Skimpy Skin Care Tips

3 Basics for Super Skin

Medically Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD on October 19, 2011
Written by Wendy C. Fries
2 min read

Exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize, cleanse...most of us barely have time to gulp a low-fat, half-caff latte, so who has time for complex skin care?

Yet who doesn't want that good-skin glow? So, with your time (and pocketbook) in mind, WebMD sought the help of experts to create these quick, basic skin care tips. With these simple steps you can love the skin you're in in minutes.

You don't need fancy products to clean your way to super skin. Everyday soap and water removes the grime, sweat, pollution and dead cells that accumulate through the day and costs pennies to boot.

And a daily scrub or two is all you need; washing more often can disturb your skin's natural protective lubrication. Skin care experts suggest using a mild, unscented soap with emollient and moisturizing properties. They warn against deodorant body soaps or antibacterial cleansers, which can be harsh to your skin.

With our constant exposure to steamy showers, cold weather, and hot sun it's no wonder the pros say we need moisturizer even if our skin is naturally oily.

Fortunately, locking in moisture for soft, smooth skin is easy: Just pat on your preferred product after stepping from the shower. And pricey products need not apply: Some skin care professional recommend white petroleum jelly, even hair conditioner. Have oily skin? Try noncomedogenic products, which don't clog pores.

And don't forget to moisturize from the inside out with plenty of water.

Whether the weather promises snow, sun, or showers, sun protection is a must, say the specialists at the American Academy of Dermatology. Snow and water both reflect the sun's rays, and even on cloudy days we get a healthy dose of skin-sizzling ultraviolet.

Over time, those ultraviolet rays can lead to wrinkles, discoloration, moles, and skin cancer.

What to do? Cover up exposed skin and slather on a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more, with UVA and UVB protection. And reapply often.

Really pressed for time? It's easy to shrink these three skin care steps into a two-step process:

  • Merge washing up and moisturizing steps by using a moisturizing soap.
  • Unite your moisturizer and sunscreen: Buy a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher.

Basic skin care: It's as easy as 1-2-3.