Step-by-Step Preppy Skin Care Routine for Effortless Elegance

WhatColors

Dante Kim

September 9th, 2024

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60 seconds with WhatColors!

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Skin is one of the first things others notice about us. Flawless skin with a natural glow enhances our appearance and confidence, helping us easily tackle daily activities. Unfortunately, achieving and maintaining this level of skin perfection can be challenging. The good news is that a simple, luxurious, preppy skincare routine can help you achieve your skin goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the significance of preppy skin care within the preppy aesthetic and how to start with a routine that will leave your skin polished and refined.

WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app is valuable for achieving skincare objectives. The app analyzes your unique coloring and suggests the best shades for your preppy skincare routine, makeup, and wardrobe to help you achieve a timeless, elegant look.

What Is Preppy Skin Care?
What Makes Preppy Skin Care Different?
10 Products to Include in a Preppy Skincare Routine
Step-by-Step Preppy Skin Care Tutorial
14 Brands To Add to Your Preppy Skin Care Routine
9 Vegan-Friendly Preppy Skin Care Lines for Radiant Skin in 2024
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Preppy Skincare
11 Preppy Skin Care Lifestyle Tips
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

What Is Preppy Skin Care?

Preppy skin care, known as “preppy aesthetic” skincare, focuses on elegant, colorful, organized self-care routines. Skin care products that fall under the preppy aesthetic are often visually appealing, with bright packaging that resembles a cheerful classroom or pristine dormitory. Just as preppy outfits conjure images of Ivy League campuses, preppy skin care evokes images of collegiate life: bright, pleasant, and full of possibilities.

Preppy Skin Care Defined

Regarding beauty routines, "preppy" refers to an elevated, colorful version of minimalist routines. Instead of relying on boring, colorless products, preppy skin care celebrates vibrant packaging, playful formulations, and the joy of self-expression. This aesthetic has taken over social media, particularly TikTok, where #preppyskincare has over 136 million views. Content creators showcase their colorful collections and elaborate routines, demonstrating how fun skin care can be.

Preppy Skin Care Values Timelessness and Simplicity

Preppy skin care embodies a specific lifestyle. The aesthetic goes beyond skin-deep beauty. It promotes elegant, simple, and sophisticated self-care routines. Preppy skincare focuses on classy, practical products that help you achieve long-term skin goals. Just as preppy outfits never go out of style, preppy skin care routines help you build lifelong habits for healthy skin.

What Makes Preppy Skin Care Different?

Preppy skincare embodies classic, timeless qualities that set the regimen apart from other trends. Product packaging is clean, bright, and youthful, reminiscent of an Ivy League campus. The preppy look stems from East Coast American universities like Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. It takes on a timeless style that expresses sophistication, class, and vintage flair.

In skincare, this translates to a simple yet effective regimen that focuses on natural, long-lasting beauty where “less is more, but quality is everything.” It embodies a refined approach that emphasizes simplicity, efficacy, and trust in the process for healthy, radiant skin.

What Ingredients Are Key to Preppy Skincare?

Preppy skincare is more than just a routine for maintaining a clean, polished, natural complexion. It’s about celebrating individuality, embracing one’s quirks, and turning daily routines into moments of happiness and self-care. Preppy skincare products are high-end and usually made with vitamins, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

A consistent routine will help achieve a fresh, youthful, and well-groomed appearance. This regimen entails applying the proper product appropriately instead of slathering on layers of skincare products and makeup. This routine consists of cleaning your skin with a gentle cleanser, toner to balance the skin's pH, applying serum like Vitamin C to brighten and tighten, moisturizer for hydration, and sunscreen with SPF 50 for protection. There is no need for a 10-step routine. The goal is minimalism meets efficacy for a sustainable, lifelong practice.

The Preppy Skincare Routine: What to Expect?

Preppy skincare ingredients matter. Using practical, high-quality ingredients to suit your specific needs or concerns is crucial. Preppy skincare products include retinol, which helps with anti-aging; hyaluronic acid, the hydration hero; vitamin C, for brightening; and tea tree oil, for preventing blemishes.

Sustainability in Preppy Skincare: What to Know

Sustainability in preppy skincare means focusing on long-lasting quality over fast consumption, which aligns well with eco-friendly practices. For a more sustainable routine, choose glass packaging over plastic, opt for refillable containers/options, and support brands that source ingredients responsibly.

