Great skin is not simply a genetic matter – your daily habits have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But with beauty aisles overflowing with supposed “must-haves” and a constant influx of skincare tips online, building an effective (and efficient) skincare routine is easier said than done. Packed shelves and too-good-to-be-true claims often make beauty and skincare shopping more confusing than helpful, but a great skincare routine boils down to a few simple steps. Use a Daily Cleanser From the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep, your skin takes a major beating. Exposure to harmful UV rays, pollution, and grime from routine activity both damage and age the skin. Wash away the day’s grit and grime with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type before you go to sleep, then use it again in the morning to start the day with a fresh face. Add an Antioxidant Antioxidants are substances that help protect the skin’s surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution. Immidiately after cleansing, apply a serum that contains vitamin C, vitamin E, or niacinamide (one of the two major forms of vitamin B3). Add an Eye Cream Whether or not eyes are really the windows to the soul, they can most certainly reveal your age. We recommend investing in an eye cream to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that form around the eye, otherwise known as “crow’s feet”. Exfoliate Occasionally After a while, leftover gunk and grime can build up on your skin. Exfoliating frees your skin from dead skin buildup that can cause irritation, dullness, and acne. While you shouldn't exfoliate every single day, make it a part of your skincare routine a few times a week. Always Use Sunscreen Because most skin cancers are caused by harmful UV rays from the sun, the best way to protect yourself against skin cancer is to avoid too much sunlight and sunburns. Whether or not you are planning to spend time outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before you head out. Wear hats to shade your face and ears, and look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor label for extra protection. UV rays are usually strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so consider taking walks in the morning or evening. Dr. Barnett is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, meaning that she has received extensive training in her field and is better equipped to address your skincare concerns. At the Atlanta Skin Wellness Center, she hopes to be a reliable source of current, scientific information for her patients and looks forwards to earning your trust, too. Make an appointment by calling (404) 446-4840.