The Ultimate 5-Step Skincare Routine

Q: What are the five essential steps in a daily skincare routine?

The five essential steps in a daily skincare routine include cleansing the skin, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, brightening the skin with vitamin C, applying retinol, and finishing up with a high-quality moisturizer like Hydravol.

Q: Why is cleansing the foundation of healthy skin?

Cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin because it removes impurities like dirt, excess oil, and makeup. By removing these impurities, the cleanser unclogs pores, helps prevent breakouts, and prepares the skin for other skincare products and treatments.

Q: What are the benefits of using antioxidants like vitamin C in your morning routine?

Using antioxidants like vitamin C in your morning routine can brighten the skin, fade pigmentation, and promote overall collagen production. This not only makes the skin look younger and brighter, but it also protects the skin against environmental stressors and prevents future problems.

Q: How often should I apply sunscreen, and which type is best?

We typically recommend applying sunscreen every two hours. At The Haus MD, we recommend our Mineral Lightly Tinted SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen. It can even out your skin tone while giving you the protection from the sun you need.

Q: What’s the purpose of hydration in skincare, and how do hyaluronic acid and ceramides help?

Hydration in skincare helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. By maintaining this barrier, you help maintain your skin’s function and elasticity and prevent dryness and dullness. Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture in the skin to promote hydration, while ceramides strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture, ensuring your skin stays as hydrated as possible.

Q: How does retinol support skin repair and rejuvenation?

Retinol works to promote cell turnover, allowing old and dead skin cells to shed away. This helps the skin repair itself. Retinol also promotes collagen and elastin production, which can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and promote a plumper and more youthful appearance.

Q: Can I use all five steps every day, or should some be reserved for evening only?

Most of the five skincare steps can be used every day, but it can depend on your skin type and how sensitive your skin is. Sunscreen should be used every day (especially in the morning). Moisturizer and cleanser should also be used every day and can be applied morning and night. Retinol should be reserved for nighttime use.

Q: How do I choose the right products for each step based on my skin type?

At The Haus MD, we’ll help you discover the right products for you and your skin type. Not all products are right for everyone, and having ones that are customized to your needs ensures you get the most out of your skincare routine.

Q: Is SPF necessary on cloudy days or if I stay indoors?

Absolutely! The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate through clouds and even windows, so SPF is necessary no matter the weather or if you’re indoors.

Q: What order should I follow when layering skincare products for maximum effectiveness?

For maximum effectiveness, we recommend starting with a cleanser to remove all impurities from the skin. From there, you’ll want to apply your SPF and vitamin C serum. Next, you should apply your retinol and finally, finish off with your moisturizer.

Achieving radiant, healthy skin starts with a consistent, effective skincare routine—one that’s simple yet powerful enough to address your unique needs. At HausMD, we’ve crafted a five-step daily regimen using our exclusive product line designed to cleanse, protect, treat, and hydrate your skin with medical-grade ingredients and gentle care. Whether you’re new to skincare or looking to elevate your routine, this guide will help you get the most out of every step.

Step 1: Cleanse with Calm Down Cleanser

Your skin’s health begins with a clean canvas. Our Calm Down Cleanser is thoughtfully formulated to gently remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Ideal for all skin types—including sensitive and reactive skin—this soothing cleanser calms redness and irritation while prepping your skin to absorb the benefits of your next steps.

Use lukewarm water and massage the cleanser in circular motions for 30 seconds to fully dissolve dirt and impurities.

Step 2: Protect with Mineral Lightly Tinted SPF

Sun protection is non-negotiable for maintaining youthful, even-toned skin. Our Mineral Lightly Tinted SPF blends broad-spectrum zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with a tint to even out your complexion while shielding your skin from UVA/UVB rays. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s perfect for daily wear—whether you’re indoors or out.

Apply generously every morning and reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outside.

Step 3: Brighten with Super C Serum

Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that brightens skin, fades pigmentation, and promotes collagen production. Our Super C Serum delivers a stabilized, high-potency formula to protect skin against environmental stressors while enhancing radiance. Incorporate this serum into your morning routine after cleansing and before moisturizing for a luminous glow.

Step 4: Renew with Retinol

Retinol remains the gold standard for anti-aging and skin renewal. Our medical-grade Retinol formulation supports cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and improves texture. Start slowly, applying 2-3 times a week in the evening, and gradually increase frequency as tolerated.

Step 5: Hydrate with Hydravol

Healthy skin is well-hydrated skin. Our Hydravol moisturizer combines nourishing ingredients that lock in moisture and restore the skin’s barrier function. Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, it provides essential hydration without clogging pores—perfect for day or night use.

Elevate Your Skincare Routine with HausMD

Consistency is key to lasting results. By following this simple yet effective 5-step routine using HausMD’s signature products, you’re investing in skin that’s not only healthy but radiant and resilient.

Curious about which products are best for your skin type or need a personalized skincare plan? Schedule a consultation with our expert team at HausMD on the Upper East Side. Let’s create your best skin yet.

What are the five essential steps in a daily skincare routine?

Why is cleansing the foundation of healthy skin?

What are the benefits of using antioxidants like vitamin C in your morning routine?

How often should I apply sunscreen, and which type is best?

What’s the purpose of hydration in skincare, and how do hyaluronic acid and ceramides help?

How does retinol support skin repair and rejuvenation?

Can I use all five steps every day, or should some be reserved for evening only?

How do I choose the right products for each step based on my skin type?

Is SPF necessary on cloudy days or if I stay indoors?

What order should I follow when layering skincare products for maximum effectiveness?

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Dr. Rothaus & Courtney Brown PA-C

Plastic Surgeon & Physician Assistant at Haus MD | Website | View Posts

Dr. Kenneth Rothaus, a board-certified Manhattan and Westchester plastic surgeon, and Courtney Brown, a board-certified physician assistant, bring extensive surgical training from Yale, Harvard, Weill Cornell, and New York-Presbyterian. Together, they provide comprehensive aesthetic care from surgical procedures to injectables, lasers, and skin treatments, tailoring custom treatment plans to deliver natural, refined results and an exceptional patient experience.

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