It’s no secret that skincare is a crucial part of keeping your youthful looks, but how do you do it in a way that benefits you most? No two people are the same, but there are some general guidelines that you can follow to get you on the right track. First thing’s first, you have to determine your skin type. Is it normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? Once you’ve got that figured out, you can build a routine that will benefit you most! Keep in mind that there will be a lot of trial and error as you build your routine and your skin type may change over time.
Normal
If your skin has few to no imperfections and no extreme sensitivity, you’ve likely got normal skin. You’ll have a radiant and glowy look and your pores will be visible but not enlarged or clogged. Now, just because your skin already has an even appearance doesn’t mean you don’t have to care for it.
When choosing products for your skincare routine, there are some things to avoid. Toner is a big no-no for normal skin as it was created with oily skin in mind and will likely throw your skin out of whack. You’ll also want to avoid using deep cleansing products too often as this may throw your skin off balance and you’ll have new problems that you’ll need to address.
Your skincare routine will be quite simple and easy to stick to. A gentle cleanser is essential to remove any dirt or makeup that has accumulated throughout the day without removing your natural oils that keep your skin moisturized. We are big fans of the CeraVe products here at Plump Room. Next, you’ll need an antioxidant serum to protect your skin from the elements around you. Top all of this off with a moisturizer and an eye cream to keep your skin hydrated and radiant.
Oily
If your pores appear to be on the larger side, you may have oily skin. Pores that become clogged with oils or sebum have a more “open” appearance and may contribute to having a thicker complexion. Hormonal imbalances and stress can be a large part of having oily skin, but there are many ways that you can take care of this!
Cleansing twice a day will keep your skin free and clear of any acne-causing bacteria as well as wick away excess oil. A gel formula is best for oily skin as it can evenly coat and clean the entire surface. Up next in the routine is a toner! Toner was originally invented to restore the pH balance of your skin but now that most skincare products do this already, it is used to help soak up extra oils in the skin. It leaves you with a deeper clean and the appearance of smaller pores because they’re no longer clogged. Last but not least, moisturizer! We know what you’re thinking. Why would you need to moisturize your face if it already produces so much oil? To put it simply, this will help your skin keep more of the good moisture and less of the bad. During the day you’ll want something nice and light-weight but you can opt for something heavier in the evening.
Dry
Dry skin can happen to anybody depending on a variety of factors from age and genetics to weather conditions and what you’re currently using for skincare. Dry skin tends to have lines that stand out and your complexion may appear to be on the rougher side. Your pores will be harder to detect if you can see them at all. So how do you get your skin back on track?
First thing’s first. Stop using that harsh exfoliant that you swear is helping turn over your skin cells. We know that when you see flakiness, your immediate reaction is that you need to scrub it away, but instead try to establish a great routine that will prevent dry patches all together.
Clean your skin with a gel or cream cleanser containing ingredients that can both wash away dirt and oil but also hydrate your skin. Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to look for in a cleanser as it will gently remove all the ick, but leave your skin with the hydration it needs. Next, you’ll want to exfoliate. When most people hear “exfoliate”, they think of an abrasive product that would scrub their skin, but did you know that there are chemical exfoliants? When you have dry skin, a chemical exfoliant is a great option as it will remove dead skin cells without the grittiness. For those of you living in cold areas, facial oil will be a great way to keep your skin hydrated as you go about your day. Lastly, you’ll want to moisturize your skin. A lot of people tend to reach for gel-style moisturizers but when you’ve got oily skin, a cream or lotion will work better for you. This will help repair and build up a layer of hydration to get your skin to a place where you’re happy.
Combination
This skin type is one of the most common but it can come with a slightly more difficult routine as different areas of your face will need different products. Many people find that while their t-zone and chin are oily, the rest of their skin may have more dry characteristics. You may also notice that you are prone to blackheads especially in your t-zone. Take some time to determine what areas of your face call for a dry skincare routine and which call for oily skincare and address them as such.
When choosing a cleanser, a cream-based option will work nicely with your combination skin as it will work to not only hydrate areas of your skin that need it, but also unclog and treat pores that are producing too much oil. You’ll want to grab a toner to use after cleansing as this will help to further hydrate your skin where it needs it, but also balance the pH of areas that have excess oil. For a serum, combination skin needs something that won’t push it to be too oily or too dry. Retinol serum is the way to go so you can avoid upsetting your skin. End your routine with a lightweight cream that will play well with both the dry and oily areas of your skin.
Sensitive
If your skin tends to have a more red or patchy appearance, you may have sensitive skin. Keep track of things that make your skin break out or itch, as these are things that you will want to avoid in your skincare routine. While your skin may be a bit harder to work with and maintain, it can be done. In order to figure out what works best for your skin, you’ll first need to establish what doesn’t work. Unfortunately, this is going to be a trial and error process and your sensitivities could change at any time. Try seeking products that err on the more natural side or products with fewer ingredients that could potentially cause flare-ups. The Ordinary has a great selection of products with a no nonsense approach to skincare that your pocketbook with thank you for.
As much as we would love to recommend specific products for sensitive skin, everyone is different when it comes to their sensitivities! Mario Badescu is another great line that carries wonderful options for those with sensitivities and you’ll be able to build a routine that’s perfect for you!
The big picture
Skincare should be part of your daily routine and who doesn’t love some self-care? Remember not to neglect your neck and chest when it comes to your skincare routine, they’re just as important as the skin on your face.
We know that sometimes life gets busy, so what can you do on days where you can’t get in your full routine? Try at least to get a quick cleanse done in the morning and top it off with some SPF (even in winter!). Don’t forget to wash away the day before you crawl into bed, your skin will thank you for it. Should you ever need some extra help slowing down wrinkles from showing up, Plump Room in Chicago has got your back with a variety of express Botox treatments to smooth away your worries.
