A quick google search about creating a skincare routine will bombard you with conflicting information. Some say you should avoid toner. Others insist on using a particular type of face wash. Then we have the articles that simply shove products in your face. It can leave you feeling confused and ready to go back to a basic St. Ives face scrub once a day.
Don’t head to the dollar store just yet, though. The reason that there is so much conflicting information is that everyone is different. What might work for my skincare routine won’t work for someone that doesn’t have my unique problems and type of skin. For example, a person with oily skin isn’t going to use the same products that a person with dry skin does.
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What’s Your Skin Type?
Determining what type of skin you have is going to help you determine which products will work to meet your needs. You’ll also need to know this before you embark on your own skincare journey.
To figure out your skin type, cleanse your face as you normally would. Do not use moisturizers, serums, or any other products. Then, wait one hour.
After one hour, take a good look in the mirror. Any area that has a bit of sheen to it is oily. It’s common for people to have oily areas in certain spots but not others. Next, make a few facial expressions and see what your skin feels like. Those two things are all you need to do in order to determine your skin type.
(Tip: Pay attention to the temperature. If you do this during hotter months, and your face is sweating, it’s going to look like you have oily skin even if you don’t. You want the temperature to be moderate for accurate results.)
You should also note that some people have different types of skin during different seasons. While I usually have normal/combination skin, I have dry skin during the winter months.
Dry Skin
When you look in the mirror, you don’t notice a lot of oil. You might find that you’re looking a little closer to ensure you didn’t miss any. People with dry skin are also more prone to red skin due to dryness. You’ll notice that the skin feels a little tight as you make facial expressions. This is a definite indicator of dry skin.
Dry skin is more prone to flaking than other skin types. This is because you have a layer of dead skin on top of the other layers of skin. It can lead to your skin not absorbing products properly, rendering them useless.
If you have dry skin, make sure that you use gentle cleansers. You don’t want to strip the oil away from your face. Using the wrong products can make your skin dryer.
Normal/Combination Skin
Anyone with normal or combination skin is likelier to have a little oil in the t-zone or on the cheeks. It’s not excessive, but it’s still there. Because you only have spots on your face that have oil on them, it is often referred to as combination skin.
I have normal/combination skin and use a gel-like primer as my moisturizer. (It can double as both.) It absorbs quickly, doesn’t cause breakouts, and keeps my skin perfectly balanced. Gel-like moisturizers are ideal for anyone with combination skin.
Oily Skin
You probably have oily skin if you notice quite a bit of shine on your face when looking in the mirror, and it’s not just in your t-zone. You’ll find that your face doesn’t feel tense or hurt when you make certain facial expressions. As a bonus, you’ll also discover that oily skin is less likely to develop wrinkles! The oil helps keep your skin hydrated.
When you have oily skin, it’s essential to exfoliate your face with a product recommended for daily use to prevent acne. Sebum is known for clogging pores, especially when it sits too long on the face.
Now that you know your skin type, take a good look at your products. Make sure that they are right before developing a skincare routine. If you are not using the right products, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Developing Your Skincare Routine
Now that you know your skin type, it’s time to create your own skincare routine. Make a special note of any concerns you have, such as red spots or sensitive skin. If you have particular products for those concerns, you’ll want to incorporate them into your skincare routine.
There Are Four Main Skincare Routine Steps
When researching skincare routines, all of the information thrown at you can make them seem overly complicated. There are four main steps to each skincare routine:
- Washing or cleansing
- Toning if you plan to use a toner
- Troubleshooting areas (such as red spots or pimples)
- Moisturizing
You can insert other things into your routine, such as a weekly face mask if you would like to, but it’s not always necessary.
Cleansing
Cleansing your face is the easiest part of your skincare routine. You simply wash your face. Washing your face twice daily will help remove dirt and excessive oil. It can also keep the dead skin off the top layer of skin so that your skin can absorb your other products better.
Our Picks
Seed Synergy Foaming Cleanser ($35)
This gentle foaming cleanser removes makeup while cleansing your skin without stripping it of its natural oils, making it perfect for anyone with dry skin. Then, it delivers a powerful boost of antioxidants to help protect your skin from environmental damage.
Why You’ll Love It
- Certified organic
- Natural ingredients strengthen the skin barrier for healthier skin
- Aloe juice extract helps reduce inflammation and redness
Toning
Skin toner is not always necessary for all skin types. Toning products are typically used after cleansing your face to remove tiny trace particles of dirt that you may have missed while washing your face.
Most people with dry skin can skip this step if they would like to, but there are key benefits to using a toner. For example, it can give your skin a boost of antioxidants to fight the aging process. People with oily skin should definitely use toner. It can help make the pores tighter, remove excess oil and keep your face cleaner.
Treat Areas Of Concern
After using your toner, you want to treat areas of concern. Typically, these products are lighter than moisturizers, which is why you use them next in your skincare routine. You always go from the lightest to the heaviest, which leaves moisturizers as last on the list.
This can involve using serums for particular areas. You can spot-treat pimples. Address your particular skincare needs during this step of your routine.
Moisturize
Finally, you want to moisturize your skin. Previous myths about not needing to moisturize oily skin have proven false. Moisturizer helps lock water into the skin, creating a protective barrier that removes harmful dirt and bacteria. While you might not use the same moisturizer as someone with dry skin, it should still be an important part of your daily skin routine.
Complete Your Skincare Routine Twice A Day
Properly taking care of your skin is a must. This is especially true if you love makeup, which can cause a wealth of skin issues. To make sure that your skin is in the best condition possible, complete the routine twice per day. It does not take that long, and you’ll start to see healthier skin within a week!
FAQ
Should you moisturize oily acne prone skin
Yes! It might seem like a bad idea, but all of your skin needs moisture. A moisturizer helps lock in hydration. Moisturizer will also help create a protective barrier so that you don’t get as many breakouts from the environment. Opt for a light moisturizer that is specifically designed for oily skin.
How do I start a skincare routine
Start small. Use the four main steps of any skincare routine first: cleanse, tone, spot treat areas of concern, and moisturize. If you would like to include under eye treatment or serums, add those after a week of using a simple routine. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself.
Is it bad to do skincare every day
No! At a minimum, you should be washing your face and moisturizing every day. However, some products should not be used every day. Avoid using products with harsh ingredients or face masks daily, especially peel off face masks. These should only be used once per week.
Is rose water a toner
Rose water is a natural toner. Rose petals provide quite a few natural benefits for the skin, including helping to tone the skin. This all natural toner is the perfect addition to your skincare routine if you’re looking for products with the least amount of chemicals and artificial ingredients.
In Conclusion
Starting your own skincare routine can seem overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to start small. Use the four basic parts of a skincare routine first. Then, add your own touches as you learn more about your skin and skincare.
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