With all the content out there, it takes time to sift through and find the right information for what you need. And when it comes to skincare, it’s no different – the dense amount of information and products on the market make it hard to create an affordable and stable routine that helps your skin type.
From normal skin to dry or oily, all types need different types of care, treatment, and prevention to keep your face looking moisturized and fresh. Check out our list below of the best methods for all different skin types, what products we recommend, and how to take care of your skin so you’re glowing all year.
If you’re one of the lucky ones to have a normal skin type, where your oil is well balanced, and your face holds moisture, you still will have the same amount of steps as other skin types. You want to prioritize maintaining your skin type and making sure you’re getting enough moisture and SPF protection from your products. Here’s our routine recommendation for normal skin types –
Mild cleansers are best for normal skin types with high moisture or other features like makeup removal.
Opt for exfoliating 2-3 times a week with a medium exfoliant, making sure not to over-scrub or exfoliate too often. This removes dirt and dead skin from the top layer but can damage the skin if used too often.
When needed, serums and treatments are ok and can be used, but it’s not necessary to add anything to your routine if you don’t have any issues to correct.
Daily moisturizing twice a day with a thicker, SPF-based lotion in the AM and a thinner, lighter lotion before bed.
Daily SPF within a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher is recommended for your face if you have a normal skin type.
Dry skin is usually characterized by having less natural oils on the face, causing dry patches that are often rough and scaly. This type of skin often feels less hydrated and tighter with less elasticity. This skin type can cause irritation and can often make your face look older than it is. Here’s the routine we recommend for dry skin types –
Use cream-based or oil-based cleansers to wash your face twice a day; this way, your cleanser isn’t stripping away natural oils that you’re trying to retain.
Opt for a gentle, soft exfoliant with a less intense texture once or twice a week to remove dead skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard and cause further irritation.
Hydraulic acid is a huge benefit to people with dry skin types, as it provides deep moisturization and can help restore natural oil-making properties in your skin.
Twice daily moisturizing is recommended with a thick and creamy lotion that will provide your skin with all the extra hydration it’s lacking.
While it’s still important to prioritize SPF, opt for one with extra moisturizing principles to cover all your bases.
Prone to breaking out, oily skin type is when there is an overproduction of oil, causing acne and large pores. People with oily skin often have issues with how makeup will wear on their faces and have the longest battles with acne – often into adulthood and beyond. Check out our recommendation for an oily skin type routine –
Foam cleaners are the best for oily skin types as they often remove the dirt without overly drying out the skin.
With oily skin type it’s recommended that you exfoliate 3-4 times a week using a salicylic acid-based exfoliant to remove excess oil and control oil production after the wash. This can also help prevent breakouts.
Using a Niacianide serum can be the icing on the cake when it comes to controlling oil; these serums are often cheap and can help reduce oil production and refine your pores.
Using a gel-based moisturizer is the best thing for oily skin types, as you’re not adding more oil to your face and can maintain your exfoliated pores without clogging them.
Lightweight SPFs are recommended to avoid clogging pores and create a matted effect, letting your skin resort to its natural glow.
Mixed with both oily and dry skin, combination skin types can be particularly hard to care for. Characterized usually as an oily T-zone and dry cheeks and other areas, combination skin can change depending on weather and season. But don’t worry, there’s a routine for all types, and here’s what we recommend –
Consider a cleanser specifically marketed for combination skin that has properties that combat both dry and oily skin.
Stick with exfoliating the t-zone or the zones that produce the most oil 2-3 times a week, and be careful around the dryer areas. Be gentle; your skin deserves it!
Toning/Serums/Treatments:
Same as exfoliating, toners and serums should target specific areas of your face and not be used as an all-over treatment. Combination skin types take a lot of work to maintain, but your routine can bring moisture and acne control to everyone.
Use a thick cream-based moisturizer for spots that may be drying up and a lighter gel-based for your t-zone on your nose and between the eyes.
Medium SPFs 30 and up are recommended, especially if you are using any acne treaments or various other serums. You want to protect your skin while you treat it!
