Your skin type is not solely based on DNA and genetics; your lifestyle and chosen skincare routine play a big role in how your skin looks and feels. Finding the right skincare routine can be tricky, especially if you don’t know which products you should be using. However, a skincare routine that works for you is paramount. Healthy skin not only looks and feels great, but it can boost your confidence and help you feel good, too.
Taking care of your skin is personal and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for good skincare. You need to take the time to get to know your complexion, what products work, and which don’t, and where your problem areas lie. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you should be taking to figure out how to implement the best skincare routine for you:
Before you start trying out products, you need to know what kind of skin you have, as each type will require a different kind of care. There are five main skin types: normal, combination, dry, oily and sensitive.
Normal skin is tricky to define, but essentially it describes skin that does not typically experience oiliness or dryness. This skin type also features small pores that are not engorged or easily visible, and the skin does not have any excess of shine or flakiness. This skin type may sound perfect, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need an efficient skincare routine to maintain it. Skin changes over time, so issues can develop later with age. Avoid products that make your face feel greasy or that cause dryness. A gentle cleanser is preferable, and rinse with warm water and pat your face dry.
Combination skin describes skin that experiences both dryness and oiliness on different areas of the face. Some people may not realise they have combination skin and assume their skin is oily. However, if you have normal or dry portions, chances are you have combination skin. The skin is likely to be shiny in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose and chin.
Taking care of this skin involves dealing with both the dry and oily parts. Stick to natural-based ingredients in skincare products to prevent drying the skin out and avoid fragrant products. Moisturise with two different moisturisers to treat both areas, a heavier one for the dry areas and a lighter one for the oily parts. Gentle exfoliation is also essential.
Dry skin can feel tight and possibly have patches of scaly or flaky skin. People with this skin type may have near invisible pores and may suffer from premature wrinkles. Finding a moisturiser to replenish this skin type is essential. Gentle products are needed, and sufferers of dry skin may find that creams are better than lotions for moisturising, as they are thicker and contain more oil. Avoid harsh cleansers or fragrant products that can dry the skin out further. A good exfoliator will also help to get rid of flaky skin cells, clearing up the skin.
Those with oily skin are likely to experience more acne breakouts and have a shiny face. Oily skin can be attributed to both genetics and hormonal changes. The glands produce an excess of sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin hydrated, and this can expand the size of the skin’s pores and result in blockages that become spots.
If you have oily skin you may be tempted to use products that dry skin out, but this can trigger the skin to produce more oil, making the problem worse. Stay away from heavy cosmetics that can block pores. Don’t skimp on moisturising your skin just because it’s oily, as the skin can overcompensate by producing more oil. Find a lightweight and oil-free moisturiser to hydrate your skin and remember to never pop any spots you might develop as your fingers can spread bacteria and make a breakout worse.
Those with sensitive skin may have symptoms of other skin types, but also deal with irritation and redness. Those with this skin type should avoid harsh chemical-based skincare products to avoid flare ups and adverse reactions. Use a gentle cleanser and rinse with warm, not hot, water. Don’t rub your face dry; pat it gently instead. Always looks out for products with few ingredients, and those that contain calming ingredients like aloe vera.
Your skincare routine should have three steps: cleansing, toning and moisturising. Cleansing is for washing the face, toning removes any impurities left over after cleansing and balances out the skin, and moisturising hydrates and softens the skin.
Whilst all three are important, you should make sure you’re choosing the right kinds of products for your skin type. Cleansers come in a range of types, from milks and creams to balms and facial washes, so make sure you pick out the texture suited to your skin type. Check the ingredients list and avoid chemicals that will cause your skin to react negatively.
There will definitely be a point where you could be using too many products for your skin but, again, it will come down to the individual. One person’s routine might be too excessive for someone else. It comes down to what your skin needs and how it responds to certain products.
Certainly, a good cleanser, toner and moisturiser are essential for healthy, radiant looking skin. However, your skin could also really benefit from the regular use of sun cream, to protect it from harmful UV rays that have been known to cause sings of ageing. Some skincare products and cosmetics contain SPF protection so, if you’re likely to be spending a lot of time outdoors, you should invest in something that offers skin protection from UV rays (it doesn’t even need to be sunny for UV rays to get through).
For those starting to develop wrinkles and lines, you may also want to invest in anti-ageing products to smooth out the skin and give you a more youthful look. Try out different products to find out what works for you. If you have sensitive skin you will benefit more from a more restricted number of products, but just keep an eye on how your skin reacts to your new skincare routine and adjust accordingly.
With so many skincare brands out there, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. First and foremost, you should be guided primarily by your skin type. Search for brands that use ingredients you know will be good for your skin and are recommended for your skin type.
Consider what’s important to you in a skincare routine. If you value cruelty-free products, organic skincare or even just the feel and smell of the products on your skin, you should shop for brands that meet your requirements. The science behind a brand is also very important; finding products that are backed by data and research is incredibly reassuring that they could help you get the results you’re looking for.
At Skinstation, we offer a wide range of brands and products designed to help you achieve your ideal skin: Obagi Medical, Dr Levy Switzerland, Swisscode, SkinCeuticals, Kelo-cote, RevitaLash Cosmetics, Lumity, Dr Dennis Gross, iS Clinical, MZ Skin, Dr Barbara Sturm
Ask us about our skincare ranges and the extensive products we have available, we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and find the best skincare products for your needs.
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