10 Products to Include in a Preppy Skincare Routine

1. Gentle Cleanser: The Foundation of Preppy Skin Care

The cornerstone of any successful preppy skincare routine is a gentle cleanser. A preppy skincare routine always begins with a clean canvas. Look for a mild, pH-balanced cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin of natural oils. A popular choice among preppy individuals is the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s dermatologist-recommended and ideal for all skin types.

2. Gentle Exfoliating Scrub for a Fresh Face

Exfoliation is vital to achieving a glowing complexion. Choose a gentle exfoliating scrub with fine particles to slough away dead skin cells and reveal your radiant skin beneath. Exfoliating a few times a week can help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave your face fresh and rejuvenated. A well-formulated exfoliating scrub, such as the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub, can help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Just be mindful not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation.

3. Hydrating Cleanser for Daily Use

A hydrating cleanser is a must-have in your preppy skincare arsenal. It helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance and ensures it remains soft and supple. It’s designed to clean your face while providing hydration and maintaining your skin's moisture balance. These cleansers are typically formulated to be gentle and non-stripping, making them suitable for everyday use. Look for a sulfate-free cleanser packed with nourishing ingredients to give your skin a daily dose of pampering.

4. Nourishing Serum to Boost Radiance

Preppy skincare relies on radiant skin; a nourishing serum can help you achieve that glow. These serums typically contain a combination of ingredients that can help brighten your complexion, reduce dullness, and promote a radiant, glowing look. Opt for a serum loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to combat the signs of aging while enhancing your skin’s natural beauty. The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a preppy favorite for its ability to plump and rejuvenate the skin.

5. Moisturizer with SPF for Daily Protection

Sun protection is non-negotiable in any skincare routine. Preppy or not, safeguarding your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to prevent premature aging and maintain that youthful glow. Moisturizers with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) are a convenient way to provide daily protection for your skin from the harmful effects of UV (ultraviolet) radiation. UV radiation from the sun can cause premature aging and sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Choose a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF to keep your skin safe and well-hydrated.

6. Eye Cream for a Bright and Alert Look

The eyes are often considered the windows to your soul and deserve special attention in your skincare routine. This eye cream is formulated to be gentle and lightweight, suitable for delicate and sensitive skin in this area. Eye creams can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles, providing a brighter, more alert appearance.

7. Toner to Balance Your Skin’s pH

A toner is a preppy essential for balancing your skin’s pH levels. It’s used after cleansing your face and applying moisturizer or other skincare products. It can help tighten your pores and prepare your skin to absorb subsequent skincare products effectively. Look for a gentle, alcohol-free toner to keep your skin in peak condition. Preppy skincare enthusiasts often choose alcohol-free organic facial products; they are gentle on the skin, soothing, and contain natural ingredients.

8. Hydrating Face Mask for Weekly Indulgence

A little pampering goes a long way, and a hydrating face mask is a luxurious treat for your skin. Use it once a week to give your skin a deep dose of moisture, leaving it plump and glowing. Find a mask that suits your skin type and concerns for the best results. Various hydrating face masks are available on the market, and you can also create your own at home using natural ingredients.

9. Night Cream for Overnight Rejuvenation

Your skin does most of its repair work while you sleep, making a night cream an essential preppy skincare product. They typically have a thicker and more emollient texture than daytime moisturizers. Invest in a nourishing night cream to replenish your skin’s moisture, soothe any irritation, and wake up to a revitalized complexion.

10. Lip Balm for a Perfect Pout

Don’t forget your lips in your preppy skincare routine! Lip balm is a product designed to moisturize and protect the lips, keeping them soft, smooth, and free from dryness and chapping. It’s not just about maintaining healthy lips but can also contribute to a perfect pout by making your lips look more appealing and kissable. Look for one with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and natural oils. A nourishing lip balm, like the Burt’s Beeswax Lip Balm, keeps your lips soft, smooth, and preppy-perfect.

Step-by-Step Preppy Skin Care Tutorial

person doing skin care - Preppy Skin Care

Nothing beats the preppy look for a fresh-faced, natural aesthetic. This style is about looking polished and effortless, as if you just popped out of a magazine. To achieve the right look, prep your skin with a detailed skincare routine before applying makeup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your skin for the preppy look.

