Back to School and Back to Routine

Summer is officially over! However, there are things that don’t change with the seasons. And as we all get back into routines (like writing blog posts…), this is a simple reminder that you should have some sort of regular skin care routine that involves the following steps: 

STEP 1: Wash. Wash your face twice (yes, twice) a day. Usually a gentle face wash will get the job done, but your dermatologist might recommend something medicated specifically for your skin’s needs. Manual exfoliation with scrubs or beads are typically irritating and not necessary. If you like that clean brillo-brush feel though, limit it to once a week.

STEP 2: Medicate. This would be when any medication or correcting agent for aging, darkness, acne, etc. would be applied. Some may be over-the-counter, some prescription, depending on your specific needs. You might not need anything!

STEP 3: Moisturize. Morning and Nightime have different requirements.

In the morning, you need an SPF because of all of that incidental sun exposure you don’t realize you get! Walking to the mailbox, to your car, walking the dog...exercise (?) A daily SPF 30 will help protect you from the typical incidental sun exposure you get that all adds up. Finding a sunscreen you can tolerate using every day is the most important thing. You won’t use something you don’t like. There are SO many options: gel-like, creamy, tinted, clear, water-proof, for oily skin, for sensitive skin, for acne-prone skin...the list goes on.

In the evening, you’re catching Z’s, not rays. You don’t need an SPF. This moisturizer might vary with the time of year (yes, different moisturizers for different times of day AND different times of year) depending on how dry or sensitive you are. This is simply meant to maintain the skin’s barrier after washing and medicating.

In the evening, you’re catching Z’s, not rays. You don’t need an SPF. This moisturizer might vary with the time of year (yes, different moisturizers for different times of day AND different times of year) depending on how dry or sensitive you are. This is simply meant to maintain the skin’s barrier after washing and medicating.

THAT’S IT! Not so bad, right? If you think you would benefit from a medication in step 2 to help with skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or dyspigmentation, give us a call! 

Or visit www.AbsoluteDermVA.com and request an appointment!

Author

Patricia O'Connor, MD Board Certified Dermatologist