opting for a DIY skin treatment, a sheet mask or an overnight mask, you want to make sure you're choosing the right face mask for your skin type:

Facial exfoliation is a technique that removes the skin's outer layer of dead skin cells in order to make it smoother, brighter and clearer — yet a GH survey revealed that nearly half of women skip it in their skincare routine. There are three main types of exfoliation, each with different functions that work best for different skin types, concerns and needs.

Physical exfoliants can be applied two to three times per week in the morning or evening after cleansing. Chemical exfoliants can be applied once a week, morning or evening after cleansing, for sensitive or dry skin and three times a week maximum for other skin types. Combo exfoliants can be applied weekly up to daily, but follow the specific product's instructions.

Yes, it's a good general guideline and starting point for any type of skin. Remember that it's just that: a starting point, and can and should be tweaked and customized according to your complexion's needs. What works perfectly for your skin may not for someone else and vice versa. Finding your ideal daily routine can take trial and error, but these are the right tools to get you on your way to healthy, glowing skin.