Beauty experts and influencers often set new skincare trends, from beneficial ones (like skin cycling or probiotic products) to strange or even harmful fads. However, routines shouldn’t be based on trends. Celebrity esthetician Keren Bartov advises, "Ignore trends—they can lead to poor product choices and long-term skin damage."

Skin needs vary by factors like hormones, diet, age, and mental state, so personalized routines are key. Here are essential recommendations from top skincare pros:

1. Consistency is Key

New York celebrity esthetician Raquel Medina-Cleghorn believes skin health thrives on regular, consistent care rather than instant results. Over time, this approach supports the skin’s natural resilience. Christine Smith, founder of Practise NYC, also advises finding a trusted specialist to adjust your routine as skin needs evolve.

2. Choose Clean and Safe Products

Professionals increasingly prefer products with simple, safe ingredients. Skincare lines without microplastics, harsh detergents, mineral oils, or synthetic fragrances are ideal, with brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm and Augustinus Bader leading the way. Some estheticians even create custom blends to suit individual skin needs.

3. Keep It Simple, but Effective

Experts advocate a streamlined approach: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, with a focus on quality over quantity. Minimalism in skincare (or “skinimalism”) promotes healthy aging by providing essential care without overwhelming the skin.

4. Massage for Skin Health

Many skincare professionals swear by facial massage to enhance circulation and relieve tension. Estheticians see massage as a powerful tool for maintaining skin health, often pairing it with scientific methods like microcurrent and LED therapy to achieve optimal results.

5. Advanced Devices and Personalization

Celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech prioritizes treatments like LED therapy and ultrasound to boost cellular energy. Technology-based approaches, including microcurrents, cryotherapy, and light therapy, are effective for supporting the skin’s barrier, slowing aging, and promoting long-lasting vitality—many of which are now available for at-home use.