Pros Reveal The Juicy Skincare Secrets You've Never Heard Before

No doubt you’ve probably read the same beauty advice over and over again: wear your SPF, never skip a nighttime wash, and don’t pick your pimples. Since you’ve already got the basics covered, we figured we’d fill you in on some really juicy skincare tips that’ll push your beauty knowledge and skincare routine to the next level. 

1. “Morning Skin” is the Best Indicator of a Good/Bad Skincare Regimen 

If you’re not sure whether you’ve nailed your nighttime skincare routine, simply check yourself out in the mirror first thing in the morning. “I tell patients they should look at their skin when they wake up,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bertha Baum. “Depending on the presentation of their skin, they should make changes to their night routine since it has an effect in the morning and how their skin looks.” 

For example, if skin feels dry or tight, then you’re not getting enough moisture, and if you’re dealing with new pimples every morning, then something in your nighttime routine might be to blame. Look for general consistency here since you might have some “off days” depending on variables like diet, exercise, water intake, and certain products (like retinoids). 

2. Annual Preventative Treatments Can Save $$$ in the Long Run 

A consistent skincare routine is key to a healthy, gorgeous complexion, but don’t write off an annual in-office treatment. Treatments like Ultherapy, Sofwave, Microneedling, RF, and Fraxel have some seriously impressive preventative effects, such as brightening, light skin resurfacing, and collagen building. Over the long term, you may find yourself spending less money on skincare products that make big promises but don’t necessarily have the same impact. 

3. You Should *Always* Skip the Airplane Window Seat 

via Giphy

Jetsetting somewhere fab is exciting, but be mindful of how much sun exposure you’re getting all those miles into the sky. Apparently, sitting in the window seat is not a good idea if skincare is a priority for you. “There is too much sun radiation because of the altitude,” explains Dr. Baum. In fact, pilots and airline crewmembers are technically classified as “radiation workers” due to their consistent exposure. If you insist on getting that sky view, definitely wear an SPF 30+, reapply often, and try to keep the window closed as much as possible. 

4. Avoid Getting Skincare Products in Your Eyebrows 

How many times have you slathered on serum or face cream without bothering to avoid your eyebrows? Celebrity brow expert Sania Vucetaj tells us that this is a no-no that can lead to issues like pimples, poor hair growth, and even brow dandruff (which 40% of her clients deal with). 

“Treat your brow hairs as you would the hairs on the scalp, as they are most similar to one another,” says Vucetaj. “Moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations, etc. clog the delicate hair follicle, not only stunting growth but also causing hairs to shed. If you are noticing sparseness in your brows, these creams could definitely be the culprit.” When you wash your face, make sure to take care to cleanse this area well in case. You can even use a tiny drop of regular hair shampoo and conditioner. 

5. Use a Warm Washcloth on Skin Before Applying Products 

Familiar with skin flooding? We’ve got a trick that’ll make the whole thing even easier for you – especially for those of you who don’t wash your face in the AM or you forgot to apply product while your skin was damp. 

“Use a [warm] washcloth for 60 seconds laid on your face before putting on all your [skincare products],” says Kenna Ehman, a makeup artist and co-owner of Kenna Kunijo. This dampens your skin, which hydrates and also allows products to absorb better. Follow up with a cream or oil, and you’ll have seriously plump skin. To sweeten the pot, Kunijo uses ice-cold skincare tools – like jade rollers – to apply the skincare products, which have a tightening effect. 

6. Don’t Write Off Oil Cleansers – Even if You Have Oily Skin

via Giphy

If you have oily skin, there’s a good chance you might have just written off oil-based products altogether. While it’s a good idea to tread lightly with rich moisturizers, an oil-based cleanser is a serious game-changer. “Consider everything your face comes into contact with on a daily basis: products, SPF, concealers, foundations, powders, setting sprays, dust and dirt, and even hair products. I like to think of it as an environmental soup,” says Carla Ricciardone, a permanent makeup artist and founder of Sculpted Studios. 

A cleansing oil is her favorite method of removing every bit of dirt, grease, and product. Simply apply to dry skin, then rinse off. Follow up with a water-based cleanser to deep clean and remove all last traces of makeup and grime.

7. A Quick Lymphatic Massage can Instantly Reduce Puffiness 

We love a $0 cost way to make your skin look better. Enter: Lymphatic drainage massages, which you can administer yourself. “Lymphatic fluid naturally moves, but it can slow down or get backed up, and with lymphatic drainage, we can help to stimulate and move the fluid towards the lymph nodes,” explains celebrity esthetician Ildi Pekar.

Basically, the lymph nodes make sure ‘cleaned’ fluid is challenged back into the bloodstream and sends the grody stuff to your kidneys and liver so your body can process and eliminate them. Pekar says, “I love [lymphatic drainage massages] because they put you in a relaxed state of mind while you receive a detoxifying, contouring, and rejuvenating facial experience that leaves your skin glowing, hydrated, and uplifted.”

Craving more pro beauty advice? We’ve got another 21 skincare tips for you right here.