We curated the best derm-approved advice out there; stick to these tips for clear skin ahead: “It may take four to six weeks to see results with these topical treatments, and the entire face should be treated, not just a spot treatment,” says board-certified dermatologist Nadia Kihiczak, M.D., of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. However, she notes, “dryness, irritation, and redness can be a common side effect of these treatments.” Be sure to pair your serum, peel, or wash with a soothing cream, too. As for the specific face wash, that comes down to a few mitigating factors. There’s your personal preference, of course (some people just like an oil cleanser, while others love a cream). But the more pressing issue is what sort of actives will you be using elsewhere in your routine? Allow us to elaborate. If you stick to the bare minimum (face wash and moisturizer), then a face wash is a great way to add in one of those hydroxy acids that we noted above. However, if you are choosing to use a chemical exfoliant in the form of a serum or treatment, you shouldn’t use it in your cleanser as well (this will be too harsh for skin and strip the barrier); instead, opt for a gentle, soothing option. “It is also important to understand that retinoids take time to work, and you have to start slowly or you will cause inflammation. In patients who can’t use a retinoid for a variety of reasons (like pregnancy or extremely sensitive skin), we can consider alternatives like topical azelaic acid,” says Bloom.
