Your guide to healthy skin

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 30 minutes without applying anything. If your skin feels tight, you're dry. If it's shiny everywhere, you're oily. Shiny T-zone but dry cheeks? Combination. If products often sting or cause redness, you likely have sensitive skin.

Common rosacea triggers include temperature extremes, spicy food, alcohol, stress, and harsh skincare. Sun exposure is the most universal trigger. Track your flares to identify personal triggers. A gentle, minimal routine with mineral sunscreen helps most people reduce redness over time.

Retinoids may help some skin concerns, but they are not suitable for everyone. Ask a clinician whether one is appropriate and follow the specific product directions. Do not use retinoids during pregnancy; discuss your routine with a clinician if you are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

For daytime sun exposure, use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin. Apply before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying, following the label. Two finger lengths are a rough guide, not a fixed teaspoon measure.

First, control active acne—new breakouts cause new scars. For existing scars, options range from at-home (retinoids, vitamin C) to in-office (microneedling, lasers, TCA CROSS). Atrophic scars (pits) usually need professional treatment. PIE/PIH (red or dark marks) often fade on their own with sun protection.

Common irritants: fragrance, alcohol (denat.), essential oils, menthol, witch hazel, and strong exfoliating acids. Start with fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products. Patch test new products on your inner arm before using on your face. Introduce one new product at a time.

Compatibility depends on the complete formulas, directions and your skin. Retinol and vitamin C products may irritate some people when used together. Follow product directions and ask a clinician about combining treatments; a universal timing rule does not apply to every formula.