These days it may be hard to find someone unfamiliar with the term skincare. On the other hand, it may be just as difficult to nail down precisely what the word means — and exactly how we’re supposed to go about implementing the idea.

So whether you’re a seasoned, multi-step skincare aficionado, or a simple bar-of-soap novice, we’re here to break down the basics. It’s everything you need to know: Skincare 101.

Who needs a skincare routine?

Let’s cut right to the chase: if you’ve got skin, you need to be taking care of it. Yes, it renews itself on a regular basis — about every 28 days in your 20s, slowing down dramatically in subsequent decades — but how we support our skin leaves a lasting impact. While some of us are diligent about applying countless products, others only spring into action when something goes awry: a bout of eczema, or maybe an acne breakout.

According to board certified dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), skin health is both a reflection of our overall health, as well as something we can influence — positively, and negatively.

Do we really need skincare products?

When it comes to taking care of our skin, it’s not uncommon for people to use whatever’s handy: 2-in-1 shampoo/body wash, mystery moisturizer from the hotel bathroom, even just plain water in a pinch. We’re not here to judge, but here’s a fact: just like eating the right foods, using the right skincare (and making healthy lifestyle choices) will keep your skin looking and functioning better too.

And yes, it’s best to stick to the product labeling: if it’s meant for your body skin, avoid using it on your face. The skin on your neck and face is more delicate than the rest of your body, so those maximum strength body products could be much too harsh.

Finding the ideal skincare routine

With so many philosophies — and a seemingly infinite number of products — floating around, creating a skincare routine can seem daunting. Essentially, it comes down to four decisions:

• Picking the right active ingredients
• Combining products/ingredients
• Finding the best application frequency
• Adapting to changes — internal (like hormones), or external (like weather)

If those 4 ideas leave you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone: the notion of navigating through the skincare aisle leaves many of us with an “all or nothing” approach — waaayyy too many products, or simply none at all.

This is when it pays to have a dermatologist in your corner — someone who can spell out which ingredients will work best for your needs. Dr. Lee is a big believer in the concept of Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize — an adaptable regimen that can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Here, we list her favorite product combinations for treating some of the most common skin concerns.

Skin concern: facial acne

Dr. Lee recommends a multi-step approach that treats acne at every stage, while keeping skin nourished. She suggests these dermatological ingredients for the job:

• Salicylic acid: a pore clearing exfoliant that controls blackheads and whiteheads. Find it in SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser.

• Benzoyl peroxide: an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory that kills acne bacteria while calming irritation. Try SLMD BP Lotion.

• Retinol: a collagen and elastin boosting antioxidant that speeds up cell turnover, preventing clogged pores and renewing skin. SLMD Retinol Serum is time-released to work gently overnight.


Together with vitamin C infused Facial Moisturizer, these products make up SLMD Acne System — a 3-step regimen that takes the guesswork out of managing breakouts and keeping acne-prone skin healthy.

For those with sensitive skin that tends to break out, try SLMD Sensitive Skin Acne System, which relies on the gentle, antimicrobial mineral sulfur to keep inflammatory acne at bay.

Once acne is under control, Dr. Lee suggests using products that keep pores clear to prevent future breakouts. The SLMD After Acne System includes Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Retinol Serum, and Dual Defender SPF 30.

Skin concern: body acne

As we mentioned earlier, body skin is a bit tougher than facial skin, so using higher concentrations of active ingredients is recommended. For the body, Dr. Lee suggests a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid combination:

• SLMD BP Body Wash is a creamy shower gel that kills bacteria, yet nourishes skin with soothing niacinamide and aloe.

• Salicylic Acid Body Spray features a 360º sprayer for exfoliating and keeping pores clear throughout the entire body.


This duo makes up the best-selling SLMD Body Acne System.

Skin concern: aging

With so many well-aging products on the market, navigating which to use (and when to start!) can be confusing. Here are Dr. Lee’s top picks:

• Salicylic acid: this exfoliant helps combat dullness, minimizing fine lines and encouraging a more youthful glow. SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser does the job.

• Hyaluronic acid: one of Dr. Lee’s favorites for hydrating and plumping skin, which helps firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Try SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which also contains moisturizing squalane.

• Retinol: this vitamin A derivative is the most clinically proven anti-aging ingredient, speeding up cell turnover and boosting both collagen and elastin. Find it in SLMD Retinol Serum.

• SPF: sun protection is the most effective way to prevent the signs of premature aging. SLMD Dual Defender is a 2-in-1 solution that features vitamins C and E.


Dr. Lee combines three of these all-stars in the Plump, Prevent, Protect Essentials trio.

Skin concern: dry, rough body skin

To combat the bumpy, dry condition called “chicken skin” (aka keratosis pilaris) Dr. Lee recommends a combination of exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients:

• Glycolic acid: this alpha hydroxy acid exfoliates built-up keratin while also stimulating the production of skin’s natural hydrators like hyaluronic acid. Find it in SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Scrub, a blend of physical and chemical exfoliants gentle enough for daily use.

• Shea butter: a soothing moisturizer with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that helps lock in hydration. It’s one of the main ingredients in SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Lotion, which both exfoliates and moisturizes.


Together, these glycolic acid fan favorites make up SLMD Body Smoothing System, Dr. Lee’s go-to solution for treating and preventing keratosis pilaris, chronically dry skin, and even ingrown hairs.