The Hidden Agenda of Best Skincare Routine

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Do you follow any skincare routine? If yes, what type of skincare routine you follow? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

I know it’s a holy grail task to maintain a proper skincare routine every day. Some of us feel lazy and some might not have enough time to take proper care of their skin. Do you agree?

Whatsoever, pollution, dirt, bacteria, junk foods, and many other factors will influence our skin. These factors perhaps lead to skin breakouts and many common skin problems. Therefore, to eradicate all such skin problems, we certainly need to take the utmost care of our skin.

Skin being the outermost layer, it prevents and protects against infections. [1] For every 28 days, our skin undergoes the renewal process which means the dead skin cells come to the surface and get replaced by new cells. [2]

In order to maintain healthy skin, you need to incorporate the best skincare routine which includes cleansing, toning, treating and moisturizing.

Like how exercising your body will help in eliminating the toxins and rejuvenates your skin internally, a proper skincare routine also aid in removing dead skin cells, nourishing your skin and bringing back the healthy skin in 28 days. [3][4][5]

Now, certainly, a question pops up in your mind – ” How could I determine the best skincare routine for my skin type?”.

Well, it’s pretty much very simple to determine your skin type. Firstly, wash your face and then examine your skin whether it feels oily, dry, normal, flaky skin or if you’ve oily T-zone and dry cheeks (combination). These are pretty much the indications that tell you, what type of skin you have.

However, it doesn’t matter what type of skin you possess it’s mandatory to follow a basic skincare routine.

Read on to learn more about different types of skincare routines for each skin type.

Table of Contents

1. 1. 1. Daily skincare routine for Normal skin
      2. Skincare routine for Dry and Flaky skin
      3. Best Skincare routine for Oily skin
      4. Best Skincare routine for Combination skin
      5. Daily Skincare routine for Sensitive skin / Acne-prone skin
      6. Eye creams and Lip balms for all skin types

1. Daily Skincare routine for Normal skin

• Cleansing

Cleansing your face is an obvious first step to a skincare routine. Every day when you step out of your house, your skin comes in contact with environmental pollutions, bacteria, dirt, and other factors. Washing your face the most essential step in skincare regime because it will eliminate and prevent dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells from entering your skin.

Therefore, wash your face twice a day, morning and night, to remove dirt, excess oils, dead skin cells from clogged pores.

However, there are different types of cleansers in the markets such as gel, foam, milk, lotion and many other cleansers. So, you need to examine your skin type and choose a cleanser accordingly which suits your skin type.

Suitable Cleanser Type: Micellar Water or Cleansing Foam

Recommended product: Egg white perfect pore cleansing foam

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Exfoliating

Whatever skin type you have, it’s always required to exfoliate your skin. Basically, the natural life cycle of your skin cells is 28 days. That means, when new skin cells are formed, it takes 28 days for those cells to reach the surface of your skin from dermis and epidermis. And that’s when your skin cycle renewals. The new cells come up and old cells that reach the surface fall off.

So, exfoliating your skin will remove excess dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. The excess dead skin cells might clog your pores with bacteria or excess oils and that leads to breakouts, acne or blackheads.

Hey, remember! You must exfoliate only 2 -3 times a week. Excessive exfoliation might strip away natural oils from your skin.

Suitable Exfoliater type: Any types of exfoliators

Recommended product: Clinique 7 Day Scrub

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Toning

The skin’s pH is a balance between acidic and alkaline levels in your skin. Most of the factors make your skin more acidic or alkaline which leads to dry or oily skin. The following step to cleansing is toning. Toners usually bring the pH back to 7 which is a neutral state in the pH scale.

However, most of the people are skeptical about toners thinking that they’re too harsh for the skin. But today’s toners are formulated with anti-aging benefits to not only balance the pH but also to moisturize and detoxify the skin.

That said, avoid alchol toners. Because they dry out your skin and will not benefit your skin in any way.

Similar to cleansers, toners or astringents are formulated for all kinds of skin types. You must ensure to choose the right product that suits your skin type.

Suitable toner type: Look for ingredients like Vitamin E or C, Hyaluronic acid, Rosewater, Green tea, Apple cider vinegar toner, Alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

Recommended product: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Moisturizing

Depending on your skin type, you need to find a good moisturizer for your skin. Like cleansers, moisturizers also come in different textures such as serums, lotions, emulsions, creams and etc.

Of course, well hydrated and nourished skin can help fight aging, wrinkles, fine lines, and many other skin issues. A moisturizer acts as a protective barrier for your skin. by preventing water loss through the surface of your skin.

