We decided to consult the expertise of skin guru Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, to figure out what the editors at Real Simple are doing right (and wrong) in their skincare routines, based on their specific skin type and skin goals. And, well, let’s just say, we have quite a few adjustments to make. Morning:

Thayer’s Facial Mist Witch Hazel Coconut Water ($7.50) Vitamin C serum IT Confidence in a Gel Lotion ($45) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+ ($15)

Night:

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser ($34) CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15) BeautyRx Tetrafoliant 8% Peel Solution ($70) BeautyRX Vitamin C Triple C Serum ($98) IT Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Armor ($52)

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“Especially with a history of melanoma, daily sun protection is a must. So you’re definitely doing the right thing here. But if you have sensitive skin, you can skip the witch hazel. It can be drying or irritating for a lot of people. Double cleansing is a really effective way to remove makeup and dirt from the skin. There is some data showing that the effects of UV light continue for hours after exposure, so vitamin C at night may be useful. However, as you get more and more steps in the evening, I typically recommend cutting the vitamin C at night and using it only in the morning. Vitamin C is like a fire extinguisher that puts out inflammation caused by free radicals from UV light exposure. If you are sensitive, glycolic acid may cause skin irritation. As an alternative, stick to a poly-hydroxyacid like gluconolactone. Or consider bakuchiol oil, which stimulates collagen, but does not cause irritation.” Morning:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15) Petunia Skincare Vitamin C Serum ($20) Burt’s Bees Skin Nourishment Eye Cream ($9) Acne.org Treatment 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide ($24) *chin only Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 25 ($28) or Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 ($26) *depending on the season The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Facial Oil ($9)

Night:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15) Derma E Essentials Radiance Toner ($16) Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment ($13) *chin only Burt’s Bees Skin Nourishment Eye Cream ($9) CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream ($20) or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream ($29) CeraVe Healing Ointment ($14) *around eyes Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch ($6) *if needed!

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“This basic routine is great. Cleanse, protect, and hydrate. If you suffer from acne, it is important to treat the entire area of breakouts to prevent new pimples. Spot treating gets rid of pimples that you have, but the goal is to prevent new ones from popping up altogether.” Morning and night:

Dove White Beauty Bar ($6) *use this every day and alternate between Fresh and Tatcha for double cleansing Fresh Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash ($33) Tatcha Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder ($68) Eucerin Original Healing Lotion ($11) Theraplex Barrier Balm ($19) *only on eczema flareups Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Toner ($17) Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum ($89) Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice ($49) Augustinus Bader The Cream ($280) Crème de la Mer ($200) *daytime Amorepacific Time Response Skin Reserve Creme ($150) *nighttime Alba Botanica Hydration Sensation Eyedration Gel ($21.50) *daytime Beautybio Contouring + De-Puffing Rose Quartz Roller ($65) *placed in fridge overnight

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“I caution my patients not to switch up their skincare routines too frequently. Not only to experience the full benefits, which takes several weeks to kick in, but also you may not know which product is to blame if you develop any irritation. Also, don’t forget sunscreen!” Morning:

IT Cosmetics Miracle Water Micellar Cleanser ($38) Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream ($49) OleHenriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream ($42) Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil ($68) *just a dab IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($44)

Night:

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser ($29) IT Cosmetics Miracle Water Micellar Cleanser ($38) Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum ($92) IT Cosmetics Secret Sauce Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($72) IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Neck Cream Moisturizer ($54) Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($52)

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“In rosacea, the skin barrier is not working as well as it should be working. Ingredients like tiger grass and ceramides can help soothe and protect the skin and is useful in conditions like rosacea or eczema. While CC creams commonly contain sunscreen, it is not enough. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the whole face, then apply your makeup over it. UV light exposure has also been shown to be a trigger for rosacea, which is another reason to make sure you are protected every day. So long as you are not irritated by retinol, you can use it even if you have rosacea. But if you find that you’re experiencing any irritation, I’d recommend an alternative. Consider a peptide or bakuchiol-based cream. Also, be cautious with your masks if you have rosacea. Hydroxy acids can lead to irritation, as can a variety of botanical extracts and fragrances found in many masks. Stick to hydrating products. Biocellulose masks are a great option for rosacea patients because they have a soothing effect.” Morning and night:

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($23) Perricone Deep Crease Serum ($179) Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($32.50) Glossier FutureDew Oil Serum Hybrid ($34)

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“There’s nothing wrong with being simple, but please don’t forget sunscreen every morning! If you have dry skin, I recommend you should be looking out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and colloidal oatmeal. These can help protect and treat the skin barrier so it holds up better against ‘parched’ environments.” Morning:

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($16) ​​​CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($14) mixed with a touch of Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream ($19) Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($20)

Night:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths ($4) ​​​CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($14) mixed with a touch of Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream ($19) CosRX pimple patch ($6) *as needed

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“If you have sensitive skin that is acne-prone, sulfur-based products are useful; they have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties to treat acne. If you can tolerate it, add a retinol product in the evening which addresses both aging skin and acne. Other ingredients that are useful for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin are niacinamide and vitamin C.” Morning:

Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel ($14) *just once in the morning, not double cleansing Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin ($20) Blue Lizard Australian Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ ($12)

Night:

Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel ($14) *double cleanse to remove makeup and sunscreen Yes To Tomatoes Acne Clearing Facial Toner with salicylic acid 0.50% ($10) *no longer available; applied with hands instead of a cotton round as to not disturb any blemishes Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin ($20) Stratia Rewind Serum ($18)

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“If a toner does not keep blemishes at bay, consider switching to a salicylic acid-based product. If you can’t tolerate a salicylic acid leave-on product, you might want to switch to a salicylic acid cleanser.” Morning:

Micellar water *to cleanse Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($98) Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil ($68)

Night:

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask ($52) Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial ($80) *once a week

Dr. Zeichner’s critique:
“Men’s perceptions of skincare products are frequently based on their packaging and fragrances. In fact, most skincare products can be just as useful for men as they can be for women. There is no data showing that men’s skin is any less sensitive than women’s. Especially in men, skincare becomes directly tied to grooming. I commonly recommend a moisturizing aftershave that contains SPF to kill two birds with one stone. Just make sure to apply the cream to the full face for sun protection.”