Different Skin Types and Skincare routine

You must have heard about skincare from makeup experts or skincare specialists. But what exactly is skincare, and how do you do that? Well, to start with, skincare begins from knowing your own skin type. Speaking of which, have you heard on social media about dry, oily, normal, sensitive, and combination skin? And do you know which one you have?

Knowing your skin type is very crucial for adopting a skincare regimen because every skin type reacts differently to each ingredient. So, the products used by your best friend might not be the best bet for you. Let’s take a look at different skin types and how you can determine yours. Also, find the basic skin routine for your skin type.

How to know your skin type and skincare routine?

What is Skin Care?

After hearing the phrase skincare, what comes to your mind? Is it DIY hacks or expensive products from reputed brands? While a skincare routine may sound like a high-maintenance task, in reality, all the steps involved are easy to implement and differ according to every skin type. However, the key to skincare lies in knowing your skin type and treating it well.

This takes us to the next topic, which is knowing your skin type. There are five primary skin types: Dry, Oily, Normal, Combination, and Sensitive skin.

What are the different skin types?

• Normal Skin – Normal skin is neither too oily nor too dry and has balanced sebum production. As a result, people with normal skin have a few or no imperfections, no severe sensitivity, no visible pores, and a radiant complexion (not to mention a bit of good luck!).

• Oily Skin – Oily skin refers to the skin type where there is more oil production in the skin, and you can see that greasy look after some time. Most people feel oil on their face late in the afternoon, but you have oily skin if you feel oil midday. Oily skin usually doesn’t react negatively to beauty products as dry skin and has better sun protection. Also, such skin types are more prone to acne.

• Dry Skin – People with dry skin usually know they have dry skin because their skin becomes flaky, itchy, irritated, or inflamed. At some time, dry skin may also feel tight and cause irritation.

• Combination Skin – If you’re getting confused because the description of both oily skin and dry skin matches your skin, then you have combination skin. People with combination skin can have normal skin in most areas like cheeks and neck and oily skin, mostly in the T zone, which is forehead, nose, and chin. However, if you have slightly visible pores, blackheads, and shiny skin, you have combination skin.

• Sensitive Skin – Ever wondered why you get rashes just after you’ve tried a new beauty product recommended by someone? It’s probably because you have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin flushes with spicy food and reacts severely to new beauty products.

How would you know what your skin type is?

1. You have Normal skin if you have :
   No severe sensitivity
   No or few imperfections
   Barely visible pores
   A radiant complexion
   
2. You have Oily skin if you have :
   Enlarged pores
   Pimples, blackheads, or other blemishes
   Dull or shiny, thick complexion
   
3. Those with Dry skin have :
   Almost invisible pores
   Less elastic skin
   More visible lines
   Dull, rough complexion
   Red patches
   
4. Combination skin can be identified if you have :
   Pores that look larger because they’re open
   Blackheads
   Shiny skin
   
5. People with Sensitive skin have :
   Redness
   Itching
   Burning
   Dryness

Basic skincare routine for all skin types

Regardless of your skin type, you can follow this basic skincare routine which includes, Cleansing, Moisturizing, and protecting the skin, performed in the following order:

Step 1 – Cleansing

The general rule of thumb says you should cleanse your face not more than twice per day. You can do it once in the morning and once before going to bed. However, you can use a mild cleanser if you have sensitive or dry skin.

Step 2 – Moisturize

The next step is to use a moisturizer or moisturizing product. It’s best to use fragrance-free moisturizers as these are well tolerated by oily, sensitive, and combination skin. If you have some skin conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation, you can consult your dermatologists and use a moisturizer with special ingredients. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should use non-comedogenic products.

Step 3 – Protecting the skin

Sunscreen is your first line of defense against the harm caused by the UV rays of the sun. So even if you don’t want to do anything else, sun protection is a must. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher and apply it daily, even if it’s cloudy. Also, it should be the final step in your skincare routine.

If you want to know the skincare routine for your skin type, hop on to the next topic.

What is the best skincare routine for each skin type?

Steps to get a natural glow if you have dry skin

•   Cleanse – As mentioned earlier, cleansing your face is essential. Use a gentle cleanser as they are best for dry skin. Mild cleansers do not dry up your skin and remove the impurities as well.
•   Apply products or serum with essential vitamins – You can apply any product with Vitamin A and E before applying the moisturizer. Vitamins stimulate blood circulation leaving your skin smooth, nourishing, and radiant.
•   Moisturize – Do not skip the step and use moisturizers with ingredients like Dead Sea Minerals or essential vitamins.

Steps to get a natural glow if you have oily skin

• Cleanse – Just like every other skin type; you should also cleanse your face twice per day. Use a gentle cleanser and clean for 30 seconds. For this, you can even use a sulfur soap as it’s natural and provides proper nourishment to the skin.
• Apply salicylic acid product – It’s recommended to apply a salicylic acid product on the oily areas of your face. However, limit the application to just 2 to 3 times a week.
• Apply retinol – Retinol serums and creams also cut down excess oil production. Moreover, retinol is the best anti-aging ingredient for those with oily skin.
• Moisturize – To complete your skincare routine, apply a moisturizer SPF 15 or higher.

Steps to get the natural glow for Combination Skin

• Cleanse – Use gentle cleansers once or twice every day if you feel oil on your face.
• Spot treatment with salicylic acid – Use any salicylic acid face skincare product and apply to T zone or oily areas.
• Moisturize – Use oil-free products with SPF 15 or higher. On the drier areas of your face, use rich moisturizer.
  

Many factors can affect your skin, like genes, environment, diet, pollution, stress, etc. That’s why your skin needs protection and care. Include these skincare tips for every skin type in your beauty regimen and notice results in just a few weeks. Of course, with a proper skincare routine, make sure you pay attention to diet and exercise as well.