Moisturizers are the only products recommended to use year-round for different skin types because as we age, skin loses the ability to retain moisture. In such cases, you need to externally moisturize your skin and keep it healthy.

Ensure to change moisturizers depending on different climatic conditions and based on your age factor.

Suitable moisturizer type: Lotions are perfect for normal skin type since it feels more moisturizing.

Recommended product: Clinique Moisture Surge Gel

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Protection

This is like a buzz word, “don’t leave the house without wearing a sunscreen”.  Yes, even on cold days or even if you wear makeup with SPF, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. If you avoid this last essential step then there’s no point in following a skincare regimen.

So, most of the dermatologists and skincare experts claim sunscreen to be the most crucial skincare product. Furthermore, sunscreen can also prevent fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, blackheads, and certain skin cancers.

Experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF not more than 50.

Suitable sunscreen type: Look for a combination of chemical and physical sunscreens which includes oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

Recommended product: Avene hydrating sunscreen balm SPF 50

Buy from here: USA | India

 

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2. Best skincare routine for Dry skin

• Cleansing

Cleansing is an essential step in skincare routine since it will remove all the dead skin cells from clogged pores. In case of dry skin, you should not use harsh cleansers as they dry out your skin.

Many dermatologists recommend using cream or lotion based cleansers which are formulated with emollients such as shea butter and glycerin. They also hydrate your skin by wiping off impurities from clogged pores. During nights, to remove makeup, hydrate and cleanse your skin use more hydrating micellar water.

Suitable cleanser: Cream, Foam or Lotion cleanser and Micellar water during nights

Recommended product: Alpha-H balancing cleanser with Aloe vera

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Exfoliation

The following step to cleansing is exfoliating excess dead skin cells, oils and other impurities that don’t go away after cleansing. Use gentle exfoliators that are not harsh on your dry skin.

You can use homemade scrubs made with natural or organic ingredients. Such exfoliators are not harsh on your skin and will benefit your skin in multiple ways. Make a sugar scrub, coffee scrub, or other scrubs with ingredients that suit well with your skin.

If you’re not a DIY person, then go with scrubs that are formulated with a naturally-derived blend of pure ingredients such as coconut oil or cocoa butter.

Suitable Exfoliator: Scrubs that are formulated with a naturally-derived blend of pure ingredients

Recommended product: Himalayan Salt scrub art naturals

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Apply Facial Oils

Facial oils are great for moisturizing your skin. Facial oil plays a vital role in moisturizing dry skin. Many people are skeptical of using facial oils thinking that they might overturn your skin into an oil slick. But, it’s not the case with facial oils.

When you massage your skin with a good facial oil they penetrate into your skin and enhance your skin texture. They not only nourish or moisturize your dry skin but also will improve the skin complexion.

Suitable Facial Oil: Any types of natural and Essential Oils

Recommended product: Body shop Oils of life with 3 precious oils

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Moisturise

For dry skin people, moisturizing the skin is really very important. You need to moisturize your skin every day and night while hitting the bed. If you neglect this essential step, there’s no point in following a skincare regime for dry skin.

Though everyone needs a perfect moisturizer, the texture of the moisturiser is not the same for every skin type. You need to pick a moisturizer depending on your skin type.

For dry skin, opt for cream-based moisturizers which are heavier than lotions. They provide extra moisture and nourishment to your skin.

Suitable Moisturiser: Cream or Soft creams

Recommended product: Cetaphil moisturizer

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Face Masks

From normal to excessively dry skin types, face masks come to rescue. These days, there are plenty of face masks up for grabs on the markets such as sheet masks, peel off masks, and sleeping masks.

During nights, indulge your time in wearing a mask and watching Netflix. Else, you can reach for an overnight face mask which is specially formulated to apply while hitting the hay.

Suitable Face masks: Any type of homemade face masks or natural products formulated with organic ingredients

[ Read more: Honey face masks for dry skin]

 

Recommended product: Eau thermal Avene soothing Sheet mask

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Protection

Finally, it’s time to finish off by layering on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to SPF 50. If you’re on a rush hour, you can skip 2nd and 5th steps but not protection. Without protection, your skin will be prone to the sun’s harmful UV rays which cause damage to your skin.

Suitable sunscreen: Sunscreens with SPF 30 and SPF 50

Recommended product: Neutrogena Ultrasheer dry touch sunblock SPF 50

Buy from here: USA | India

 

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3. Best skincare routine for Oily skin

 

• Double – Cleansing

The double-cleansing method is basically switching between an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser. It’s time to bust the most popular skincare myth – “Oil cleansers make the skin more oily”.  In fact, oil cleansers sweep away sebum, makeup, and other pollutants. You need oil to break down excess oil or sebum on your skin. On the other hand, a water-based cleanser will help draw out sweat, dirt and excess oils.

