It's no secret that finding a set skin care routine can be complicated. We're constantly told to use this product and have this many steps, but that may not be best for your skin.
When we use too many products or don't use the right product, it could have more negatives than benefits in our routines. For instance, if you only use makeup wipes, you might not be taking off your makeup completely. Or if you're searching for dark spot solutions, an aggressive exfoliant isn't the only option for results. So while all of these might seem like the right step, they're not always meant for every skin concern.
However, when it comes to choosing the right products, these are skin care mistakes we all have to make. Fortunately, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recently shared her best tips for common skin care concerns and the best ways to treat them. Keep reading to discover these expert-backed skin care solutions.
Common skin care mistakes and how to treat them, seen on TODAY
Concern/misconception: Body care
Just as you shouldn’t skip out on the facial moisturizer, your body needs some love, too. But according to Engelman, don’t just stop at a body cream or lotion. A body oil, like the pick above, is a great way to lock in moisture and get the most out of your lotion.
“If you apply the oil while your skin is still a little bit damp, you’ll actually get much better hydration benefits, as the products are designed to lock in that moisture,” she suggests. “This nourishing body oil from Byoma is so rich and hydrating — it’s super lightweight and fast-absorbing, instantly delivering glowy, radiant skin.”
Concern/misconception: Discoloration
Discoloration isn’t just from sun exposure — it can appear from stubborn acne, hormonal changes, medications and even genetics. To tackle existing and prevent future discoloration, Engelman emphasizes incorporating brightening and exfoliating ingredients in your routine, such as vitamin C.
“Pure vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with anti-aging and skin-brightening capabilities — but many options can be irritating, so you want to make sure you look for the right concentration, and skin-nourishing ingredients to minimize irritation and maximize benefits,” she explains. “This vitamin C serum from La Roche Posay is a great multitasker. It brightens and hydrates the skin, reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothes texture, to make your skin look more radiant and glowy.”
Concern/misconception: Acne
“If acne is a concern, you need to be using an exfoliant,” emphasizes Engelman. “However, you should be using a chemical exfoliant, not a physical exfoliant like a scrub, which can cause micro tears in the skin. A toner is a great chemical exfoliant that can be so helpful when it comes to acne-prone skin.”
After you cleanse, a toner can equally remove excess grime after cleansing and rebalance your skin’s pH so it’s better prepped for the skin care that follows. Engelman recommends these acne pads to use on the face, neck and chest after cleansing. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and witch hazel, these toning pads penetrate deep into the pores without wrecking the skin barrier.
Concern/misconception: Double-cleansing
You've probably heard of the term "double-cleansing," but you may not know what it consists of. Double-cleansing is a dedicated step to removing makeup with an oil-based cleanser first, then following with a water-based cleanser to completely cleanse the skin.
"Oil-based cleansers are great for breaking down makeup, sunscreen and extra oil without leaving your skin tight or stripped," explains Engelman. "Water-based cleansers really get the pores clean and make your skin ready for serums and moisturizers ... A common mistake a lot of us make is using harsh cleansers for both steps, or skipping the first step, which can leave residue behind or strip the skin."
This cleansing balm from Farmacy is a gentle option for the first step, offering both cleansing and moisturizing benefits that leave zero residue or a 'tight' effect after use.
Concern/misconception: Moisturizer
Are you using the right moisturizer? It should be one of the last steps in your routine (alongside an SPF or facial oil, of course), but it should also match your skin type. It also shouldn't be a step you should skip out on. For instance, not including a moisturizer in an oily skin routine could increase oil production, per Engelman.
Thus, if you're searching for a lightweight moisturizer, the Water Drench Hyaluronic Jelly Moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth is an ideal pick for those with normal to oily skin types. "It’s made with a super hydrating formula, with a 30% hyaluronic acid complex that draws in water and hydrates skin without clogging pores," Engelman explains. "I always recommend my patients use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid because it pulls water into the skin and helps keep it there."
More skin care products to shop
"For the medical weight loss, perimenopause/menopause patients who might be experiencing thinning and crepey skin all over, over-moisturizing is not the solve," explains Engelman. "You need a product that helps build support. Cacay oil, also referred to as Kahai or Caryodendron orinocense oil, is hailed as one of Amazon’s best-kept secrets and a natural retinol alternative." And this highly-rated body cream has listed as one of its key ingredients.
With cool weather present for most, dry hands are more common than ever. Instead of relying on any body cream, a dedicated product for the skin on your hands can soothe dryness and irritation without the greasy residue, like the one above.
This award-winning body lotion from our 2024 Beauty Awards received the award for 'best for crepey skin. Infused with retinol, the body cream can restore volume and tighten skin over time, per the brand.
Formulated with soothing molecules, oat kernel extract, and vitamin F, Prequel's Redness Reform Soothing Serum is a true treat for redness and sensitive skin. Expect comfort upon application.
A winner from our first-ever Mature Beauty Awards, we awarded The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum as the 'best firming serum' for its 'instant' benefits. "As a 65-year-old woman, I have tried many facial products and I would recommend this one for maturing skin,” raved Mary Lou McGarry, the mother of Shop TODAY associate editor Shannon Garlin. “It felt so soothing and has a firming effect. I did not have to apply much. I would definitely continue to use this product.”
Containing a triple oat blend, Aveeno says its best-selling body wash restores the skin barrier and soothes itchy, dry skin, all while it deeply cleanses.
Stubborn breakouts? This acne gel from Differin has been a trusted favorite for gently tackling existing acne and preventing new ones. Trust the 69,000 Amazon customers who agree.
One Shop TODAY writer said these vitamin C-infused toner pads from Innisfree helped her get rid of dark spots she had for years. "After about two months of using these toner pads every morning, it finally happened," she wrote in her review. "My spots have actually started to fade, revealing a bright complexion I haven’t seen since my late high school, early college days."
Dry feet? Don't just rely on a foot cream. Using this foot mask every now and then in your routine can help smooth and peel away dry skin and calluses, says the brand.
Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient Engelman recommended for all skin types. If you're new to the ingredient or looking for a new product to try, this affordable serum from The Ordinary has proven immediate, long-lasting benefits.
This 'beauty bar' from Dove contains ¼ moisturizing cream to leave skin soft and moisturized every wash. In this pack, you receive eight bars of fragrance-free soap.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Dr. Dendy Engelman.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and media expert.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. Dr. Dendy Engelman also shared with the Shop TODAY team her favorite and most recommended beauty products, and the best ways to use them to avoid common mistakes.
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