In a world overflowing with skincare products and cosmetic treatments, navigating the path to radiant, healthy skin can feel overwhelming. Yet, according to Dr. Daniel Sigai, a board-certified dermatologist, the key to glowing skin doesn’t require a bathroom cabinet full of products or complex routines. Instead, a science-backed, minimalistic approach is the way forward. Drawing from his expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Sigai shares an evidence-based skincare plan to help you achieve luminous, hydrated skin - all while protecting your skin’s health.

In this guide, we break down his recommendations into actionable steps, offering insights on how to streamline your skincare routine without compromising results.

Why Simplifying Your Routine Matters

Dr. Sigai begins by emphasizing this essential truth: no matter how many cosmetic procedures you undergo - whether it’s Botox, microneedling, or chemical peels - if your foundational skincare routine isn’t in place, those treatments won’t deliver optimal results. A simplified yet effective routine ensures skin health is supported at every level, from hydration to protection.

The goal is to focus on high-impact practices backed by dermatological science. Here’s how to build (or refine) your skincare regimen for 2026.

Step 1: Start Your Day with an Antioxidant Serum

The Role of Vitamin C

After cleansing your face in the morning, Dr. Sigai recommends applying a vitamin C serum, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radical damage caused by UV light and pollution. These environmental factors accelerate skin aging by breaking down collagen and worsening uneven skin tone. Vitamin C not only neutralizes these damaging effects but also brightens the skin by reducing dark spots and boosting light reflection.

Application Tips

Choose a serum with ascorbic acid or its derivatives for maximum effectiveness.
Apply 4–5 drops of serum to clean, dry skin, extending it to your neck and décolleté.
Pair with a lightweight moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Step 2: Prioritize Moisture to Protect the Skin Barrier

A strong skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydration and preventing environmental irritants from penetrating the skin. Dr. Sigai highlights the importance of choosing moisturizers with ingredients like niacinamide, which repairs the barrier, reduces redness, and regulates oil production.

Moisturizer Recommendations

Lightweight Option: CeraVe PM Lotion, perfect for layering under sunscreen without clogging pores.
Richer Option: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer, ideal for drier skin types.

Apply moisturizer after your vitamin C serum to lock in hydration and prepare your skin for sunscreen.

Step 3: Don’t Skip Sunscreen - Ever

The cornerstone of any skincare routine is daily sunscreen application, and Dr. Sigai underscores its importance in protecting against skin cancer and premature aging. He also warns against the dangers of tanning, both via direct sunlight and tanning beds, which significantly increase the risk of melanoma and other skin damage.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

For those with hyperpigmentation or skin of color, opt for a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide to block visible light, which can worsen discoloration.
For general use, lightweight, hydrating sunscreens like CeraVe AM Lotion with SPF 50 are excellent options.
Apply 2–3 finger lengths of sunscreen to your face for full coverage, reapplying throughout the day as needed.

Step 4: Strategic Nighttime Repair with Retinoids

The Power of Retinoids

At bedtime, incorporate a retinoid into your routine. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, work at the cellular level to:

Stimulate collagen production
Promote cell turnover
Keep pores clear, preventing breakouts

For beginners or those with sensitive skin, Dr. Sigai suggests starting with gentler options like retinaldehyde, which requires fewer conversion steps to become active in the skin, making it both effective and well-tolerated.

Application Tips

Use a pea-sized amount of retinoid for your entire face.
Always follow up with a soothing moisturizer to reduce irritation.
Avoid retinoids during pregnancy.

Barrier Support Options

For those experiencing irritation or dryness from retinoids, apply a barrier-repair cream, such as:

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm: Contains soothing panthenol, shea butter, and madecassoside.
Avène Cicalfate+: Helps calm inflamed or reactive skin.

Step 5: Optional Extras for Skin Enhancement

While the basics - antioxidants, moisturizers, sunscreen, and retinoids - are sufficient for most, Dr. Sigai acknowledges some optional enhancements. These can include:

Exfoliation: Used sparingly to remove dead skin cells and enhance radiance.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums: For an added moisture boost.
Slugging: Applying a thin layer of occlusive ointment (like Vaseline) to lock in hydration, particularly on areas prone to dryness.

However, Dr. Sigai advises caution with over-the-counter devices, such as LED masks or wands, as their efficacy and safety are less established compared to clinical-grade treatments.

Key Takeaways

Vitamin C in the Morning: Neutralize free radicals, brighten skin, and boost collagen.
Moisturize Wisely: Support your skin barrier with niacinamide-rich products.
Sunscreen is Essential: Protect against UV and visible light damage every day.
Nighttime Retinoids: Promote cell turnover, collagen production, and pore clarity.
Barrier Support: Use soothing creams to combat dryness or irritation.
Avoid Tanning: Protect your skin from severe damage and melanoma risks.
Extras with Caution: Enhance your routine with exfoliants and slugging, but avoid unproven devices.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Sigai’s streamlined, science-driven skincare routine is proof that less can indeed be more. By focusing on a few key steps - antioxidants, moisturizers, sunscreen, and retinoids - you can simplify your regimen while targeting skin concerns like dryness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. As we embrace 2026, let this be the year of intentional skincare: informed by research, personalized to your needs, and designed to help you feel confident in your skin.

Your journey to glowing skin starts with these dermatologically approved essentials - simple, effective, and transformative.

Source: "Stop Overcomplicating Your Routine - Do This for Glowing Skin" - Dr. Daniel Sugai, YouTube, Jan 10, 2026 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUl22r1zSC4

Why Simplifying Your Routine Matters

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Step 1: Start Your Day with an Antioxidant Serum

The Role of Vitamin C

Application Tips

Recommended Products

Step 2: Prioritize Moisture to Protect the Skin Barrier

Moisturizer Recommendations

Step 3: Don’t Skip Sunscreen - Ever

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Step 4: Strategic Nighttime Repair with Retinoids

The Power of Retinoids

Application Tips

Barrier Support Options

Step 5: Optional Extras for Skin Enhancement

Key Takeaways

Final Thoughts

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How to Simplify Your Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin