5 Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Healthy Skin

By: Anna Chacon, MD, Favor Dermatology Advisor

March 08, 2022

Changing seasons brings unpredictable weather, fluctuating humidity levels and unpredictable temperatures, which can be a nightmare for your skin. Fortunately, your skin doesn’t have to suffer the consequences. I'm Dr. Anna Chacon, The Pill Club's Dermatology Medical Advisor and board-certified dermatologist, and I'm here to share best practices for maintaining a healthy complexion, no matter what season it is.

💧 Baseline, wash your face: Use a face wash at least once or twice a day. If you don’t wash your face, debris accumulates, which may clog pores and lead to an oily appearance. It's also important to remove your make-up and any other pollutants or old skincare (like your face moisturizer from earlier in the day). I find the best times to wash your face are typically after waking and right before bedtime before getting into your full skincare routine.

👉 Pro-Tip: It’s important to use a mild cleanser that’s suitable for acne-prone skin that's oil free and non-comedogenic. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it needs to match what your goals are. For instance, if you have oily skin, choosing an oil-free cleanser is paramount. If you have very dry skin, using a gentle and hydrating cleanser, immediately followed by a moisturizer is important. If you have severe acne, you may want to consider a prescription-strength or medicated cleanser.

👊🏽 Choose the right acne fighting ingredients: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and even glycolic acid can all be used to counter acne breakouts. I personally also love using sulfur. Of course, these all come in varying strengths, so if you're unsure about which strength your skin can tolerate, it's best to patch-test the area or ask your dermatologist. It's always best to try on a non-sensitive patch of skin prior to applying on your face as the skin is more delicate in this area. Always read the instructions on any skin care treatment, and it never hurts to ask friends and family what they use.

🧴 Moisturize! Opt for a moisturizer that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic. If you have oily skin, it's best to use a light hydrating moisturizer. For those with very dry skin that peels, you'll want to explore a thicker moisturizer like Vaseline or Aquaphor. Drugstore items are often enough to address dry skin—there’s no need to go with something more expensive if that's not in your budget.

💤 Get Good Sleep. It's extremely important to get plenty of rest! I'm guilty of not getting as much sleep as I should. When we experience stress and aren’t getting adequate sleep or rest, it shows up in our skin and hair. Sometimes people exhibit hair loss, while others deal with breakouts. Rest is an essential element to a sustainable skincare routine. The best part? It doesn't cost a thing!

Do you already get your birth control online from Favor (formerly The Pill Club)? Check out our prescription acne treatment program for creams and gels, handpicked by our expert dermatology team for your unique skin goals, and delivered right to your door!

At Favor, our goal is to provide the most up-to-date, objective, and research-based information to help readers make informed decisions. Articles are written by experienced contributors; they are grounded in research and evidence-based practices. All information has been fact-checked and extensively reviewed by our team of experts to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.

Health Skin

Anna Chacon, MD, Favor Dermatology Advisor

Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist. She is particularly interested in rural outreach and helping those in underserved areas access medical care.

See Author Bio

Acne treatment

Get acne treatment online with Favor.

Treat your skin with prescription acne treatment 20x* more effective than other products. Our online acne treatments are available for as low as $0 with insurance.†

Get started

Acne treatment

Get acne treatment online with Favor.

Treat your skin with prescription acne treatment 20x* more effective than other products. Our online acne treatments are available for as low as $0 with insurance.†

Get started

See recent articles

.css-opzk7z.gbi--846105985-dSTLgdzEab5m6NSVJZAJwY:before { opacity: 1; background-image: url('//images.ctfassets.net/lult6eiz8xly/5HoiBiHvibJfuDzqh4EyaO/b479400ab6d82fc0a30c321568763d9c/AdobeStock_386378472.jpeg?w=2000&q=100'); }

Awareness

Idaho universities are sending the wrong message

By limiting access to basic reproductive healthcare like birth control and emergency contraception, these schools are telling menstruating students that their futures don’t matter

.css-opzk7z.gbi--846105985-a4x6baJB43Xf8SWhV5bNjD:before { opacity: 1; background-image: url('//images.ctfassets.net/lult6eiz8xly/4YQx7KHcxeo7W6UycN542q/044db2be493d38be820539cde9cfe9ec/vote.jpeg?w=2000&q=100'); }

Awareness

National Voter Registration Day

Midterm Election Day is fast approaching. The time is now to register to vote, study-up on your local ballot, and make your voice heard!

.css-opzk7z.gbi--846105985-gDpcNeiYNVLud8x2yvGLU1:before { opacity: 1; background-image: url('//images.ctfassets.net/lult6eiz8xly/4NUigCpeQY2HNfq7aT5nS3/10afc8e192413e00aaff6339bb2e4970/Image_from_iOS__8_.jpg?w=2000&q=100'); }

Birth Control

What Is The Morning After Pill & How Does It Work?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your contraception method fails and you find yourself concerned about an unwanted pregnancy. Dependant on the type of morning after pill you take, if you’re within one to five days after having unprotected sex, a form of emergency contraception might be able to prevent you from becoming pregnant.

View all articles

Get acne treatment online with Favor.

See how

Get acne treatment online with Favor.

See how