1. Preparation and Primer

Start by prepping your skin for makeup. This involves cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser and applying a lightweight primer so your makeup adheres flawlessly.

2. Skin Tone

Next, even out your skin tone with a natural-looking foundation. Conceal any blemishes, and then you'll be ready for the makeup portion.

3. Soft Eye Makeup

For eye makeup, stick to natural light shades like beige, taupe, or soft brown for eye shadow. Use a thin line for the liner, no winged lines or anything.

4. Natural Eyebrows

Groom your eyebrows. Use a natural arch; don't make the angles too dramatic or sharp.

5. Blush

Go easy on the blush. Something nice and subtle will do wonders. Colors like peach, coral, or rose.

6. Highlights

A light, subtle blush for the upper cheekbones and nose bridge.

7. Lips

Aim for natural-looking lips, colors like nude or light pink with a satin finish.

8. Mascara

Don't go heavy on the mascara. If you choose to use it, put it on lightly.

9. The Prep Trend

Overall, I don't think the preppy look will ever go away. It's a tried-and-true style that a demographic aspires to. Regarding cosmetics, it's a new viral fad, thanks to social media. The same principles apply to regular skincare. They slap a new name on it, and everybody rushes to buy the latest products, labeling themselves as it.

10. How to Care for Skin Like a Prep

You want to focus on light colors and defining features when achieving this brand of look. The basics of skincare apply. You still need that consistent routine to nourish your skin, presenting a near-flawless complexion, the "city girl" look.

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14 Brands To Add to Your Preppy Skin Care Routine

person hiding her face - Preppy Skin Care

Regarding preppy skin care, there are a few key features to remember. Products that fall under the preppy aesthetic are effective, classic, and often expensive or luxurious. They also have a pleasing aesthetic, clean packaging, and a soft and complementary color palette. Here are 14 brands and their products that fit the bill for preppy skin care.

1. Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe’s fruit-forward products not only pack a seriously colorful punch, but their clinically effective formulas deliver impressive results. This new serum uses pomegranate seed oil, HA, and polypeptides to boost hydration and firmness while targeting fine lines and wrinkles and helping skin appear more lifted.

2. Byoma

Wash away the day without compromising your skin’s barrier with BYOMA’s gentle (but potent) jelly cleanser. Infused with the brand’s unique barrier-boosting tri-ceramide complex, it also boasts antioxidant-rich licorice root and green tea extract to leave skin squeaky clean and soft but perfectly pH-balanced and nourished.

3. Drunk Elephant

Free from the “suspicious six” (aka ingredients the brand believes to be a cause of significant skin issues), this peeper perfecting eye cream contains not one, not two, but five forms of vitamin C to brighten and firm the skin around the eye area (which shows signs of aging faster than anywhere else, FYI). Add antioxidants, ceramides, actives, and plant oils to restore radiance, refresh, and protect peepers.

4. Pixi

Pixi’s tonics have earned cult status over the years, and this purple retinol toner is no exception. Helping resurface the skin and give it back its glow, it contains time-released retinol to smooth and reduce signs of aging, peptides to firm and boost collagen, and jasmine extracts to heal and balance.

5. Bubble

Dermatologist-developed, plant-based, and science-backed skincare at its best, Bubble aims to make effective, fuss-free products simple and affordable. Its Slam Dunk moisturizer is packed with Mother Nature’s finest (aloe leaf juice, hoya lacosuna flower, and evening primrose oil included) to hydrate, calm, and protect deeply.

6. Sol De Janeiro

Buff your body Brazilian style with Sol de Janeiro’s bright and beautiful Bom Dia Body Scrub. Using 10% AHAs and BHAs alongside crushed passionfruit seeds, it rids the skin of bumps, blemishes, and roughness to increase smoothness, clarity, and softness. All with a delicious, warm, sultry scent.

7. Milk Makeup

Instantly de-puff, refresh, hydrate, and soothe skin thanks to Milk Makeup’s clever skin-loving stick. Simply slide it over your skin and under your eyes to let its caffeine and seaweed-infused formula work its energizing, restorative powers.

8. Laneige

Since the ’90s, Laneige has been a pioneer in skincare, researching, testing, and innovating in Korean labs. Their philosophy revolves around creating multi-tasking products that make skincare easy. Dedicated to hydration, Laneige formulates with the latest ingredients and innovative technology, delivering visible results for dewy, bouncy skin. The brand’s clinically proven, barrier-boosting skincare includes iconic products like the Lip Sleeping Mask, making them the #1 Lip Treatment Brand in the US.

