4 Reasons Why You Need a Consistent Skincare Routine
Dr. Pimple Popper explains why a regular regimen really works to keep skin healthy.Published:
2 minute read
You’ve probably heard it before: when it comes to skincare, consistency is key. But why is it so important? Here, Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) shares her top 4 reasons why maintaining a consistent skincare routine works so successfully — no matter your skin type or skin concern.
#1 Products don’t work overnight
Well...that’s not totally true. More accurately, your skincare products spring into action the moment they hit your face — but it may take awhile to actually see the results. This is due in part to the nature of the skin cycle: since it takes about a month for new skin cells to develop, push to the surface, and slough off, it makes sense that you need to wait at least that long to see any changes show up.
According to Dr. Lee, you should allow somewhere in the neighborhood of four to eight weeks before you can objectively evaluate whether or not your skincare is making an impact.
#2 Your skin’s still turning over
This one’s also related to the skin cycle we just talked about. Because you’re growing and replacing skin cells every day, the products you used just yesterday aren’t having an effect on your whole face.
Think about it: you’ve probably lost somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 skin cells just since you started reading this article. You may have diligently cleansed, treated and moisturized them just this morning — but now they’re dust. Applying your products every day will ensure that you’re covered over time.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Top Routine Picks
#3 Prevention is easier than treatment
Dr. Lee fans have heard this one before: keeping your skin healthy through routine skincare is simpler than trying to treat the problems that may arise from neglecting your complexion. This is true regardless of your particular skin concern, she says. Here are two common examples:
Acne-prone skin
Keeping up with a routine that includes both pore-cleansing exfoliants and bacteria-fighting anti-inflammatory ingredients can prevent acne flare-ups. That, in turn, will minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring that can be notoriously difficult to treat. Try SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion to address acne at every stage.
Aging skin
Though aging is a complex process, by far the most common culprit is UV exposure. While dermatologists can treat some forms of sun damage with lasers, and temporarily plump up lax skin with dermal fillers, it’s far easier to just wear sunscreen, says Dr. Lee. To treat existing hyperpigmentation and fine lines, try a combination approach: SLMD Vitamin C Serum and Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 in the morning, and Retinol Resurfacing Serum at night.
#4 Everyone’s skin is unique
TikTok contains a cornucopia of skincare philosophies — from “water only” to 20+ nightly steps. But what “works” for some people (it is social media, let’s remember) won’t necessarily work for your skin.
Dr. Lee’s Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize regimen works for every complexion. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Cleanse. Find a cleanser that works for your skin type (she loves SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser because it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin).
- Treat. Add treatments to address your particular skin concern (refining AHA/BHA Swipes to target dark marks, for example).
- Moisturize. Finish with a non-comedogenic moisturizer like Facial Moisturizer or the intensely-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
I always tell patients that today is the perfect time to start taking care of your skin. If you never learned how, or if you got sidetracked from keeping up your routine — or you think you’re too young (not true!), that’s OK. I’m never going to judge — only to encourage everyone to start as soon as possible. Consistently sticking to my simple, 3-step Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize regimen — plus using sunscreen every day — will keep you looking your best, well into the future.
