Skin care regimens don’t have to be complex or confusing. Keeping it simple is best for your skin and your likelihood of sticking with a regimen. I am a huge fan of using everyday concepts or examples to help understand important facts or instructions. That’s what led to my CPR2 Routine to revive your skin. You can apply this to any area of your skin and tailor your products based on your skin needs.
Here is my CPR2 Routine: Cleanse, Protect, Repair, Renew.
- Cleanse. Choose a cleanser that is right for your type of skin. If you aren’t sure what type of cleanser is right for you or have sensitive skin, a gentle cleanser is always a safe bet. If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating cleanser. A cleanser with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can be helpful for oily skin or acne-prone skin. ere
- Protect with sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply throughout the day. On average, you should reapply every 2 hours, but depending on your skin type, you may need to reapply more frequently.
- Repair with moisturizer. You can moisturize alone or use a sunscreen that also serves as a moisturizer. This can help simply the Protect and Repair into one easy step. If you want a separate moisturizer, apply it first, followed by sunscreen.
- Renew with antioxidants. Antioxidants are powerful ingredients that work to reverse sun damage and promote healthy, youthful skin. Some antioxidants like retinoids can be used after cleansing and often applied at night. You can also apply antioxidants in the morning to give your skin an extra layer of protection. This can help fight off environmental damage to the skin during the day. Some sunscreens contain antioxidants and make it easier to combine the Repair and Renew steps.
Below is my Beginner’s routine using the CPR2 Routine concepts. Keep in mind that your needs and product preferences may be different. The goal is to show how you can easily create your own routine.
The CPR2 Beginner Routine is quick and efficient, with just 2 steps in the morning and 2 steps at night. It takes advantage of combination products for those who are time-crunched. I also find this works well for my busy moms and patients who want a skin care regimen but aren’t super regimented or want to ease into a skin care routine.
Morning
- Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating Gel Cleanser, or La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
- Protect, Repair, and Renew in one product. You can find a product that moisturizes, protects you with sunscreen, and also has antioxidants. Some of my favorites include La Roche-Posay Antihelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with SPF, Supergoop Matte Sunscreen (best for oily skin), Elta MD UV Daily Face Sunscreen, and Dermalogica Prisma Protect. If you feel like you still need additional moisturizer, one can be added.
Evening
- Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating Gel Cleanser, or La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
- Repair and Renew with CeraVe Retinol Serum, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer Cream with Hyaluronic Acid, and La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum. If you still need an additional moisturizer, you can add one. You can also ask your dermatologist for a prescription version of a retinoid. Prescription retinoids are stronger than over-the-counter retinol.
Following the CPR2 Routine is a simple process that helps you develop a skincare routine that is unique to you. You can expand on it, like adding in a toner after cleansing, peptides or Renew both morning or night. To keep things interesting, you can always use one product as your morning cleanser and another as your evening cleanser. This is especially helpful for my “Skincare Fanatics (SCFs),” those who love products and love to try new things and have hard time keeping their regimen with the same products day after day. SCFs often find themselves wandering beauty supply stores aimlessly looking for the next miracle product and if they don’t see results in a few days, then they are off buying another cream. Sound like you? You are not alone!
Trotter’s Take: A skincare routine is best when it is concise, consistent, and easy to follow. Remember my CPR2 Routine: Cleanse, Protect, Repair, and Renew, to get started on your best skin!
Grab a cup of coffee and listen to my latest podcast with Dr. Mary Alice Mina as we discuss how to take the complexity out of skincare.
About Dr. Mary Alice Mina
Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a Harvard-trained double-board certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and leading expert on skin health and skincare. She is the host of THE SKIN REAL, a podcast for people looking for real skin care guidance, by true skin experts where she emphasizes a holistic and preventative approach to skin health and aesthetics. With over 15 years of clinical experience, she is an invited speaker on podcasts and at national meetings. She is recognized for her artistic eye and surgical skills while helping people feel good in their skin! She is co-owner of Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia where she treats patients with advanced surgical and cosmetic procedures to restore and maintain healthy skin.
