Top Dermatologists Share Their Timesaving Skin Care Tips

The chicks at TotalBeauty.com

I can deal with my duck-like walk, my second toe that's bigger than my first, and even my slightly-too-big nose. But when it comes to my skin, I will accept nothing less than flawless.


Related: 8 Products That Work Better than Botox

However, while the Koreans attribute their perfect porcelain skin to an awe-inspiring 17-step skin care regimen (avoiding this food probably helps too), I for one do not have an hour each day to wash, massage, and delicately pat my skin.

So I decided to grill a few top dermatologists to find out how I can get blemish- and wrinkle-free skin in the time it takes to watch this hilarious "how to pop a pimple" video (i.e. about 5 minutes). And because I'm feeling extra nice today, I'm sharing their best tips below. If you want the full scoop, you can click here.


Timesaving Tip 1: Simplify your routine

Beverly Hills board-certified dermatologist Harold A. Lancer, MD, says you don't need to use anymore than four products in the morning, and two at night. Here are the basic necessities:

Your a.m. routine:

Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle cleanser (try Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $8.95) .
Step 2: Gently exfoliate (try Lancer Dermatology Polish, $50).
Step 3: Prevent and correct acne and signs of aging with a serum with vitamin C and antioxidants (try SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $142) .
Step 4: Wear UVA/UVB protection (try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70, $10.99).

Your p.m. routine:

Step 1: Remove makeup and cleanse skin .
Step 2: Correct/Repair with a retinoid (try Retin A from your dermatologist or RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $19.99).


Timesaving Tip 2: Use multitasking products

If you're a natural multi-tasker, use products that combine two steps into one.
• For a cleanser and exfoliant in one, try Kiss My Face Start Up Exfoliating Face Wash, $13.99.
• To get a tinted moisturizer, sunscreen, and anti-aging cream in one bottle try Estee Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $35.


Timesaving Tip 3: Get healthy skin without products

In a nutshell, if you're healthy, your skin will look it. The easiest way to keep your skin healthy if you're on the go is to eat right and stay hydrated. That means drinking at least eight ounces of water a day and "eating foods that are anti-inflammatory and contain lots of anti-oxidants. [And] low glycemic index foods such as salads, bright red and green vegetables, omega 3 rich wild salmon, avocados, olive oil and blueberries" says medical aesthetician Susan Perry. Your skin is a projection of what is going on internally, so obviously if you aren't eating healthfully, your skin will be the first to tattle on you. For 6 more yummy foods that prevent wrinkles, click here.


Timesaving Tip 4: Use cleansing wipes

If you are just too exhausted to drag yourself to the sink (it happens to the best of us), at the very least, keep cleansing wipes by your bed to remove makeup, excess dirt, and oil. There should be no excuse for going to bed without cleansing, especially when multi-tasking wipes like Boots No7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes, $6.99 (which cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin) make it so easy.

Timesaving Tip 5: Fight wrinkles when sleeping

Katie Rodan, co-founder of Proactiv and Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, sleeps on a Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow, $79.95 to make sleeping on her back easier. Why? "Your face is getting smooshed into the pillow [if you don't sleep on your back] and that deepens natural lines of expressions and creates new ones," she says.

For more anti-aging secrets from top dermatologists, click here.


More from TotalBeauty.com:
16 Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
Healthy Skin Diet: The Truth About Antioxidants
7 Most Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredients