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hat’s it take to achieve your best skin ever? Knowledge. Discipline. And a willingness to go your own way. In other words, just because all of your friends are doing fancy sheet masks, doesn’t mean you need to too. To illustrate the many, many paths you can take to get the complexion of your dreams. While you’d be crazy to try to emulate all of them, you just might pick up a few ideas that’ll improve your routine. (If nothing else, it’ll remind you that it does matter whether you take your makeup off before you go to bed. And to drink water!)

These days, everyone’s Instagramming their favorite serums and sheet masks, but the Cut has covered skin care since back when it was considered poor form to tell strangers about your face (and theirs) on the internet. Here’s the collective wisdom of ten years of coverage on all things skin. Whether you want to finally find the solution to acne or learn how Christine Brinkley recovered from years of sun damage, our list has it covered.  The ultimate guide for a healthy skin!

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01 | Stop Looking for a Quick Fix

“I have an 8-step skin care regimen every day, which turns into a 10-step process when I add an exfoliant and clay mask twice a week. But if you’re going to use only one product I believe it should be a retinol. I use Define by Cosmedix. I also have regular microdermabrasions and organic facial peels, drink 3 liters of water a day, and aim for 8 to 9 hours sleep every night. If you’re as invested in your skin care as I am, you have to be very disciplined.” —Nicole Warne, founder of Gary Pepper Girl

02 | Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

We can debate for days about how many steps a skin-care routine really needs, but moisturizer will always be a major key to healthy skin. (Celebs as wildly divergent as Wendy Williams, John Cena, and Helen Mirren agree.) It’s also important to know that moisturizers don’t actually moisturize, they just lock it in. To get that crucial moisture in the first place, you have to use creams or the right types of oils, and apply everything right after showering.

03 | Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

“Hydration and clean eating are my secrets for great skin. I am religious about my skin care regimen and wash, tone, and moisturize in the morning and at night. I have found, however, that the best thing I can do for radiant, healthy-looking skin is to not only drink a lot of pressed juice and water with lemon, but also incorporate minerals into my diet so that I actually absorb the water. I do this by taking drops of ionic minerals and a tablespoon of Himalayan salt water each day.” —Carly de Castro, co-founder of Pressed Juicery

04 | Use Retinoids

Retinoids are pretty close to being the be-all-end-all of skin care. They’re also known as retinols or retinaldehyde, but you will come to know them as your skin’s true savior. They get rid of pimples, smooth skin, reduce wrinkles, fade hyperpigmentation, and brighten skin. Go to a dermatologist to decide if an over-the-counter formula would work best or get a prescription-strength solution.

05 | Troubleshoot Pimples Before They Get Bad

“I can always sense when something is about to go down with my skin, but I’ve gotten my routine down now. If I feel a pimple coming on, I’ll pop some EradiKate by Kate Somerville on it. I also drink a ton of water, exfoliate twice a week, and stay away from sugar and sheet masks. I used to use sheet masks often but I realized they were just clogging my pores—no bueno.” —Gabriette Bechtel, model and dancer.

06 | Try Going Natural

I try to use all natural products that are really potent and active. Each morning I massage my face with oil and use a hot wash cloth to remove the excess. If I’ve just worked out or gone riding, I use Evan Healy’s Tea Tree Gel Cleanser for a deeper clean. Then I spray my face with a hydrosol [an essential oil mist]—Evan Healy Douglas Fir HydroSoul or Cosmos Lavender + Witch Hazel Toner are my go-to products lately. I also love Marie Veronique Protective Day Oil. I follow this with my sunscreen and BeautyCounter Dew Skin Tint.” —Jenni Kayne, Fashion Designer

07 | Apply Products Correctly

Gliding some cleanser over skin for 20 seconds then splashing some cold water on your face is not cleansing. It might seem effective, but we guarantee you it’s not. In this GIF-filled guide, Dolce Liberta shows you how to properly apply every product in your arsenal and what order works best. For starters, apply everything in an upward motion to avoid premature drooping.

08 | Invest in Hydrated Skin

“Keeping a consistent routine does wonders. For me that means exfoliating every day, investing in a good moisturizer (I love iS Clinical Youth Intensive Creme), staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet. Drinking water is one that I forget too easily so I keep a filled water bottle near me at all times. It makes a huge difference in my skin.” —Samantha Wennerstrom, founder of Could I Have That?

