As a nurse with several years of experience working in dermatology, I’ve seen first-hand how overwhelming skincare can be. From confusing product choices to misinformation about what’s truly effective, many people miss the basics of good skincare. Even I find myself standing in the middle of a target aisle for twenty minutes trying to look up product reviews or social media influences when trying a new product. But here’s the thing, I am here to tell you that you don’t need a 10-step routine or the latest “miracle” product to keep your skin healthy. Simple habits can go a long way with of course divulging in favorite skin care products (keep reading to see my favorites and recommendations!).
What you will read on this post are 5 everyday skincare tips I recommend to my patients—and practice myself—to keep skin looking its best:
1. keep it simple
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about proper skincare is the need to buy high-end or luxury skincare products that end up costing you an arm and a leg. Effective skincare regimens and healthy, glowing skin can be achieved with more affordable skincare product options and a much simpler regimen. So keep on reading if you want to learn how to achieve younger looking skin, in less time, and on a budget! They key is.. SIMPLE!
Another misconception with skincare is having to complete a multi-step face routine that includes multiple different types of skin products. While there is nothing wrong with adding in serums, eye creams, or face masks into your skincare routine, you can actually overload your skin to the point of irritation or harm rather than healthy and natural looking skin. Applying too many products that have active ingredients or chemicals in them can make it harder for the skin to actually absorb the good/beneficial ingredients. This can cause irritation, dryness, redness, and acne breakouts which we all hate. So like I mentioned, there is absolutely nothing wrong with these extra fun skincare products because I myself love to pull out a face mask or serum on occasion, but everyday is not required for young healthy looking skin I promise!!
Keeping reading below to talk about a super simple, cut-and-dry, 3 step skin care routine! This is all you need for healthy looking and feeling skin! I have included my favorite top 3 skincare products for a gentle and non-irritating products that go for all skin types! Just have to click the “shop now” button to be taken straight to amazon.
1. Gentle Cleanser:
Choose a mild cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils
One of my go to cleansers for sensitive or dry skin:
This step is absolute must in your everyday routine even if you decide not to wear makeup that day. I promise if you apply sunscreen as part of your morning routine ritual, you will come back and thank me in 30 years! Sunscreen is not only used for the hot summer days at the beach or lake, this is one of the best things you could do for healthy skin both inside and out.
Sunscreen plays multiple roles in taking care of your skin with the most critical part being the protection against harmful UV rays. However, there are other benefits that not all people are aware of. Here is your first secret skincare tip straight from a dermatology nurse ~~ sunscreen application on a daily basis helps to prevent premature aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and age spots while also improving skin texture and giving a more even-toned complexion.
Aside from secret skincare tips onto the serious note, sunscreen will literally save you so much sun damage that could lead into skin cancers later on. The chronic UV exposure from years of exposure (not just one bad burn) but years of accumulation is what contributes to the skin cell change before precancerous/cancerous lesions. I’ve actually had a lot of patients in the past with more severe sun damage on the left side of their face – get this – just from driving!! We called it the “driver’s side red face” which is common among truck drivers, welders with constant one sided exposure, or other similar examples. Needless to say, you should not underestimate the power of INVISIBLE UV rays that can penetrate through car windows! HAHA, so please do yourself a favor (not me, do YOURSELF a favor) and just suck it up buttercup. Apply that sunscreen and guess what? One, no wrinkles, and two, less risk for skin cancers! #sunscreenflex
~Fun fact: UV rays are not fully blocked by windows or clouds, and actually up to 80% of UV rays still reach the ground on cloudy days.~
3. know your skin type
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and knowing your skin type is the first step to building a routine that actually works. Treating oily skin like it’s dry—or vice versa—can throw everything out of balance.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Oily skin → Look for oil-free or mattifying products.
Dry skin → Creamy cleansers and richer moisturizers are your go-to.
Combination skin → You may need to mix and match by zone.
Sensitive skin → Less is more—avoid fragrance and harsh actives.
If you’re unsure, start simple and observe how your skin reacts. When in doubt, consult with a dermatologist or skincare pro (hey there, that’s me!).
4. hydrate, hyrdate, hydrate!
Drinking enough water is one of the simplest things you can do for your skin—and your body will thank you too. While chugging water isn’t a miracle cure for acne or dryness, staying hydrated helps support:
A healthy skin barrier
Improved elasticity
A more plump and glowy look
Aim for about 8 glasses a day (or more if you’re sweating a lot or drinking caffeine). Bonus: eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon gives your skin a little hydration boost from the inside out.
Pro Tip: If your lips are dry, it’s often a clue your skin needs water, not just lip balm.
5. moisturize morning & night
Moisturizer is non-negotiable—whether you’re dry, oily, or somewhere in between. Why? Because it helps seal in hydration, protect your skin barrier, and keep your face feeling soft, not tight.
✔️ In the morning: Go for something lightweight under your sunscreen or makeup. ✔️ At night: Use a richer formula to lock in moisture while your skin repairs itself.
Look for ingredients like:
Hyaluronic acid – attracts moisture to the skin
Ceramides – strengthen your barrier
Niacinamide – soothes and evens tone
Even oily skin types benefit from moisturizing—it actually helps regulate oil production when your skin isn’t overcompensating for dryness.
Healthy Skin Can Be Simple
Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a few smart habits, you can see big improvements over time. Whether it’s protecting your skin with sunscreen or understanding your skin type, these tips are designed to keep your skin healthy and glowing without all the confusion.
If you’re looking for more skincare advice backed by clinical experience, check out more posts here at SkinSavvyNurse—or feel free to reach out with any questions!
SkinSavvyNurse 