In the age of social media, there's always a new viral TikTok product to try, and that's especially true when it comes to skincare. Whether you're an aficionado of oils and serums or a total newbie, figuring out how to build the best skincare routine can be a little tricky. After all, the market is vast and it's easy to get lost in it.

　　Before you get caught up in the hype and splurge on the hot new serum of the moment, it's smart to do some research and ask the experts to weigh in. After all, no one knows more about how to build the best skincare routine than a dermatologist.

　　From the most overlooked aspects of skincare to the changes you should make to your regimen every season, we asked for tips from dermatologists about how we should be gamifying our skincare routines in 2024. Here's what they had to say.

　　Identify your skin type

　　Whether you're starting a new skincare routine or looking to upgrade your regimen, it's important that you're using products that are tailored to your skin type, which could be oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive.

　　If you're entirely new to the world of skincare, then it might be beneficial to start your journey by visiting a dermatologist, explains Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. An expert will work with you to identify your skincare needs and develop a routine.

　　However, if visiting a dermatologist isn't possible right now, you can still give certain products a trial run. "Start by using gentle products from dermatologist-recommended brands like and ," says Dr. Yadav. "Their products are designed with a very low risk of irritation or sensitivity. They're also very affordable, which allows you to get a sense of what works for your skin."

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　　Make sure your skin is clean

　　It may sound obvious, but the best skincare routine should start with clean skin, otherwise, you're setting yourself up for failure.

　　Properly cleansing your face is the most important step in any skincare routine, explains Anetta Reszko, M.D. Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. "Skin needs to be free of oils, dirt, and makeup so that products can easily be absorbed directly into your skin," she explains.

　　Dr. Yadav agrees with this approach. "Applying products to dirty skin, or skin that has a lot of dead cell buildup, will be ineffective," she says. "The dirt and dead cells will be absorbing all the ingredients, rather than your fresh skin!"

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　　Gamify product application

　　Once you've identified your skin type and cleansed your face, you'll be ready to apply your skincare products. And yes, there is an optimum order in which you should apply them.

　　"We always want to layer products from thinnest to thickest for proper absorption," explains Trisha Khanna M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and advisor for goPure Beauty based in Orlando, Florida.

　　According to Dr. Khanna and Dr. Reszko, you should apply your products in the following order for the best results:

　　CleanserTonerSerum MoisturizerSunscreenThe reasoning behind this method is more intuitive than you might think.

　　"After cleansing your skin, you can use a toner to balance the pH of the skin," Dr. Reszko explains. She notes that applying moisturizer after any serum helps to lock in hydration. Sunscreen is always the final step, and you'll want to make sure you apply it liberally.

　　"Be sure to extend your skincare to your neck and hands," says Dr. Khanna. "Don’t neglect these areas, since they often reveal your age more quickly than your face."

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　　Always incorporate SPF

　　If you've ever read an interview with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez or Jennifer Garner, you'll know that they swear by using sunscreen. Considering how flawless both Jennifers always look, it's no surprise that dermatologists recommend applying SPF daily.

　　"Sunscreen prevents premature aging and skin damage, and reduces the risk of developing skin cancer," explains Dr. Yadav.

　　Dr. Reszko says that SPF has protective benefits, even if you're staying indoors: "Mineral sunscreen even protects against damaging blue light, which emanates from our phones, computers, and other electronic devices."

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　　Use retinol for anti-aging

　　Retinol, an ingredient derived from vitamin A, is often used in skincare products — and for good reason.

　　"Retinol is clinically proven to treat and correct the signs of aging, including fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity, as well as treat acne by regulating oil production," says Dr. Yadav, who recommends its use to most of her clients.

　　While retinol can produce amazing results, Dr. Yadav suggests applying small pea-sized amounts to begin with, as it may cause the skin to become irritated, dry, or sensitive.

　　"You can always try 'sandwiching' your retinol in between two thin layers of moisturizer to reduce irritation," Dr. Yadav suggests. "The reward is worth the wait."

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　　Avoid potentially harmful ingredients

　　When selecting skincare products, it's important to be mindful of their ingredients. Many products contain ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, which may irritate some skin types, Dr. Reszko explains.

　　Although parabens have been deemed safe by the FDA, there's concern that they may be linked to hormone disruption and an increased risk of developing some types of cancer. "Professionals can help identify potential irritants and recommend fragrance-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free alternatives for sensitive skin types," says Dr. Reszko.

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　　Beware of trends

　　Thanks to social media, it's all too easy to find suspiciously cheap products on the market that promise miraculous results.

　　"Marketing claims may not always reflect the quality or efficacy of the ingredients," Dr. Reszko explains. "It's essential to read product labels and prioritize high-quality, clinically proven ingredients and not fall for colorful or cutesy marketing techniques."

　　When trying to determine if a product is legitimate or not, check if its formula is science-driven rather than trend-driven, Dr. Yadav suggests. "There are so many skincare brands out there making very strong claims in order to convince you to buy their products," she explains. "A lot of formulas aren't effective so much as they are trendy."

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　　Stay consistent and exercise self-care

　　Building the best skincare routine means taking care of your entire body and being consistent every day.

　　"Taking care of your skin requires both a consistently healthy diet and proper hydration, as well as a tailored product regimen," Dr. Reszko explains. "Following a consistent routine is the most important element for getting maximum results."

　　Dr. Khanna agrees, calling skincare “a holistic process.”

　　“The right topicals are powerful, but you’ll start to see a real difference when you pair them with focusing on your health as a whole,” she explains.

　　Most importantly, you can’t rush results, and it will take time for your skin to get used to new products. “Most routines are meant to be used for a minimum of 3-6 months consistently,” Dr. Khanna explains, after which you should start to notice a difference.

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　　Adapt your routine each season

　　While sunscreen is a year-round must, your skincare routine should be adapted depending on the season. After all, changing weather conditions may affect your skin in different ways. Dermatologists advise the following changes to your skincare routine by season:

　　Winter

　　Switch to a thicker moisturizer: “Lightweight moisturizers that might work for you in the summer may not offer nearly enough nourishment during a cold, dry winter,” says Dr. Yadav.Use a gentle exfoliator: This will remove dead skin cells and prevent dullness, notes Dr. Reszko.Remember to hydrate: “Consider incorporating a hydrating serum or facial oil to boost moisture levels,” Dr. Reszko suggests.

　　Spring

　　Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer: “Switch to a lighter moisturizer or hydrating gel to prevent clogged pores and breakouts,” says Dr. Reszko. Stay on top of sunscreen: “UV rays can still damage your skin even in cooler weather,” Dr. Reszko adds.

　　Summer

　　Always wear sunscreen: “Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen with high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays,” Dr. Reszko advises. Use oil-free moisturizers: These will help stop breakouts and greasy-looking skin, per Dr. Reszko. Cleanse face thoroughly: “A gentle foaming cleanser will remove sweat, dirt, and sunscreen,” Dr. Reszko explains.Remember to drink water!

　　Fall

　　Switch your moisturizers: “Try using a richer moisturizer to provide extra hydration and repair any damage from summer sun exposure,” Dr. Reszko suggests. Add products containing antioxidants: These will help to protect your skin from environmental damage, while also boosting collagen production, says Dr. Reszko.Mask up: “Consider using a gentle exfoliating mask or treatment to remove dead skin cells,” Dr. Reszko suggests.While these guidelines may work well for most people, we all have our own skincare needs. Always consult your dermatologist if you have any serious skin concerns or need a more specialized regimen for an issue like acne.

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