We get this question all the time: “What skincare products do I really need?” Not 15-step routines. Just the essentials that work - for your skin, your lifestyle, and your individual goals. The good news? You don’t need an overflowing bathroom counter or a complicated regimen to get glowing, healthy skin! In fact, a few well-formulated medical-grade products used consistently can get you further than a dozen half-used bottles ever will. So, our expert aestheticians are here to break it all down step by step!

Step 1: A Cleanser

Cleansing is where everything begins. A great cleanser should gently remove dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup - without stripping your skin or throwing off its balance.

At Defy, we’re obsessed with our Bright Was Enzymatic Cleanser. It’s got just enough exfoliating power to brighten and smooth but it’s gentle enough for most skin types. It’s especially great if you’re dealing with dullness, uneven texture, or the occasional breakout.

Looking something a little milder? Our Gentle Wash Soothing Cleanser is a hydrating option that won’t disrupt your barrier - and it still gets the job done. It’s also the cleanser we recommend post laser and microneedling!

Step 2: An Antioxidant Serum (aka Your Morning MVP)

Think of antioxidants as your skin’s daily armor. They help fight off the damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and stress - all the things we unfortunately can’t avoid. Vitamin C is a hero for nearly every skin type and concern - from dullness to dark spots to fine lines.

Our go-to? Daily Dose Vitamin C, E + Ferulic Serum. It’s our high-potency, glow-boosting formula with 10% L-ascorbic acid (the gold standard of Vitamin C), plus ferulic acid and Vitamin E to supercharge its effectiveness.

Use it every morning, right after cleansing, and let it work its brightening, firming, and protective magic!

Step 3: Moisturizer (Yes, Even If You Have Oily Skin!)

Yes, everyone needs moisturizer. It’s what helps keep your skin barrier strong and your complexion balanced. Even oily or acne-prone skin benefits from the right kind of hydration - it can actually reduce the urge to overproduce oil. Patients love our Sheer Lightweight Moisturizer because it is light enough to wear everyday under makeup (you won’t sweat it all off!), and it effectively hydrates the skin without leaving it feeling greasy or adding extra shine. It also contains antioxidants, niacinamide and ceramides that help to protect and hydrate, leaving the skin looking healthy and radiant all day.

For the evening, we reach for our Rich Advanced Hydrating Cream to increase moisture levels overnight!

The Bottom line? Moisturized skin is happy skin!

Step 4: SPF. Every. Single. Day.

This might be the one product we’d beg you not to skip!

Sunscreen doesn’t just protect you from sunburn - it prevents fine lines, dark spots, sagging, and (most importantly) skin cancer. It’s your skin’s first line of defense, and it belongs in your routine 365 days a year.

We love our Defense Sheer Tint SPF 46 because it checks all the boxes: it’s lightweight, non-greasy, broad spectrum protection, and a sheer tint that evens out skin tone without feeling like makeup.

Step 5 (Optional, But Game-Changing): Treatments for Specific Concerns

Once you’ve nailed the basics, this is where the magic starts to happen. Targeted treatments are where you can start addressing specific skin goals - like fading hyperpigmentation, smoothing fine lines, calming breakouts, or restoring radiance.

Some of our most-loved treatments include:

-Night 01 Gentle Retinol Serum: This special formula helps improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and keep pores clear. It’s like a mini facial in a bottle - but with none of the flaking or redness you may have experienced with harsher formulas.

-Polished Pads: These powerhouse exfoliating pads combine glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to even out skin tone, unclog pores, and give you that post-facial glow. We recommend using them a few times a week at night.

-Rescue Spot Acne Treatment: Great for spot treating the occasional breakout!

-Twenty One Hyaluronic Acid Peptide Serum: Packed with hyaluronic acid to plump, hydrate, and smooth. Perfect under makeup!

Just remember: More isn’t always better. Start slow with treatments - especially retinol and acids - and let your skin acclimate.

What If I Just Want a Simple, No-Fuss Routine?

We get it. You’re busy, and you don’t want to spend 20 minutes layering products morning and night. Here’s a minimalist lineup we often recommend for clients who want great skin without overthinking it:

AM:

-Cleanser

-Vitamin C Serum

-Moisturizer

-SPF

PM:

-Cleanser

-Retinol (2-3 nights/week)

-Moisturizer

That’s it! Of course, we can customize this depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and goals - but this is a solid foundation.

How Do I Know What My Skin Really Needs?

This is where we come in! At Defy, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all skincare. We believe in smart, personalized recommendations - based on your skin, your specific concerns, and your goals. We’ll help you figure out exactly what your skin needs (and what it doesn’t), and build a routine you’ll actually enjoy using.

Many of our clients pair their home routine with monthly facials or laser treatments to take results even further. It’s all about finding the right rhythm for your skin!

Final Thoughts:

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated - but it does have to be consistent. When you commit to just a few effective products and use them regularly, you will see results! So if you’ve ever stood in the aisle feeling totally overwhelmed by options - or watched a 12-step routine on Instagram and thought, “Do I really need all that?” - the answer is: Probably not. Start with the basics. Focus on what matters. And if you need help? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.

What Skincare Products Do I Need?