Our facial skin is one of the first things people notice about us, yet—when our lives get super busy—it’s also one of the first things we neglect. Sure, makeup can cover up imperfections, but having a genuinely pretty, natural glow really isn’t as difficult to achieve as you’d think. For most folks (barring serious medical skin conditions like eczema) a simple, well-thought-out, 10-minute daily skincare routine is all you need to look great. And no worries if you can’t squeeze it in during time-crunched mornings. Manhattan dermatologist Eric Schweiger M.D., says an evening skin regimen is actually much more important to maintain. These four easy steps will help you achieve a flawless face in next to no time
Step 1: Cleanse
Dr. Schweiger says there’s no need for a fancy, expensive makeup remover, so cut down on time and your beauty budget by thoroughly washing with a gentle cleanser that removes products and oil but doesn’t over-dry.
Time spent: three minutes
Step 2: Moisturize
No matter what your skin type, you should slather on a light lotion to your face and neck every night. For this, Dr. Schweiger says to look for oil-free products that are also fragrance-free.
Time spent: two minutes
Step 3: Apply retinoids
“Of all the anti-aging and photo damage correction products on the market, retinoids have the most scientific evidence,” explains Dr. Schweiger. He says retinoid creams, either prescription or over-the-counter, can be the most beneficial. “Retin-A, Renova, and Tazorac have been shown, in one month or two, to decrease fine lines and wrinkles.” Three times a week use a pea-size amount on your face, and once or twice a week apply the cream under your eyes to banish those dark circles. Retinoids should always be applied at night since they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Time spent: three minutes
Step 4: Hydrate
“Toners are not necessary—they over-dry the skin and can actually increase oil production, and then the cycle is hard to break,” says Dr. Schweiger. But he does suggest a final application of moisturizer after the retinoid cream to prevent redness and flaking, especially in the winter when skin is drier.
Time spent: two minutes
Really, that’s it! Ten minutes of devoted attention is all your face needs before bed. If you follow these steps every evening, an a.m. quick rinse with face wash and a light SPF will get you out the door and on your way to a gorgeous glow.
