Browse our favorite healthy skin products, from gentle cleansers to daily moisturizers – each has been approved by Prevention’s expert panel!
This nontoxic moisturizer contains squalane, which locks in moisture and reduces fine lines, blackberry vinegar for redness relief and oat milk (not just for lattes!) to hydrate dry skin.
Cleanse
Cleansers remove impurities that clog pores and upset the natural balance of skin. Furthermore, they enable other skincare products like serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeply into the skin for maximum efficacy.
Cleansers often contain hydrating ingredients like niacinamide or barrier-restoring ceramides to improve skin texture and prevent further irritation, while others are tailored specifically for acne or aging with ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol to combat breakouts and soften the appearance of fine lines.
Foam and gel cleansers are specially formulated to gently eliminate excess oil without disturbing the skin barrier or changing its pH balance, making them suitable for all skin types, particularly oily or combination ones. They work great for those who suffer from oily and combination skin.
Exfoliate
Dead skin cells can clog pores and prevent other skincare ingredients from properly penetrating the skin, hindering their effectiveness. Exfoliation helps ensure that other skincare ingredients work as intended.
Many dermatologists prefer chemical exfoliation over physical exfoliation with scrubs that can damage the skin, such as physical scrubs. Instead, look for serums containing exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid or mandelic acid that help increase cell turnover.
If you have delicate skin, gentle products formulated with plant extracts and soothing ingredients are recommended as the ideal exfoliators. Experts advise using exfoliators two or three times each week.
Serum
A serum is designed to penetrate deep into your skin and deliver high concentrations of anti-aging ingredients. The fluid consistency allows it to be quickly absorbed, and often has a medicine-dropper or pump applicator so that just the right amount is dispensed each time.
This serum features humectants – water-attracting ingredients like low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5), urea, and glycerin which draw moisture into your skin – as well as smoothing lipids like ceramides and squalane that strengthen your barrier function and draw it all in to keep skin hydrated and smooth. Apply after cleansing/toning but before moisturizing.
Moisturize
Moisturizers help your skin stay hydrated, which supports its elasticity and softness. Moisturizers come in various formulations with ingredients tailored specifically towards specific issues in your skin.
For example, if you suffer from dry skin with conditions like eczema or psoriasis, consider purchasing a moisturizer containing soothing ingredients to ease irritation. Moisturization is also key if you have combination skin that has different needs across its surface area.
Moisturizers work best as the final step of your skincare routine after cleansing, exfoliating, and applying an essence or tonic. That way, heavier products such as serums and masks can absorb into your skin more quickly.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important healthy skin products you can use to protect yourself against sunburn, long-term damage and potentially skin cancer.
CBW helps reduce fine lines and age spots, reduces collagen breakdown as skin sags, prevent uneven skin tone and even help protect from hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure or other causes.
Select a daily sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, an SPF 30 or higher rating and water resistance as part of your morning skincare routine. Apply sunscreen prior to any makeup or moisturizer application for best results.
Eye Cream
An effective eye cream can help combat the first signs of aging by smoothing away fine lines, banishing dark circles and depuffing puffy eyes. This cult product boasts over 2000 four-star reviews on Sephora; its formula combines vitamin C for hyperpigmentation reduction and niacinamide for brightening with rose hip, hibiscus and rosemary leaf extracts for moisturizing delicate eye area skin.
Eyelid skin is thinner than other facial skin, making it more vulnerable to fine lines and wrinkles. This cream, winner of the 2023 Healthy Beauty Award, contains peptides to strengthen collagen and elastin production as well as orange extract for brightening purposes.
Face Mask
Face masks provide a powerful boost to skin by offering multiple benefits at once. Many formulas offer cleansing, moisturizing and brightening benefits in one easy step – making them an easy addition to any skin care regimen.
Look for gel masks containing ingredients such as raspberries and blackberries to reduce oil production and tighten pores, or those containing moisturizing agents like stone crop and honey for optimal hydration. Masks designed for sensitive skin contain soothing elements like aloe vera or chamomile to soothe inflammation; while skin-lightening options feature vitamin C or other brightening agents to even out skin tone.