Suitable Cleanser: Any types of Cleansing oils and Foaming liquids. Avoid Milk cleansers with oily skin.

Recommended product: Burt’s bees soap bark and chamomile deep cleansing cream

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Use Clay or Charcoal face mask

Exfoliation is a necessary step for oily skin. That said, don’t over-exfoliate your skin. Gently exfoliate your skin to remove impurities by unclogging and minimizing your pores.

For this purpose, you can use clay or charcoal-based scrub and mud mask. The deep cleansing masks or scrubs with these ingredients are formulated to draw out dirt, bacteria, and excess oils.

Recommended product: The Himalayan Charcoal purifying face mask

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Moisturise

It’s not counterintuitive to apply moisturizer to already oily skin. Lack of hydration can actually produce excess sebum. Therefore, applying moisturizer will not only add moisture to your skin but also help with reducing the oiliness since it slows down sebum production.

However, skin experts recommend using lightweight moisturizers which keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. You can also add targeted treatments into your skincare routine which includes serums, essences, and ampoules.

Suitable moisturizer: Lightweight and Gel moisturizers

Recommended product: Origins Matte Moisturiser With Willowherb

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Apply Toner

Applying toner is equally essential to include in the skincare routine for oily skin. A toner balances between acidic and alkaline levels in the skin. If your skin is more acidic it becomes oily. So, Toners usually bring the pH back to 7 which is a neutral state in the pH scale.

Suitable Toner: Look for Hyaluronic acid, rose water, green tea or vitamin E and C

Recommended product: The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Protection

Finally, it’s time to finish off by layering on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to SPF 50. Without protection, your skin will be prone to the sun’s harmful UV rays which cause damage to your skin.

Suitable sunscreen: Sunscreens with SPF 30 and SPF 50

Recommended product: Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

Buy from here: USA | India

 

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4. Best skincare routine for Combination skin

For a combination skin type, use different products on the T-zone and other areas of your face. That’s because a combination skin type usually has oily T-zone and dry cheeks. In order to treat different skin types all once, it’s essential to choose multiple products that address all the skin concerns. Since all the areas of your skin must be in equilibrium, it’s beneficial to try out different products addressing all skin type issues.

Therefore, you can use a mild cleanser or a creamy moisturizer on your dry cheeks and a hyaluronic toner or micellar water on your T-zone to break down the oil.

• Best cleanser – Face shop Rice water cleanser (Buy from here: USA | India)
• Toner – Rosewater toner by organic natural Moroccan (Buy from here: USA | India)
• Moisturiser – Cetaphil (Buy from here: USA | India)
• Sunscreen – Neutrogena sunscreen SPF 50 (Buy from here: USA | India)

5. Daily Skincare routine for Sensitive skin / Acne-prone skin

 

• Cleansing

If you’ve sensitive skin, you need to take the utmost care in order to maintain healthy and glowing skin. Cleanse your skin with a mild, sulfate-free, and paraben-free cleanser. It must be like a cream-based emollient which cleanses of makeup, dirt, and impurities away from your skin without stripping away natural oils from your skin.

Suitable Cleanser: Cream-based emollient with no parabens, sulfates or fragrances and Oil-based cleansers

Recommended product: Josie Maran Argan oil cleanser

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Gel Face masks

Apparently, according to skincare experts, you must be using gel-based face masks if you’ve sensitive or acne-prone skin. That’s because such cooling masks will soothe and calm down the inflammation. Choose gel face masks wisely according to your skin type. It must hydrate, nourish your skin and calm down the irritation or inflammation.

Store the gel face masks in a refrigerator before you apply them for a cooling effect.

Recommended Gel masks: Sk II Facial treatment mask, Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber gel mask

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Toners / Serums

When you have sensitive or acne-prone skin you must not use any products that are harsh on your skin like scrubs. Look for ingredients like lactic acid that are more gentle on your skin and known to calm down your skin. Furthermore, toners with ingredients like green tea extracts and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties to diminish skin issues and calming down the skin.

Suitable products: Lactic acid toners or chamomile and green tea serums

Recommended product: Estee lauder advanced night repair Serum

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Moisturise

Pick a moisturizer gently which doesn’t contain parabens, alcohol, added fragrances and other chemical ingredients that can cause allergies and irritate your skin.

