A Skin Care Resolution For Each Skin Type, All Backed By Science

Taking better care of your skin is like many New Year's resolutions in that it's something you can easily start on day one. However, just like with all major goals, it can be confusing to know exactly where to begin. (And like with other resolutions, it helps to break down your goal into smaller, more tangible achievements.)

"Dull" is an umbrella term for skin that lacks radiance, bounce, or the famous "dewy" glow. One easy step you can take to brighten your complexion is using a vitamin C serum. But is it right for you? 

Short answer: probably. "Vitamin C is one of the few active ingredients that can benefit all skin types," board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., says about the ingredient. What's more, a brighter complexion isn't the only benefit you'll get when you pick up this daily habit: Using vitamin C topically has been shown to help overall quality and tone by diminishing hyperpigmentation1, decreasing moisture2 loss, helping to reduce skin inflammation1, and fighting against UV-induced photodamage3. 

Whether you're just starting to see fine lines stick around or you've had deeper wrinkles for decades, a collagen supplement can support the skin's natural aging process and appearance. And while plenty of people claim that collagen supplements are just hype, research shows that, when used in the correct form and dose, that's not necessarily the case. 

"Hydrolyzed collagen is pre-digested so it does not go through that first-pass digestion in the GI tract," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., previously told mbg. "The collagen fragments can be absorbed as is and circulate throughout the body to exert their effects."

More specifically, studies show that these collagen peptides are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density4. How? Well, hydrolyzed collagen peptides have been shown to help promote the body's natural production of collagen5 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.

Rather than scrubbing your skin with harsh salts and sugars, you may consider adding retinol to your routine to smooth uneven texture. See, retinol works by speeding up cell turnover6, meaning fresh, smooth skin will surface at a quicker rate. 

If you've never tried retinol before, then a gentle over-the-counter (OTC) option may be your best bet. If you've experimented with OTC products and don't love your results, then a prescription-grade formula might do the trick. 

Let's be real, acne remedies are not a one-size-fits-all situation. And determining which type of acne you have will help you create a better game plan (plus, seeing a derm is always a good idea, if you're able to). 

"The concept of placing robust actives between really non-robust products is something that I take so literally [when] taking care of my own skin, but it's something that I really base my foundation of working with everybody on," professional esthetician Sofie Pavitt once told mbg. Essentially: Sandwich your potent actives between nourishing players.

But what exactly is classified as an "active" in this context? We're talking about chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, lactic acid, etc.) and retinol. Feature these ingredients in just one step of your daily routine—not all five (or so).