Glow-up guideEvidence first
A model skincare routine that follows the evidence
Agencies see your bare skin in digitals, so skin care is worth doing. Here is the routine dermatology guidance supports, and nothing it doesn't.
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How this affects your score
Skin care adds 0 points to your model-readiness score. It is for how you look and feel in person and in digitals; we never rate skin.
01
Every morning
02
Every evening
- Cleanse, then moisturize. Moisturizing supports the skin barrier, especially once you add an active.[44]
- If you're acne-prone: adapalene 0.1% (over the counter in the US since 2016), a pea-sized amount for the whole face, starting 2–3 nights a week.[46]
- Or a benzoyl peroxide wash, which the AAD's 2024 guideline strongly recommends. It bleaches fabric, so use white towels.[43]
03
The rules that make it work
- Add one new product at a time, and give an acne active 6–8 weeks before you judge it.[44]
- Patch test anything new. Stop and see a clinician if a reaction is severe.
- Optional, after week 6: 5% niacinamide improved spots and blotchiness in a small 12-week trial. Most shop serums are 10%, not the studied 5%, so keep expectations modest.[47]
- Pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding: skip retinoids and check any active with a clinician first.
04
When to see a dermatologist instead
- No improvement after 6–8 weeks, deep nodules or cysts, any scarring, or acne that affects your mood. A dermatologist can prescribe things we can't recommend.[45]
Questions
Asked, answered.
Do I need expensive products?
No. A gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and a daily SPF 30+ cover the basics, and adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide washes are sold over the counter.
This is general information, not medical advice. If something hurts, spreads or affects your mood, see a clinician.
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