Develop Your Daily Skincare Routine Based on Your Skin Type

Since social distancing is the new norm, why not spend a little time on self-care to keep your sanity and perfect your daily skincare routine? 

Whether you are a skincare minimalist or prefer more advanced practices, a few things are universal: washing your face before bed, wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and avoiding touching your face throughout the day is essential as we all aim for healthy, vibrant, blemish-free skin. Here are a few best practices to achieve healthy skin for every skin type: 

• Use a humidifier at night. It combats dryness and dehydration from moisture-depleting environments, not to mention it helps with allergies and decreases congestion.

• Do not wash your face with hot water. Using water that is way too hot will increase the chances of imbalance, contributing to surface dryness that can create more challenges. Use lukewarm water to protect the skin barrier. 

• Keep in mind that your neck is an extension of your face that requires the same care.

Beyond these simple measures, the priority when determining a daily skincare routine is being educated on key products and their benefits for your skin type. Each skin type requires a different approach, so we’re taking the guesswork out of it for you. The priority is being educated on key products and their benefits for your skin type. 

Daily Skincare Routine for Normal Skin

Normal skin is not typically dry, oily or ambiguous. If addressing other skin concerns such as sensitivity or anti-aging are non-essentials, here are tips for your daily skincare routine.

Overall Goals: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect

Cleanse (AM/PM): Start with a cleanser that is sulfate-free or does not strip the skin of its natural oils. It will help keep your skin blemish-free and balanced.

Tone (AM/PM): Many people underestimate toner. These wonders bring the skin’s PH back to normal post-cleanse whilst delivering a boost of hydration and brightness. Avoid using toners with alcohol that can over-dry the skin.

Moisturize with SPF (AM): Use a moisturizer, preferably broad spectrum, with SPF 30 or higher. They are most effective at protecting against harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays.

Add Antioxidants (PM): Look for antioxidants with vitamin C, vitamin E, and algae extract. These ingredients brighten dull skin, defend against stressors and rehydrate from moisture loss, respectively.

Exfoliate (Bi-weekly) – Normal skin can tolerate physical (facial scrubs, brushes) or chemical (alpha-hydroxy acids a.k.a. AHAs) exfoliants. Keep in mind to only use one exfoliant at a time, alternating days of the week. Exfoliants should be applied after cleansing but before moisturizer, preferably at night, to avoid over-sensitizing during the day.

Moisturize (PM): Opt for one that has hyaluronic acid and/or peptides that will nourish and moisturize while you sleep.

Daily Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Most dry skin has a damaged moisture barrier and contains cracks that allow moisture to escape easily. People with dry skin should opt for products that keep skin hydrated.

Overall Goal: Hydration

Cleanse (AM/PM): Cream-like emulsions or oil cleansers restore, replenish and retain hydration. They minimize dryness and contain ingredients to soothe and keep the skin supple.

Toner (AM/PM): Toner hydrates and restores PH balance. Seek out a toner that is alcohol/astringent free (all things that can exacerbate dryness), but contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rose water and/or aloe.

Add Antioxidants (AM): A well-rounded serum that contains vitamins, C, E, and resveratrol will combat radicals, moisturize and rejuvenate lackluster, dry skin. 

Moisturize with SPF (AM): Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that will not only protect against UV damage but also supply adequate hydration.

Eye Cream (AM/PM): Use an eye cream that has peptides that boost collagen and hydrate.

Add Oils (PM): There are times when moisturizers just don’t do enough, whether because the molecules are larger in most moisturizers or a lack of exfoliation can prevent proper hydration. Facial oils have smaller molecules to travel deeper and are vital to keeping moisture locked in. You can use it as a stand-alone or layer under moisturizer if you are extremely dry.

Exfoliate (PM/Bi-weekly): There are many misconceptions about retinol, but this is one ingredient that undoubtedly is a game-changer. It unclogs pores, smooths texture and sloughs off dead skin leading to increased moisture retention. On the other hand, AHAs are milder than retinol but just as effective at smoothing texture and jump-starting cellular turnover, while leaving skin supple and hydrated. You can choose using both or just one type depending on tolerance level but also keep in mind to use each type separately and on nonconsecutive nights. 

Moisture Mask (Weekly): At times, we need an extra boost of hydration. Choose a moisture mask that has restorative, hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or green tea extract.

Daily Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Products for combination skin require ingredients that can treat a few different skin concerns. Your daily skincare routine should include targeted treatments to areas of the face are important to keep it balanced.

Overall Goal: Balance

Cleanse (AM/PM): A mild or gentle cleansing gel will effectively remove excess oil and impurities while promoting surface hydration, leaving skin feeling deeply cleansed and refreshed. 

Tone (AM/PM): A balancing toner that calms and doesn’t strip the skin but also offers hydration is key. Choose a hydrating witch hazel formula with cucumber or rose extracts.

Lightweight Moisture (AM/PM): You want to choose a lightweight product that effectively hydrates without clogging the pores. You also want to avoid oil-free moisturizers. Combination skin requires a lighter formula that’s hydrating enough for drier areas, yet light enough for oily more problematic areas. Gel and water-based moisturizers are most effective.

Eye Cream (AM): Choose a hydrating light-weight formula that won’t clog pores resulting in milia around the eyes. Search for gel or light creams infused with peptides and natural brightening agents.

Zinc Oxide SPF (AM): As a gentle mineral formulation, it is non-greasy and doesn’t cause build up. Zinc oxide regulates oil/sebum accumulation of the surface of the skin while functioning as a broad-spectrum protection.

Exfoliate (PM/Bi-weekly): If you are combating acne and trying to balance combo skin, start with a chemical exfoliant once or twice a week then work your way up to every other day. Look for an exfoliant that has balanced PH to maintain a delicate balance but not irritate areas that are dry or inflamed. Be sure to moisturize after exfoliation for a brighter, balanced complexion.

What if my skin type is not listed here?

Read on to Part II for sensitive skin, oily or acne-prone skin, and mature/aging skin routine tips. 

Still not sure what type of skin you have?

It’s hard to tell what your daily skincare routine should be if you don’t know your skin type. The experts at Courted are happy to help diagnose with a complimentary Visia skin analysis and can recommend the right products to incorporate into your everyday routine. Stop by or give us a call at (703) 239-6910 to schedule an appointment.