Everyone has heard different information when it comes to taking care of your skin. It can be hard to decipher what's true and what are just old wives' tales. Anyone looking for skincare advice should look to what the experts have to say. Here are seven pieces of advice from real dermatologists.

1. Take Your Time

When layering products (face wash, toner, moisturizer), be sure you are taking your time. Dermatologists have said that giving each product time to soak into your skin is key to seeing the desired results. In fact, it is suggested you wait two to three minutes in between each application of a different product.

2. Use Sunscreen Daily

The sun is responsible for about 90% of your fine lines and can cause significant skin damage over time. To prevent this, you should wear sunscreen every day regardless if it’s sunny outside or not.

It is also important that you use SPF 30 or higher and you put it everywhere. This means you cover anything visible to the sunlight, including the tops of your hands, ears, hairline, neck, and chest.

3. Vitamin C is Key

Anyone who has noticed a dark spot on their skin should look to Vitamin C (as a brightener) for help. Within six months of noticing the spot, if you begin applying brightener to it daily, you'll be able to decrease the visibility of the spot. However, melanin goes deeper into the tissue as time passes, so you'll want to be sure you start using a Vitamin C brightener as soon as possible.

4. Sheet Masks Can Improve Hydration

After you've applied your moisturizer, try out a sheet mask. These types of masks help improve hydration and, when put on top of your regular moisturizer, it can create a soft, even feeling to your skin.

When you are looking at what kind of sheet masks to buy, look at the ingredients and claimed benefits. If you have oily skin, you will want to stay away from anything that contains too many oils. Those with dry skin will want to avoid anything with known exfoliants.

5. Your Nightly Routine May Be More Important

Many people consider their morning skincare routine to be the most important, but it is actually what you do at night that has the most impact on your skin's health. For instance, if you find your skin is dry in the mornings, you should apply your moisturizer before you go to sleep.

6. Add More Pillows

To battle puffiness under the eyes, add more pillows to your bed. Adding one extra pillow under your head will prop your head up, allowing gravity to do its job. It will pull the fluid that causes puffiness down, away from your eyes, leaving you looking fresh.

7. Don't Dry Off (Too Much)

Anyone experiencing dry skin or ashy skin should refrain from drying off completely after a shower. Of course, you'll need to towel dry a bit, but leaving some water on your skin before adding lotion can help maintain moisture in your skin.

If you are attempting to find a skincare routine that works for you and you seem to be coming up empty, don't worry! There are places like Manhattan dermatology and dermatologists in every area that can help you.