‘I’m a Dermatologist, and These Are the Non-Negotiable Skin-Care Rules *Everyone* Should Live By’

Because everyone’s skin is different, we should all have routines that look different from each other. What works for your best friend or your favorite influencer might not work for you. Luckily, there’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to picking the best products for you, so your options are pretty much endless. But as you go about curating your own regimen, there are a few skin-care rules that dermatologists say you should follow no matter what.

During this week’s episode of The Well+Good Podcast, dermatologists Sandra Lee, MD (aka “Dr. Pimple Popper”) and Shereene Idriss, MD (aka “Pillow Talk Derm”), share their routine non-negotiables and tips for sticking with them for the long haul. Plus, hosts Kate Spies, Ella Dove, and Taylor Camille chat about their routines and how their relationship to skin care has evolved over time. Get ready to unwind and listen to an episode that feels like a chat with your friends.

One of the most important pieces of advice the pros share is about personalizing your routine. “Everybody’s routine is a little bit different because of the type of skin we have and certainly how old we are, and where we may live,” says Dr. Lee, who is also the founder of SLMD Skincare. She adds that “all [of] these sort of factors come into play” when creating your own individual regimen.

Additionally, you want to keep the basics of your routine consistent. That way, it’s easier to stick to. “When you have a routine that is very predictable to you, then it becomes automatic and you don’t have to really stress and worry about those things,” says Dr. Lee. Once you’ve made it a habit, Dr. Idriss says it’s very hard to break. “If you get yourself into a good habit at a young age, then you’re already winning by lightyears,” she explains.

But of course, that’s only the beginning—throughout the episode, they share a slew of make-or-break tips for crafting a skin-care routine that truly works for you. To learn about the must-haves, what Dr. Lee and Dr. Idriss’ routines look like, and the products our editors are loving, you’ll have to listen to the full conversation. Stream it on Apple, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

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