Basic Skincare Routine: Find Perfect Regimen for Your Skin Type

There are an overwhelming number of skincare products appearing frequently in the market, which leaves most of us at a loss for what products to choose to build a basic skincare routine. Not only is it hard to choose, but also difficult to decide whom to trust. Almost every brand claims to be organic, sustainable, and highly effective. Nevertheless, you fail to understand why the best-selling product didn’t work.

If a product worked for your colleague, it doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Likewise, you cannot force your best friend to use a product just because it transformed your skin as you desired.

I will tell you why.

Everyone has a different skin type and needs.

Building a basic skincare routine only requires three to four steps:

1- Cleansing

2- Toning

3- Moisturizing

4- Sunscreen (daytime)

The big question is what products should be used? Well, it depends on two factors:

1- Skin Type

2- Skin Needs

For a basic skincare routine, you only need to focus on the Skin type, but for an advanced routine, Skin Needs should also be considered. This article is about Basic Skincare Routines. Therefore, I will talk only about Skin Types and what kind of products should be used for a particular skin type.

 

How to Identify Skin Types?

Wash your face with a cleanser or any good face wash. Leave the skin bare. Check after five minutes…

• If it starts getting oily, then it means you have oily skin.
• If only the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) gets oily, then it means your skin type is Combination.
• If your face gets dry and flaky, it means you have Dry skin.
• If there’s no visible change, then the skin type is Normal.

 

Basic Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Cleanser: Use a foam-based cleanser with a low pH value. It will help reduce sebum and excess oil.
Recommendation: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap.

Toner: If you use a low-pH cleanser, then there is really no need for a toner. If you must, then use one with an active ingredient like Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid in lower concentrations. Keep in mind that exfoliating toners can be drying, so avoid using them on a daily basis.
Recommendation: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner, Pixi Glow Tonic, Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner.

Moisturizer: Water-based gel moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid are good for oily skin. Well-hydrated skin keeps oil production in check.
Recommendation: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, 

 

Basic Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Cleanser: Cream-based cleansers with low pH values are great for Dry skin. It will keep the skin moist without disrupting the oil barrier.
Recommendation: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – Extra Mild, 

Toner: Use a toner with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Squalane. You can use an exfoliating toner with Lactic Acid once a week.
Recommendation: Paula’s Choice Nourishing Milk Toner.

Moisturizer: Use cream-based moisturizers with Squalane or Hyaluronic Acid in them.
Recommendation: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Basic Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

It is a tricky skin type. Either get products for both types and use water-based products on the T-zone and cream-based on dry areas. Or buy products for oily skin types and apply an additional layer to dry areas.

 

Basic Skincare Routine for Normal Skin

Cleanser: Get any water-based cleanser.

Toner: Use any hydrating toner or glycolic acid for exfoliating toner.
Recommendation: The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.

Moisturizer: Any hydrating moisturizer will be good for Normal skin.

Choosing Sunscreen according to Skin Type

This a vital step in a skincare routine that should not be skipped due to any misconceptions. Mineral Sunscreens with Zinc Oxide are the best option for all skin types. But if you have extremely oily skin, then mineral sunscreen can feel a bit heavy. In that case, use chemical sunscreen, which can be seamlessly absorbed into the skin.
Recommendation: Mon Eclat The Mineral Suncream, La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen.

 

Have you figured out your skin type and the products you can use? 

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.