CeraVe Quizzes
Find Your CeraVe Skincare RoutineIn partnership with dermatologists, CeraVe has created simple, effective skincare routines for all skin types with non-comedogenic products that are formulated with proven ingredients.
How To Build an Effective Skincare Routine
Identify your skin type
Not all skin is the same. Skin can be oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive(1). To build an effective skincare routine that works for your skin, first identify your skin type by assessing it 30 minutes after cleansing.
- Oily skin tends to appear shiny all over
- Dry skin may feel flaky or tight-feeling skin
- Combination skin may appear shiny in the forehead and eyebrow area
- Normal skin feels hydrated without oiliness or dryness
Use effective ingredients
Connect With a Dermatologist
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Identify Your Skin Type
Identify your skin type
Find your Skin Type ArticleNot all skin is the same. Skin can be oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive(1). To build an effective skincare routine that works for your skin, first identify your skin type by assessing it 30 minutes after cleansing.
- Oily skin tends to appear shiny all over
- Dry skin may feel flaky or tight-feeling skin
- Combination skin may appear shiny in the forehead and eyebrow area
- Normal skin feels hydrated without oiliness or dryness
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Use Effective Ingredients
Use effective ingredients
All CeraVe products are formulated with dermatologists to encourage healthy skin for everyone. A skincare routine should be consistent and built around ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Some of the most popular ingredients include hyaluronic acid, retinol, and ceramides. -
Connect With a Dermatologist
Connect With a Dermatologist
Part of an effective routine is a professional opinion. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist virtually or in person to address your skincare concerns and find the right routine for you.Find a derm
The Steps of an Effective Skincare Routine
Cleansing Advice For Skincare Routines
Do’s
Choose a cleanser for your skin type
Choosing the best facial cleanser for your skin type can help effectively clean your skin without triggering side effects like sensitivity, flaking, or itching.
Wash your face with lukewarm water
Cleansing your face with water that’s either too hot or too cold can have unwanted side effects like dryness or a weakened skin barrier. Always wash your face with a moderate, lukewarm temperate to keep your skin calm and balanced.
Wash your hands before cleansing your face
Make sure hands are free of oil or dirt before cleansing your face to ensure pores stay free of congestion.
Don't's
Wash your face more than twice a day
Using harsh ingredients too often or washing skin too frequently can trigger sensitive skin, further blemishes, or blemishes. To keep skin clean, wash your face once in the morning and once at night.
Apply makeup to unwashed skin
Applying makeup without cleansing your face can lead to trapped bacteria, causing the formation of new blemishes. Additionally, it’s important to keep makeup brushes clean to prevent further breakouts.
Scrub skin aggressively
Being too rough or using scratchy fabrics may seem like it’s giving your skin a deeper cleanse, but these methods can actually cause redness or irritation. Opt for a gentle routine that effectively cleanses skin with safe ingredients.
Treatment do’s and don’t's in your skincare routine
Do’s
Choose the right formula for your skincare goals
Different treatments provide different benefits, so it’s important to always use treatments that have ingredients targeting different outcomes.
Apply products from thin to thick
Always apply products from the most lightweight formulas to the heaviest, such as when applying a serum before a moisturizer. This allows products to fully absorb and work their best.
Don't's
Ignore product labels
Treatments are often the most targeted step in a routine, so it’s especially important to be informed of ingredients at this step.
Overuse treatments
Exfoliating too frequently or over-applying acne treatments may seem effective, but it can dry out the skin and may trigger sensitivity or further blemishes.
Moisturizing do’s and don’t's in your skincare routine
Do’s
Use soothing, oil-free ingredients in your routine
Excess oil can lead to clogged pores, excessive shine, or a dull appearance. To encourage clear, healthy skin, choose products that use soothing ingredients without oil.
Use a moisturizer with three essential ceramides
One of the most important parts of maintaining healthy skin is ensuring the skin barrier stays intact. Ceramides are an effective ingredient to help support and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
Use non-comedogenic moisturizers
Non-comedogenic products refer to formulas made with ingredients that do not clog pores. All of CeraVe’s products are made with non-comedogenic formulas to help support an acne-fighting routine.
Don't's
Apply moisturizer to dry skin
Maximize hydration in skin by applying moisturizer to clean, slightly damp skin right after bathing.
Moisturize less or more than twice a day
A consistent routine is a crucial part of treating acne-prone skin. Always complete the steps of your routine once in the morning and once at night in order to hydrate and protect skin from blemishes.
Apply too much moisturizer
Applying the correct amount of moisturizer is important for sufficiently hydrating skin without clogging pores or wasting product.
Sunscreen do’s and don’t's in your skincare routine
Do’s
Apply sunscreen every day
Sun protection is an essential part of any effective skincare routine, especially for acne-prone skin as sun damage can impact the skin’s ability to resist acne-causing bacteria.
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day
Maintain sun protection throughout the day by reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Don't's
Skip sunscreen on shady days
UV rays can penetrate glass windows and clouds, so it’s important to wear sunscreen even on days that are cloudy or spent indoors. Always wear sunscreen as part of your morning routine to prevent sun damage.
Use sunscreen less than 30 SPF
The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation both recommend using a minimum of 30 SPF for daily sun protection against skin cancer and early signs of aging.
Expose sensitive skin to too much sun
Prevent sun damage while outdoors during peak hours by wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, or long-sleeved shirts during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a skincare routine?
A skincare routine refers to the regular application of specific skincare products with the intention of promoting clear, healthy skin. They are typically made of up a specific order of products that are each applied once in the morning and once at night. -
What are the basic steps of a skincare routine?
Everyone’s skin is a different, so skincare routine can differ from person to person. However, a typical skincare routine starts with cleansing, then treatment and moisturizing, and finishes with sunscreen if it’s done during the day. -
What are the different types of skincare routines?
Skincare routines can vastly differ as targeted concerns and skincare routines vary. Some may choose an anti-aging skincare routine that incorporates retinol or eye treatments; others can choose an anti-acne routine that focuses on reducing blemishes; and men may choose a routine that address facial shaving.