09 | Not Just on Your Face

Not all skin is created equal, so be sure to moisturize accordingly. Nora Ephron warned us about our necks — the skin is thicker and needs more moisture than other body parts — so bring the face creams a little further south to hit often neglected body parts. Take it one step further and keep nails and cuticles in shape by wearing gloves after applying hand cream.

10 | Don’t Equate a Hefty Price Tag With Effectiveness

“I’ve learned that luxurious skin is not always about luxury products. Cetaphil face wash anchors my skin care routine. For dark circles around my eyes (thanks, dad), I use Jason Vitamin E Oil. It’s my ritual morning and evening. And then I know where to spend a little bit more. I adore my Clé de Peau Concealer Stick—it’s worth it!” —Joyce Azria, CEO and CCO of Avec Les Filles

11 | Know Pillows Can Be the Enemy

Coming home after a long day to a comfy bed with fluffy pillows makes it easy to forget that if they’re not clean, or even the right fabric, they can be the cause of pimples and dry, itchy skin. Try sleeping on a silk pillow case and swap it out once a week.

12 | Create Your Own Skin Care Cocktails

“I have a dry skin so I like to mix my daily moisturizer with a tiny bit of coconut oil or shea butter, which gives my face a glowy sheen. I use Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Cream or Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Fluid SPF 20. I’ll also use some rose water afterwards. It not only keeps it radiant but manages to retain a certain look of freshness. I end my day with a good shower, a big glass of water, and Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil on my face.” —Nneoma Anosike, model

13 | Master Masks

Face masks aren’t a huge beauty trend for nothing. Allowing a product to fully absorb into skin before washing it off is the best way to get the desired outcome. Mud, sheet, magnetic, and smoothie masks come prepared to tackle any skin issue, plus of course, they’re peak relaxation goals.

14 | Spend Time on Your Skin at Night

“I love my Clarisonic brush for nighttime cleansing. I use it with the Luxe Cashmere brush head, since I have sensitive skin, and Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash because it’s foamy but never leaves my skin tight. I alternate that with the Eve Lom Solid Cleanser, which melts onto your skin—it makes me feel like I’m in a spa! I also love SK-II face masks. My mom introduced me to them, and I’ve stayed loyal ever since. I use one any time my complexion is starting to look dull.” —Denise Lee, Founder and CEO of Alala

15 | Soothe Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you don’t need anyone to tell you how irritating, and sometimes painful, it can be. You do, however, need to know how to find products that lock in as much moisture as possible. Look for oils that can be applied all over, gels that hydrate for three days straight, exfoliators that slough away flaky skin, and anything with hyaluronic acid.

16 | Beware of Refined Sugar

“Honestly, I eat really well and sugar is not a part of my diet—and I drink alcohol very rarely. You’d be surprised what it can do for your skin. Oh, and I swear by my Clarisonic!” —Sian Gordon, yoga teacher and co-owner of Love Yoga

17 | Banish Acne Before a Big Event

After the Cut’s fashion market editor Lindsay Peoples got engaged, she panicked about how to get clear skin. With the help of double cleansing, Paula’s Choice, and other pimple-fighting products, she took control of her acne for her wedding day.

18 | Try DIY

“I never struggled with my skin until I started traveling for my job. Being in different climates and spending so much time on planes really messed with my natural balance. I use a moisturizing mask while I’m on my flight—I like to treat it as my personal spa time—despite the stares I get. And when I do break out, I take a banana peel (the riper, the better) and put it on the zit. I know it sounds bananas (ha!), but the peels contain an antioxidant called lutein (basically vitamin A) which can help reduce inflammation and fight acne.” —Courtney Quinn, Founder of Color Me Courtney

19 | Embrace Acids

The thought of using an acid on your face might strike fear (and Freddy Kruger images) into the hearts of some, but take it from those who have seen the light: acids are amazing. Acids can help with aging, acne, and dry-skin concerns. They also vary in strength, so when starting out it’s best to use a gentle glycolic acid. And whatever you do, do not, no matter how great an idea it sounds, use a DIY acid peel at home. You still won’t look like Kruger, but a chemical burn isn’t pretty.

20 | Give New Brands a Go

“I cannot live without Sunday Riley tinted moisturizer and facial oils—they totally changed my skin. I discovered the brand through an amazing makeup artist named Romy Soleimani. The products are filled with skin-loving vitamins A and C, along with retinoids.” —Stephanie Danan, co-founder and designer of Co

 

by DOLCE LIBERTA. More than a Bikini!

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Feature article:

How to Apply Your Skin Care Correctly