Discover our ultimate guide to achieving flawless skin through the skincare routines of Alamo Heights Dermatology’s experts. Learn about the tried-and-true practices endorsed by our very own dermatologists as they unravel their secrets to maintaining healthy skin in the modern age. From morning and night skincare routines to some commonly asked questions about skin maintenance, we’ve got it all here in our latest blog.

Morning Skincare Routines

Dr. Fricke:

1. Gentle cleanser – primarily the Revision Gentle Foaming cleanser, but sometimes the CeraVe Hydrating cleanser when my skin is feeling extra dry/sensitive.
2. Thermal Spring Water Spray – either Avene Thermal Spring Water or La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
3. Hyaluronic acid – Vichy Mineral 89 hyaluronic acid serum or SkinMedica HA5
4. Vitamin C – either the Revision Vit C 30% Lotion or the SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum
5. Revision DEJ Face Cream
6. Sunscreen – Sente Even Tone Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, SkinBetter sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75, TiZO Ultra Zinc Tinted SPF 40, or Elta MD UV Clear-Tinted SPF 46.

Note: Don’t forget sunscreen on the neck and chest! My current faves are Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 and CeraVe Hydrating Sheer SPF 30

Dr. Emily Fridlington:

1. Papaya enzyme facial cleanser
2. Sente dermal contour pressed serum
3. Intellishade matte sunscreen
4. Colorscience sunforgettable brush on spf 50

Dr. Julie Fridlington:

1. Cleanse: Revision Brightening Facial Wash-

I love this wash for so many reasons.  Most importantly, I feel like I get a huge bang for my buck since a small bead of this cleanser goes a long way.  A bottle will last in my shower for at least 6 months.  My skin always feels “awake” and “tingly” and ready for the day without being over-dry or exfoliated.  It is full of Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids as well as antioxidants like Vitamin E.

2. Antioxidant: Revision Vitamin C lotion 30% face and neck
3. Moisturize/Repair: Sente Dermal Repair Cream
4. Sunscreen: Elta MD UV Clear (non-tinted) to neck/chest/back of hands

My morning facial SPF varies, but I will always use a tinted SPF in the AM, which has iron oxide pigments to make sure I am protected from UVA/UVB, Blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation.  I also like the way a tinted sunscreen can even out my complexion and neutralize the red undertones I have in my skin. I keep Revision Intellishade Matte, Elta MD UV Elements, and Colorescience Face Shield Flex and rotate through all 3 depending on how my skin is feeling each day and what activities I will be doing.

5. Aquaphor to lips: I never leave home without my Aquaphor.
6. Recently, I have started trying to get back on track with my Revitalash to upper eyelashes.
7. Nutrafol hair growth neutraceutical + Nutrafol Stress Adaptogen for extra support

Dr. Kelso:

1. La Roche Posay hydrating face wash
2. Revision Vit C 30%
3. Sente dermal Contour pressed serum
4. A mix of Elta MD UV elements with Elta MD UV sheer for face
5. Elta MD UV sheer neck and hands

Night Skincare Routines

Dr. Fricke:

1. Micellar water – Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water or Garnier Micellar Water (the one with the pink top)
2. Cleanser – Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser or Revision Brightening Face Wash; but if having acne breakouts, I’ll use an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide face wash
3. Thermal Spring Water Spray – either Avene Thermal Spring Water or La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
4. Hyaluronic acid – Vichy Mineral 89 hyaluronic acid serum or SkinMedica HA5
5. Retinoid – I alternate between prescription tazarotene 0.05% cream and SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
6. Gentle moisturizer – CeraVe PM Facial Lotion. In the winter, I’ll switch to La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizer for extra hydration.

Dr. Emily Fridlington:

1. CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
2. Sente Biocomplete Serum
3. Aquaphor on lips

Dr. Julie Fridlington:

1. Neutrogenia makeup wipe to remove mascara and makeup
2. Cleanse: Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser and CeraVe hydrating cleanser

I keep both of these gentle cleansers handy beside my sink and just rotate based on my mood and what is happening with my skin that day.