9. Glossier

At Glossier, beauty is about you. Originating from the beauty website Into The Gloss, Glossier aims to make beauty accessible and uncomplicated. Thoughtful design, conversations, and celebrating freedom of expression are at the core of Glossier’s approach. From playful shades to seriously great skincare, Glossier invites you to look good and embrace your individuality.

10. Tree Hut

For Tree Hut, self-care is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. This family-owned brand believes everyone deserves to feel good, even during daily hygiene. Transforming showers into self-care rituals, Tree Hut offers USA-made skin and body care with exceptional quality. Crafted with high concentrations of skin-loving, plant-based ingredients, their products aim to provide a feel-good glow from head to toe.

11. CeraVe

The CeraVe story began in 2005, focusing on restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe offers a complete line of skin care products containing three essential ceramides. The unique MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE) ensures gradual release and long-lasting hydration. Dermatologist-recommended, CeraVe caters to various skin concerns, making it the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand.

12. La Mer

La Mer’s Crème de la Mer is renowned for its luxurious formulation. It contains a unique blend of sea kelp, vitamins, and essential oils. This cream deeply hydrates the skin, minimizes fine lines, and leaves a radiant glow. It’s a favorite among preppy enthusiasts who appreciate high-end products.

13. Kiehl

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a classic moisturizer known for its 24-hour hydration. It’s formulated with squalane and glacial glycoprotein to keep the skin moisturized. While the packaging may not be as chic as other preppy products, its effectiveness and affordability make it a preppy skincare staple.

14. Tata Harper

Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask is a clean beauty product that preppy skincare enthusiasts adore. It contains natural ingredients like pink clay and pomegranate enzymes to exfoliate and brighten the skin. The green glass jar packaging looks elegant and helps preserve the mask’s potency. It’s a top choice for those seeking natural skincare solutions.

9 Vegan-Friendly Preppy Skin Care Lines for Radiant Skin in 2024

1. Glow Recipe: Fruit-Powered Skincare for Radiant Preppy Skin

Glow Recipe's fruit-powered vegan formulations help you achieve a preppy glow. The brand specializes in natural, food-based ingredients like antioxidant-rich pineapple, watermelon, and strawberry instead of fillers. Their products are gentle and nourishing so that they won’t disrupt your skin’s natural barrier. For instance, the vegan Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum fades hyperpigmentation while nourishing skin. Their Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist hydrates with a juicy, refreshing burst of scent via hibiscus flower and hyaluronic acid.

2. Herbivore: Vegan Skincare from Organic Farms

Herbivore naturally approaches vegan skincare, crafting small-batch products from fresh raw botanicals from Seattle-area organic farms. Their Aquarius BHA and Blue Tansy Clarifying Cleanser exfoliate naturally with fruit enzymes and retain moisture from vitamin E-rich blue tansy oil. Everything from their Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream to their Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Serum incorporates skin-smoothing oils and adaptogens, making for a balanced preppy complexion.

3. Pacifica: Vegan Skincare for Fragrance Lovers

If you love skincare with a delightful scent, Pacifica will not disappoint. The brand offers a huge range of vegan, aromatherapeutic products like their Future Youth Daily Turnaround Hydrating Moisturizer or Wake Up Beautiful line, which combines antioxidant-rich botanical oils like kukui, argan, and coconut for overnight rejuvenation. Those wanting glow get their fix from the vegan pineapple-powered Glow Baby Brightening Serum.

4. Drunk Elephant: Effective Skincare for Preppy Aesthetics

Drunk Elephant was one of the first brands to prove effective skincare could forgo harsh ingredients and animal testing. Their vegan-friendly options balance formulas around fruit enzymes and amino acids. Although not all of their products are vegan, they have many options. Their glycolic-packed T.L.C Framboos Night Serum resurfaces skin while their Protini Polypeptide Cream moisturizes. For a deep pore cleanse, reach for their jelly Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser infused with nourishing nuts and berries.

