There are hundreds of skin-care tips out there, but these 5 will make the biggest difference in your complexion. The quest for next-level skin can be overwhelming—especially if you’re someone who keeps tabs on the constant flood of new products, procedures, and skin-care advice on social media. If you’re confused about where to start, Shani wants you to know you’re not alone. “People are always asking me what they should focus on first to get great skin,” she says. Here are her top 5 things you can do to create the foundation for a healthy complexion. Read on for expert tips and prepare for many more good skin days in your future.

TIP 1: WEAR SUNSCREEN EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T THINK YOU NEED IT

Okay, you’ve probably heard this one before. UV exposure is the number-one cause of skin aging, after all. But sunscreen isn’t just important for days spent outside. “A lot of people don’t know that UVA rays can pass through glass, so don’t forget the SPF when you’re driving, on an airplane, or sitting indoors near a window,” says Shani. (That goes for cloudy days, too.) Shani recommends Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen for daily use.

TIP 2: MAKE RETINOL YOUR GO-TO NIGHT TREATMENT 

Shani believes you don’t need a complicated nighttime routine to get glowing skin—you just need to build a simple regimen around retinol. “In my opinion, retinol is the most effective anti-aging ingredient,” she says. “It’s also a multitasker that helps improve the appearance of uneven texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, dullness and dark spots.” 

Shop Retinol Reform®.

TIP 3: ADD A VITAMIN C SERUM TO YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

How do you get that fresh-from-yoga glow without sweating through endless sun salutations? Apply a vitamin C serum before your a.m. moisturizer and sunscreen. “An all-star antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect skin from free radical damage,” says Shani. “It can also help treat existing skin damage by evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of dark spots.” 

Shani’s a fan of IS Clinical’s Super Serum Advance+, which contains 15% vitamin C alongside an array of other plant-based antioxidants and safe skin brighteners. 

TIP 4: USE A CHEMICAL EXFOLIANT WEEKLY

“Exfoliating once or twice a week is key for smoother, brighter skin,” says Shani. However, not all exfoliating products are equally effective—grainy scrubs can be irritating to sensitive complexions, and some scrub ingredients may create micro-tears in the skin that could make it more vulnerable to acne.

That’s why Shani recommends skipping the scrubs and using a chemical exfoliating treatment incorporating ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. “Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Peel Pads are great for all skin types—they dissolve dead cells on the surface of the skin and help keep pores clear without being too harsh,” she says.

TIP 5: CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Acne is one of the most frustrating skin issues around, but the fix could be simpler than you think. “If you’re breaking out, your moisturizer might be to blame,” says Shani. “I often see my clients using heavy, oil-based moisturizers and then wondering why they have pimples and congestion.”

This is why Shani recommends using an oil-free formula that won’t clog pores, especially for those who have oily skin or are prone to breakouts. Her Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration, plus hydrolyzed collagen to keep skin looking youthful—minus the breakouts of your teenage years.