Effects aside for a moment, Skin Flow requires far less effort than what Bowe calls “kitchen sink skincare” – our 40 Step routines are a prime example of this. We’ve all seen it, and some of us still approve – giving you time to divert your attention (and money) to other priorities. “Skin streaming is ideal for the average consumer because it will increase the likelihood that they will maintain their routine and see results,” Thomasian said. “However, if the skin becomes too dry or dehydrated, it’s a good idea to incorporate a few days of skin care into your routine.”
Dermatologist Karen Kagha, MD, her The practice, also based in Los Angeles, notes that skin soaks are especially helpful during certain seasons, when traveling, and for those who make their homes in dry climates. “For some people, just using moisturizer isn’t enough,” she says. “In winter, I like to layer a moisturizer-rich serum, like hyaluronic acid, under a thicker moisturizer to lock in moisture. The end result is amplified.”
Careful product selection is key to a successful skin care regimen. “One of the biggest problems we see clinically is product overuse,” says London-based dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto. “During the pandemic, it’s been exacerbated because many people use too many actives and end up compromising their skin barrier.” But when you consider both formulation and sequence of application, skin soaks can actually Restores the skin barrier. The correct order of application (thinnest to thickest) is crucial, as is patience: Allowing each product time to penetrate before moving on to the next will prevent pilling and clumping. “I recommend using a combination of high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serums,” says Thomasian.
What is the most important takeaway here? Viral skincare trends aren’t going away, but you won’t know what really works for you until you try it. “Skin health is personal, and learning to listen to your skin will be more effective than any trend,” says Bao. “Not every trend is right for every skin type, and if you have a skin condition like acne, rosacea, or psoriasis, be sure to talk to your dermatologist about what works best for your skin.”
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