5. Suitable Molecules: Affordable Vegan Skincare

Promising Molecules is an affordable, clinical brand focusing on common skin concerns like acne, discoloration, and signs of aging with simple routines. Their entire line, from the Clarifying Bar Soap to their Brightening Toner, is 100% vegan. Those dealing with blemishes benefit from their exfoliating Pineapple Exfoliating Powder packed with fruit enzymes. Discoloration fades fast thanks to an extended range of even-toning vitamin C serums, including a gentle formulation that caters to sensitive skin.

6. I Dew Care: Playful Vegan K-Beauty

K-Beauty-inspired brand I Dew Care proves skincare routines don’t need to feel stuffy. Their selection of clarifying masks, like the Matcha Mood wash-off pore detoxifier, makes glow-boosting accessible. Infuse skin with antioxidants using their vegan, edible-flavored Vitamin C Brightening Serum. We can't resist their nourishing, limited-edition sets themed around festive flavors like pumpkin spice or gingerbread.

7. Florence by Mills: Gen Z Approved Skincare

Florence by Mills is TikTok queen Millie Bobby Brown's Gen Z-approved line featuring clever basics packed with acne-clearing and complexion-smoothing benefits in fun packaging. Their vegan-friendly Say Hi to Hydration Hyaluronic Gel Cream quenches thirsty skin by locking in moisture. Clear away existing and emerging blemishes gently using their Swimming Under the Eyes Gel Pads, formulated with exfoliating salicylic acid from flower extracts.

8. Byoma: Customized Vegan Skincare

This inclusive brand pioneers customized skincare through an in-depth skin test. The results lead to targeted serum and moisturizer formulas addressing unique skincare needs, from acne to anti-aging. With clean, vegan options excluding the most common irritating ingredients, you can get familiarity with boutique brand results on a subscription basis for true personalization. Even their chic, decorative outer packaging upgrades the experience.

9. Elf Cosmetics: Quality Vegan Skincare on a Budget

Elf Cosmetics is known for its affordable makeup. It crafts professional-quality complexion products without harsh ingredients or price tags. Its skincare line adheres to strict vegan formulas free of parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, and triclosan.

The lightweight, daily Brightening Eye Cream tackles dark circles with antioxidant-rich cucumber. Their bouncy Holy Hydration Face Cream with moisture-binding squalane boosts hydration. Those needing deep cleansing turn to their Whipped Clay Mask infused with purifying charcoal powder and exfoliating apricot seed.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Preppy Skincare

woman abosorbing sunlight - Preppy Skin Care

1. Know Your Skin Type Before Choosing Preppy Skincare Products

Selecting the right preppy skincare products starts with knowing your skin type—oily skin benefits from oil-free formulas that control shine and reduce pores. Dry skin requires hydrating products to nourish and restore moisture. Combination skin may need a balanced approach targeting both oily and dry areas.

To avoid redness or itching, sensitive skin requires gentle, non-irritating products with soothing ingredients. Choosing preppy skincare products suitable for your skin type ensures excellent results and prevents potential skin issues. Tailoring your skincare routine to your skin type is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Be sure to identify your skin type before selecting your skincare products for the best results.

2. Avoid Allergies: Perform an Ingredient Sensitivity Check

When selecting preppy skincare products, performing an ingredient sensitivity check is crucial to avoid potential adverse reactions and guarantee compatibility with your skin type. Check for common allergens like fragrances, essential oils, and certain preservatives in skincare ingredients. Look for products labeled hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin to minimize potential reactions.

Avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and artificial colors if sensitive skin is prone to irritation. Patch test new products on a small skin area to assess for adverse reactions before application completion. Seek out skincare products with minimal ingredients and avoid complex formulas to reduce the risk of sensitivity. Examine product labels to ensure they align with your skin's needs.

3. Hydration and Moisture: Look for the Best Ingredients

To guarantee top skincare results, evaluating preppy skincare products' hydration and moisture levels is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Hydration is crucial as it keeps the skin plump, smooth, and glowing. Moisture in serums and moisturizers helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides known for their hydrating properties.

Proper hydration enhances the skin's barrier function, offering better protection against environmental stressors and premature aging; choosing products with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients benefits all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. So, check for these key components when selecting your skincare products.

4. Target Your Skin Concerns Before Choosing Preppy Skincare

For the practical selection of preppy skincare products, prioritize addressing specific skin concerns like dryness, oiliness, acne, or aging. When choosing skincare, it's crucial to prioritize products that target your primary skin concern. Whether you're looking for hydration, anti-aging, brightening, or acne control, the key is to match the product to your specific needs.