Recommended moisturizer: La Roche Posay double repair moisturizer

Buy from here: USA | India

 

• Protection

Use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide as an active ingredient. Sunscreens with zinc oxide will not irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin types. Most importantly, it’s not necessary to use a sunscreen that has SPF more than 50 or 60 thinking that it doubles the protection. Instead, sunscreens more than SPF 50 can dry out your skin.

Suitable sunscreen: Zinc oxide sunscreens

Recommended product: La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreen SPF 50

Buy from here: USA | India

 

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6. Eye creams and Lip balms for all skin types

Yes, eyes need extra care to prevent puffiness or dark circles caused by stressed life. The skin around the eyes is super sensitive, thin and delicate. Consequently, eyes can be more likely prone to react to irritating ingredients and harsh chemicals.

Dermatologists recommend using an eye cream that is free of chemicals, fragrances and has concentrations of active ingredients.

Suitable Eye cream type: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides, vitamin c, and niacinamide

Recommended product: Kiehl’s creamy eye treatment with Avocado

Buy from here: USA | India

 

Lips also become parched or dry due to climatic conditions and other factors. So, a good lip balm will protect your lips and aid in keeping them soft, supple and nourished.

Check the list of lip balms for dry, parched and dark lips here.

 

Disclaimer: All the products we’ve recommended and all the content we produce is for information purpose only. This is nowhere a substitute for any doctor’s recommendations. Please check your dermatologists if you’re skeptical about using any skincare products.

 

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Skincare routine tips to get healthy and beautiful skin for all skin types

 

• Remove Makeup

Don’t sleep with makeup though you’re lazy or tired to remove. Because makeup can clog your pores and doesn’t allow your skin to breathe. Also, the chemical ingredients in the makeup products might cause harm to your skin. Therefore, your skin feels more aggravated or inflamed with zits and large pores.

 

• Sunscreen is a must

No matter what climatic conditions you head out, you must apply sunscreen. There must be no exceptions for a sunscreen. Most of the experts claim sunscreen to be an essential and vital step in the skincare routine. That means, if you’re not applying sunscreen there’s no point in following the best skincare routine. Daily usage of sunscreen will also improve imperfections such as wrinkles, fine lines, and aging.

 

• Acne-prone ingredients

Acne-prone skin types need more intense and tougher ingredients which aid in removing oils, acne, and dirt from pores. Such effective ingredients include Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic or lactic acids), Retinoid, Sulphur and Witch Hazel.

 

• Avoid touching your face

While touching your face with hands, it can transfer bacteria or dirt from your hands to your skin. It can clog your pores by filling it with bacteria. This leads to obvious pimples. So, wash your hands before touching your face. Furthermore, never and ever pop, squeeze or pick the pimples on your face. Doing so, it can aggravate pimples.

 

• Rinse your face twice and not more

You must wash your face twice a day to keep it clean and well-nourished. But overdoing the job can lead to excessive dryness of the skin. Though you’ve oily skin, do not wash more than three times a day.

 

• Be cautious about cleansers

Most of the cleansers contain alcohol or harsh chemicals that might strip away natural oils from your skin. Such products will dry out and irritate your skin. Instead, get hands-on micellar water or oil-based cleansers.

 

• Avoid alcohol and astringents 

Basically for sensitive and dry skin types, not all the ingredients will suit them. In such cases, irritation and flakiness are the most common issues of dry and sensitive skin types. Therefore, to soothe the irritation or calm inflammation choose moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and vitamin C. Always check the ingredients list before buying any skincare products. Avoid using the ingredients like Peppermint, witch hazel, fragrances, or few acids if you’ve irritation.

 

• Look for antioxidants if you’ve aging problems

Antioxidants can greatly prevent signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Use ingredients like vitamin c, retinol, or grape seed extract to prevent aging. If you’ve dull skin or hyperpigmentation use ingredients such as vitamin C and E.

 

 

Up to the very end!

This is a well-researched article depicting guideline principles of skincare routine for all skin types. In order to maintain healthy and glowing skin, it’s mandatory to follow the best skincare routine in your daily life. I hope these above-mentioned products will treat your skin issues and bring back to a normal skin type.

Do you have any questions related to your skin type or queries about the above-mentioned products? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

 

Also Read:

• DIY Apple cider Vinegar toner for a beautiful skin
• 20+ Coffee face masks for acne, glowing skin and other problems
• Best Beauty treatments you should try out
• 19 Most effective Essential oils for Acne
• Egyptian Queen Cleopatra’s beauty secrets