Skincare Dos and Don’ts from a Dermatologist
May 01, 2026
Whether or not you’ve established a skincare routine, it’s always a good idea to review your habits and make sure they’re all helping your skin and not hurting it. Your skin is one of your body’s most protective organs, and taking great care of it is crucial for its health. Plus, a reliable skincare routine makes your skin look its best.
Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, and our experienced dermatology team at Orlando Dermatology Center are dedicated to keeping your skin healthy at any age. At offices in Oviedo, Orlando, Lake Mary, and Casselberry, Florida, we specialize in top-of-the-line skin treatments and services.
Whether you’re dealing with acne, signs of aging, or general dullness, we can help you optimize your skincare routine. Here are eight dermatologist-approved dos and don’ts regarding your skin:
If you’re looking for steps to add to your skincare routine, here are a few to consider:
Every day, even when it’s cloudy or rainy, you should apply sunscreen to your skin. Wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher can lower your risk of developing skin cancer while minimizing wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Make sure any sunscreen you use isn’t past its expiration date, and reapply your sunscreen every two hours or so to keep up with the protection.
It’s highly uncommon to develop new moles after age 30, so be sure to do a monthly skin cancer check. Look for spots you haven’t seen before and that are changing.
Generally, these are the five most common signs of melanoma skin cancer:
Our team at Orlando Dermatology Center can examine your moles more closely if you report any changes or unusual features. We treat skin cancer with skin cancer surgery and specialize in advanced techniques, including Mohs surgery.
In addition to daily sunscreen, you should apply an antioxidant to your skin every day. Antioxidants help protect your skin from damage that comes from toxins in the environment, including heavy metals, smoke, and pollution.
Products containing vitamin C or vitamin E can help shield your skin from environmental pollutants, which can worsen skin irritation from conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Every once in a while, treating your skin to a professional skincare treatment can rid it of layers of old and damaged skin cells. Consider an occasional facial or chemical peel to restore a healthy, youthful glow.
Some actions, including those that appear to help your skin, may actually harm it in the long term. Here are four “don’ts” when it comes to skincare:
Cleansing your skin is important, but too much of a good thing can do more harm than good. Harsh cleansers and overwashing can strip the oils from your skin, which are there to keep it soft and healthy.
Limit face washing to twice a day, using a pH-balanced cleanser. If your skin is extra sensitive, consider using distilled water.
Firsthand and secondhand smoke can age your skin, leading to more wrinkles, larger pores, and rougher textures.
Smoking and smoke exposure shrink the blood vessels in your skin, causing them to lose essential oxygen and nutrients.
When a large pimple appears, your first instinct may be to find the nearest mirror and pop it. Popping pimples may feel satisfying in the moment, but it can damage your skin and leave you prone to infections or acne scars.
Consider applying a benzoyl peroxide cream, and avoid touching the pimple. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that cause acne.
It may sound nice to apply a scented moisturizer or cleanser, but fragrances in many skincare products aren’t as skin-safe as they may seem. Fragrance-free products won’t dry out your skin and won’t cause irritation, so look for those instead.
For more tips on how to give your skin the care and nourishment it craves, call Orlando Dermatology Center or request an appointment online at your nearest office.