Pay attention to the product's ingredients; for example, hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration, while niacinamide helps brighten. Evaluate the formulations to ensure they suit your skin type—sensitive, oily, dry, or combination. By choosing skincare products that align with your goals and preferences, you can find solutions tailored to your skin concerns.

5. Choose Simplicity Over Complexity When Selecting Preppy Skincare

Let's streamline our skincare routine by prioritizing essential, high-quality products in preppy skincare. Preppy skincare advocates for simplicity, focusing on critical steps for effective results. By using fewer but premium products, this approach guarantees quality and efficiency.

This streamlined regimen is easy to follow and caters to various skin types. Simplifying your skincare routine helps avoid unnecessary steps, prevents product overload, and saves time and money. Embracing simplicity in preppy skincare aims to make your routine more manageable, accessible, and beneficial.

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11 Preppy Skin Care Lifestyle Tips

1. Don't Forget Your Daily Sunscreen

Nothing says sunny, preppy days like a glowing tan. Unfortunately, that gorgeous bronze can come at a cost. “Anytime you tan indoors or outside, you prematurely age your skin,” says dermatologist Jeanine B. Downie, MD. “You also increase your risk of getting skin cancer.” If you want to look tanned, use a self-tanner instead.

To keep your skin healthy, you want to protect it from the sun, even when using a self-tanner. “Also, don’t forget your daily sunscreen,” Dr. Downie says. “It’s the best anti-aging product out there.” Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day before you go outdoors. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

2. Don’t Smoke

If you want youthful skin, don’t smoke. “Smoking speeds up how quickly your skin ages,” says dermatologist Jennifer Haythe, MD. “If you smoke, your wounds will also take longer to heal. And research shows that smoking worsens some skin diseases, including psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.”

3. Check Your Skin for Skin Cancer

Skin self-exams can help you find skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable. If you notice a spot that differs from the others or one that changes, itches, or bleeds, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

4. Wash Your Face Regularly

Washing your face when you wake up removes the dirt and bacteria that settle on your face while sleeping. Before bed, you want to remove makeup and grime, such as smog, smoke, or dirt, which may have landed on your skin. “And if you’ve been sweating heavily or have a serious acne flare, it may seem natural to scrub your skin,” says Dr. Haythe. “Don’t! Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can worsen any skin condition, including acne. Instead, be gentle.”

5. Treat Your Skin Gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle: Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water. Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers. Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion, or gel before shaving.

For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in fish oil or fish oil supplements and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger-looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated.

7. Manage Stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Get enough sleep, set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list, and make time to do what you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

8. Use Proper Self-Tanner For That Preppy Glow

If you want to look tanned, use a self-tanner instead. “Self-tanners can help you achieve the look you want without the risks associated with tanning,” says dermatologist Marie Jhin, MD. “To keep your skin healthy, protect it from the sun even when using a self-tanner.”

9. See a Derm for Preppy Skin Care

When it comes to our skin, dermatologists are the experts. These doctors diagnose and treat thousands of different skin diseases. They also have the expertise to help people safely rejuvenate and care for their skin. If you dislike something about your skin — whether it’s a condition like eczema or psoriasis or the appearance of aging — see a board-certified dermatologist for help.

10. Use the Right Skin Care Products

Your skin changes over time and can change seasonally or in response to life events like pregnancy. Using skin care products formulated for your needs will help your skin look and feel its best. For example, if you have dry skin, look for products that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid heavy products that can clog pores and look for labels that say “non-comedogenic.”

11. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

As we age, our skin naturally becomes drier. This is partly because we lose the ability to retain moisture. "Moisturizing helps to prevent this from happening and keeps the skin looking youthful," says Dr. Haythe. "I recommend using a moisturizer that fits your skin type and contains hyaluronic acid."

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What Is Preppy Skin Care?
What Makes Preppy Skin Care Different?
10 Products to Include in a Preppy Skincare Routine
Step-by-Step Preppy Skin Care Tutorial
14 Brands To Add to Your Preppy Skin Care Routine
9 Vegan-Friendly Preppy Skin Care Lines for Radiant Skin in 2024
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Preppy Skincare
11 Preppy Skin Care Lifestyle Tips
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today