All The Things Derms Want You to Know

You've probably got the basics covered by making sure your daily skincare routine consists of washing your face before bed and drinking plenty of water. 

If you're already doing that, good for you. You're definitely on the right track. However, it will take a little more to achieve that radiant glow you're after. 

Keep scrolling for all the skincare tips you need to know, according to dermatologists. 

#1: Eliminate Expired Skincare Products

Everything from your vitamin C serum to your daily body lotion has an expiry date. It's important to pay attention to that date to ensure you're not using an expired product. Besides being potentially less effective, using expired products may cause skin irritation, breakouts, and dryness. 

Get rid of anything that's expired and if it looks or smells weird, ditch it too. It's always better to be safe than sorry. After all, you don't want to end up with a sore, red face now, do you? 

#2: Layer Products from Thinnest to Thickest

Derms wish you would know that there is a correct order for applying toners, serums, and moisturizers. 

As a rule of thumb, layer your products from thinnest to thickest. After rinsing off your cleanser, go in with your toner followed by your essences followed by your serums and creams. Layering your products this way ensures your skin absorbs each layer efficiently. 

Many people make the mistake of applying thick formulations first, making the products to come practically useless.

#3: Wear Sunscreen

It's an obvious one -- to dermatologists and skincare lovers. To everyone else? Not so obvious. You probably already know you should be wearing sunscreen when it's sunny. What you may not know is that sunscreen needs to be worn on cloudy days, too.

Even if it’s not sunny, and even if you’re not spending lots of time outdoors, daily SPF 30 application is essential for protecting skin from damaging uv rays known as UVA and UVB rays. It should be the last step in your routine.

Protecting your skin now will protect you from premature signs of aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. Look for an oil-free broad-spectrum sunscreen at your local drugstore -- there are plenty of over-the-counter options. 

#4: Exfoliate with AHAs and BHAs

While face scrubs are good when used occasionally, nothing really compares to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) when it comes to exfoliation. 

AHAs and BHAs are exfoliating acids that unglue surface skin cells that clog pores and cause dullness. The most popular AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Salicylic acid is the only BHA. 

You'll find these skincare ingredients in cleansers, toners, serums, and even lotions. They're also popular in dermatology clinics as a treatment for brightening skin and promoting an even skin tone. Both hydroxy acids can treat acne. 

You will find glycolic acid in Rainbow's Glow Bundle, which features a serum and face mask. Glycolic acid and bakuchiol work in tandem to slough away dead skin cells, combat discoloration, and illuminate the complexion. 

#5: Don't Believe Everything You See on TikTok

Everybody loves a TikTok beauty trend, but sometimes those trends can be downright dangerous and damaging to your skin. Dermatologists really do wish you'd stop living by TikTok beauty trends and stick to the tried and tested rules.

If anything on TikTok seems a little too wild or unknown, speak to your dermatologist before giving it a try. This is even more important if you have a skin condition such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or extremely sensitive skin. For the sake of your skin health, check in with your derm before testing out these potentially harmful skin trends. 

#6: Retinol Does it All

Known primarily for its anti-aging abilities, retinol (or vitamin A) has abilities that go beyond fading fine lines and wrinkles. 

Retinol stimulates collagen production and boosts skin cell turnover, which helps to smooth skin texture, treat pigmentation issues, fade scarring, and boost glow. 

The secret to getting the most out of retinol: Start out slow, upping your usage and the formula concentration with each passing week. By letting your skin adjust to retinoids, you prevent issues like dryness, peeling, and flaking which can occur when you over-use this potent active ingredient. While it's effective for all skin types, those with dry skin or sensitive skin should use with care. Retinol is most effective for aging, acne-prone, and oily skin types.

#7: Give Your Skin a Break

It's easy to think that the more topical treatments you apply, the better your skin will look. The trouble is, piling on the products -- especially if your skin's a little on the sensitive side -- can actually cause more harm than good. This is because it can mess up your skin barrier and strip it of natural oils, leading to skin dehydration and irritation. 

Sometimes with skincare, less really is more. When you're over-doing it, your skin will make it very clear. 

To keep your skin in peak health, avoid overusing products. Every now and then, take a break from your exfoliating serums and retinol creams to allow your skin to recover and renew. 

#8: Don't Neglect Your Neck

The neck needs just as much attention as your face. Sadly, most people neglect their neck, which is why by the time they reach their 30s, folds and fine lines starts appearing. 

These creases are caused by something known as "tech neck." It's what happens when you repeatedly hold your head at a 45-degree angle to look at your phone, which causes the squishing of the neck, resulting in premature lines. 

To treat this, apply a hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer to the neck for intense hydration. It's also worth investing in a serum loaded with antioxidants or retinol to address visible creases on the neck.

You'll find HA in Rainbow's Hydrate Bundle, which features a face serum and mask. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 join forces to boost hydration and firmness of the skin for a youthful face and neck. 

From utilizing AHAs to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, these derm-approved skincare tips will keep your complexion young, clear, and radiant.