Knowing what works best for your skin can be challenging with so many skincare products on the market. Every skin type needs a different level of care and a different routine – so what might work for a friend might not work for you.
But we’ve got a quick crash course to help you get your skin looking its best, no matter your type.
If you’re lucky enough to have skin that isn’t too oily or too dry, then you won’t have quite as much work to do as others! All you have to worry about is maintaining your skin – tackling any problems as and when they pop up. For example, if your skin feels a little drier one morning, use a richer moisturiser or a spot treatment if you feel a blemish starting to rear its head.
Cleanse with your preferred cleanser – no need to worry about what base – and continue with your usual routine. After all, if it’s working for you, then there’s no need to fix it! However, you might want to take the occasional trip to a spa for a professional to help maintain the skin you currently have.
Continue to protect your skin with regular SPF use to avoid problems as much as possible.
It might seem unnatural at first, but when your skin is dry, it’s best to avoid long, hot showers and baths as this can strip the natural oils on your skin, leaving it more dehydrated. When showering, a hypoallergenic, moisturising gel or soap can help to nourish the skin. It’s best to gently wash your face once or twice a day with only warm water or a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser.
Gently pat your skin dry or wait for it to air dry so your skin can soak in as much water and moisture as possible. Then, apply a moisturiser – preferably one with an SPF of around 30. If you choose to wear makeup, it might be a good idea to opt for oil or cream-based foundations and concealers.
If you have dry skin on your body, moisturise regularly, especially after washing your hands or after a shower – ideally when your skin is still a little damp so that you can lock in that extra moisture. Overnight, consider applying a thick, liberal layer of moisturiser to your feet or hands if they’re problem areas, and wear thick socks or gloves over the top.
Oily skin can easily clog pores and cause breakouts, so if you’re struggling with oily skin, it’s a good idea to watch your face every morning, evening, and after exercise or sweating. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle cleanser. It might be tempting to use a strong face wash, but scrubbing the skin harshly with a heavy-duty product can irritate the skin and promote oil production as your skin tries to soothe and heal itself.
It might seem counterproductive to use a moisturiser when you have oily skin, but it’s essential to keep your skin hydrated as much as possible. Find a light, oil-free moisturiser with SPF, and if you find it makes your skin look oilier during the day, try using it at night for a fresher feel when you wash your face in the morning.
If you can, you might want to try and use blotting papers throughout the day. These thin sheets can be applied to the oily area and left there for a few seconds to soak up excess oil. Plus, it would help if you never slept in your makeup as this can clog the skin leading to further breakouts.
Like any other skin type, you should cleanse your face in the morning. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser and then moisturise dry patches with a heavier cream and a lighter, water-based formula moisturiser for oily patches.
Target specific areas with specific products, such as using serums on dry patches or ‘for oily skin’ cleansers on only the oily areas. You can even mix and match beauty face masks once a week to give both of your skin types a little helping hand when needed. Thankfully, those with combination skin will usually have oilier T-Zones and drier patches over the rest of the skin, making it easier to find the problem areas.
After removing makeup, use a toner to help wipe away any remaining makeup or cleanser to prevent excess clogging pores.
If you have sensitive skin, most cleansers could cause dry or itchy patches, be painful, or cause breakouts.
To limit this, you can find a cleanser designed for sensitive skin or wash with plain warm water to reduce your contact with irritants.
Use a gentle, fragrance and colour-free formula moisturiser and try to use as few products as possible when it comes to your skincare regime. A good cleanser and moisturiser might be all your need if you have sensitive skin, making it easy to find a routine that works.
However, you might also want to try and swap out your laundry detergent to avoid irritating your delicate skin before you’ve even tried cleansing or washing!
For more tips and ideas on skincare and beauty routines, why not have a look at the articles below, or browse our entire Health and Beauty collection?
