Elevate Your Skincare Routine: Unlocking the Power of Serums, Face Masks, and Beyond

As you browse the health and wellness section of your local drugstore or department store, you’ll find thousands of skincare products claiming to do everything from addressing fine lines and wrinkles to fading dark spots and skin discoloration. 

But which products actually work to benefit your skin? 

Whether you’re searching for a serum, face mask, eye cream, or something else, we’re here to help you find effective skincare routine extras that are dermatologist-recommended and proven to contribute to a healthy complexion. 

Before we jump into our favorite skincare routine extras, like serums and toners, let’s quickly cover what your basic skincare routine should include: 

1. Cleanser — Our board-certified dermatologists recommend a gentle cleanser to wash away makeup, excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, environmental impurities, and other debris. Either use this twice a day or once at night if your skin is particularly dry. 
2. Moisturizer — This is key for keeping your skin soft, hydrated, and healthy. Even if you have oily skin, a moisturizer is essential to prevent over-drying. We recommend choosing one that’s fragrance-free and oil-free.
3. Sunscreen — An absolutely must-have for any skincare routine. Sunscreen not only prevents premature aging, it reduces your skin cancer risk and keeps your skin looking and feeling healthy. 

If you are looking for high quality skincare products, visit QualDerm's online store for a medical-grade skincare products for all skin types and ages.

Now that we’ve covered what your basic skincare routine should include, here are our favorite skincare routine extras, such as serums, face masks, toners, facial treatments, and more. 

SERUMS 

Serums have become incredibly popular over the last few years, and with good reason. They often contain a hefty amount of antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients that work to transform the skin and contribute to a glowing, youthful complexion. 

We recommend looking for serums that include: 

Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B5)

Hyaluronic Acid 

Ferulic Acid 

Peptides 

 

FACE MASKS 

If you struggle with bouts of acne (or even the dreaded “maskne”) or dry, irritated, or inflamed skin, then face masks may help you to achieve a hydrated, vibrant complexion. 

Not only are face masks a great way to slow down and practice essential self-care, which is ideal for reducing stress and alleviating anxiety, there are so many different types of face masks out there that address specific skin issues, like dry skin, clogged pores, and inflamed skin. 

For specific face mask recommendations, reach out to our board-certified dermatologists. We’ll help you find a face mask that works best for your unique skin type and skin issue! 

TONERS

Skin toners are a type of skincare routine extra that further cleanses the skin after washing to ensure all impurities are removed. 

Depending on the type of toner you are using, it may also help restore your skin’s pH balance, provide hydration, target a specific skin issue (like acne), treat dry skin, and brighten your complexion. 

If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a toner that is alcohol-free and includes rose water, glycerol, or vitamin E. 

If you have a normal, oily, or combination skin type, try to find a toner that includes a small amount of alcohol and features lactic acid, glycolic acid, and antioxidants (like vitamin C). 

And for those with particularly acne-prone skin, we recommend a toner that includes salicylic acid or tea tree extract, which are effective at removing impurities and unclogging pores. 

FACIAL REJUVENATION TREATMENTS 

In addition to the skincare extras mentioned above, facial rejuvenation treatments done at a licensed medical aesthetics clinic may be a great way to effectively target and treat specific skin concerns that do not respond to superficial skin topicals, like serums and cleansers. 

At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, we utilize a variety of facial rejuvenation treatments that address fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone and texture, skin laxity, and more. These treatments include: 

BOTOX® 

Dysport®

Chemical Peels

Dermal Fillers 

Microneedling