Are you on the hunt for a sunscreen that can stand up to the beach? A go-to for your everyday routine? Whatever you decide, stick with it. “Use at least a SPF 30, with 50 being even better,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Damage from ultraviolet radiation is cumulative over time and the sun doesn’t discriminate, regardless of the color of your skin. A good sunscreen regimen is a serious, long-term affair. “You must protect against sunburns to reduce your risk of future skin cancers, as well as reduce your risk of fine lines and discoloration, which tends to be an issue–zinc is the best ingredient available because it has the broadest spectrum of coverage.”

Check out the 13 best sunscreens for dark skin tones that will provide the protection you need, without any white cast or residue.

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Fact: Not all body washes are created equally. While it’s tempting to grab whatever option is on sale at the drugstore, you may want to consider your skin’s specific needs the next time you go shopping to avoid ending up with an overly-harsh cleanser that’ll dry you out.

“Look for a body wash that contains ingredients that will moisturize your skin, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and glycerin,” suggests dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “You may want to avoid a common foaming agent known as sodium lauryl sulfate if you have sensitive skin.”

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“Bar soap is definitely messier to use and can potentially harbor more bacteria if it’s sitting in a pool of water–a risk you don’t run with liquid soap,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre of Pierre Skin Care Institute in California. “However, your hands are washed and rinsed off in the end, so the germs are simply washed away, regardless of which product you use.”

More reassuring news: Studies have shown that your bar of soap probably won’t transfer bacteria. Even if you come into contact with a bar of soap that’s contaminated, you don’t need to panic.

But keep in mind, liquid soap dispensers can be hot spots for bacteria in their own right. Ultimately, the question of bar soap versus liquid soap comes down to personal preference.

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That’s where supplements like collagen powder come into use. “Collagen powder is made from animal tissue, primarily the skin and bones,” explains dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “The protein is processed into a gelatinous form, which is further hydrolyzed into peptides to make the protein easier for your body to absorb.” Pierre explains that “collagen peptides can potentially benefit the skin by increasing hydration and elasticity while reducing fine lines and wrinkle depth.”

You’ve tried face creams, serums, sheet masks, and more to try and clear up a variety of skin issues, but how many times have we turned to Mother Earth for the answer? News flash: There’s an array of botanical skincare ingredients that can help calm down nearly any skin-related situation, and you’re probably missing out on them.

Here’s one of our favorites: African black soap. This skincare multihyphenate does just about everything that your whole skin routine can, in just one simple ingredient. Below, we dive deep into this skincare wunderkind with board-certified dermatologist, Peterson Pierre, M.D., of the Pierre Skin Care Institute — plus, we share a few of our favorite African black soap-infused skincare products.

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