3. Collagen Repair: Sente BioComplete Serum vs Retin-A Micro 0.8% cream.

I love the tolerability of the BioComplete Serum (retinoid), but 2-3 x a week, I will add a stronger retinoid for extra collagen boost.

4. Moisturize/Repair: Sente Dermal Repair Cream
5. Aquaphor to lips
6. Eyes: Revision DEJ eye cream
7. Revitalash to upper eyelashes

Dr. Kelso:

1. La Roche Posay hydrating face wash
2. Sente Dermal repair cream
3. If really dry, I will use Avene soothing recovery cream

Is it essential to have morning AND night routines?

Dr. Fricke:

It is at least essential to include a sunscreen in your morning routine.

Dr. Emily Fridlington:

The word routine can sound daunting. However, I think it is essential to clean your face daily (remove makeup, dirt, sunscreen, etc from the day) and to incorporate sun protection daily.

Dr. Julie Fridlington:

I think the answer to this question depends on what goals a person has for his/her skin in both the short and long-term. For overall skin health, using an SPF daily to the high UV exposure areas like face, neck, & ears is essential. The damaging effects of UV radiation on the collagen and elastic fibers in the skin are cumulative and delayed.  I always say, “if we would get the skin cancer or the sun spots the day after we got the sun exposure/sunburn, we would all be more compliant with a skin care routine and more aware of the daily exposure we are getting.” As it stands, it may be 10 + years before we start to see the aging and health effects of UV radiation on our skin.

The needs of our skin also change throughout our lifetime and can be highly affected by changes in our environment and health.  The skin care needs of a teenager are going to be very different than the needs of a perimenopausal female or adult male. One thing that is consistent across all skin types and ages is the need for protection against UV radiation.

Dr. Kelso:

I think doing something for your skin twice a day keeps you regular and consistent with doing things.  By far, the most important and crucial step for anybody’s routine would be to use sunscreen in the am.

What is the most important part about a skincare routine?

Dr. Fricke:

Sunscreen, a retinoid, and a gentle moisturizer!

Dr. Emily Fridlington:

The most important part is being consistent and making it something that is “doable” for your life/routine. So many times, people think they need 20 steps or to follow all the trends. More steps isn’t always better and certainly is not feasible for many people. Consistently doing some key high-yield steps, like sunscreen and retinoids, matters the most.

Dr. Julie Fridlington:

Find what works for you.  Over the last decade and half, I have tried multiple products and formulations.  I have found that for me liquids/serums/dropper bottles were impossible for me to keep up with (spilling, travel, etc.).  I love pump formulations where the dose is controlled.  I have also found that I am most successful with a simple routine with a few well-loved products.  Consistency is key to results, and for that, products must be easy for me to use and feel good on my skin.  As a mom with a busy morning routine, tinted sunscreens have been game changing for hydration, SPF, and creating an even natural finish to my skin.

Dr. Kelso:

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin and a sunscreen that you like and will actually use.

How would you rate having a skincare routine on the glow-up scale: 0-5?  

Dr. Fricke:

5! An effective routine is one you’re able to do consistently with products that work for your skin type. It doesn’t need to be as elaborate as mine. It needs to work for you and your lifestyle in order for it to keep your skin looking its best!

Dr. Emily Fridlington:

Having a skincare routine is 5 on the glow-up scale.

Dr. Julie Fridlington:

As a woman in my 40’s, my skincare routine is as essential as my nutrition and physical fitness.  It is a definite 5 on the glow-up scale.

Dr. Kelso:

I rate it at a 10!!! You only get one set of skin in your life, and it gets bombarded daily with UV rays and stresses.  Things you do daily add up to beautiful, healthy skin.  You just have to find a routine that works for you.

From daily rituals that invigorate and protect to nighttime routines that promote rejuvenation, this blog offers a go-to guide for dermatologist recommended skincare. The wisdom shared by Alamo Heights Dermatologist’s skincare routines could help transform your skin and inspire a newfound confidence in your natural beauty. Shop our favorite products in-store or schedule an appointment for a personalized skin assessment today!