Overview

You may wonder why shopping for cosmetic products is sometimes difficult because not every item responds well to your skin. This usually has very little to do with the product itself and more to do with the types of skin. If you buy a product not suited to your skin, it may cause a reaction. For this reason, it’s important to get to know your skin by finding out your type.

Your skin care routine should be specifically tailored to your type. If this is something you were not aware of, you’ll be amazed by what a difference this can make in your skin. Let’s consider the five different skin types, and you can see if you can figure out where you belong.

Comparison of the Skin Types

Some of the differences in the types of skin have to do with the activity of the sebum in the sebaceous glands of the body. Sebum is a substance with an oily texture that covers, protects, and hydrates your skin. The differences in production can lead to very different skin environments [1, 2].

  • Normal: Someone with a normal skin type has good blood flow and doesn’t suffer from dry or oily skin. The amount of sebum being produced in the body is quite balanced. It’s possible to have some oil in the t-zone, which is the forehead, chin, and nose. Otherwise, the skin is in very healthy condition. Naturally, this is the ideal type and skincare is easy.
    • Oily Skin: Oily skin results from the overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous glands. It leads to a wet, greasy appearance. The constant oil can lead to skin problems like acne or blackheads that are difficult to eliminate. There’s often a genetic component to having this kind of skin, according to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
    • Dry Skin: People with dry skin lack moisture, and it leads to flaky skin which looks unhealthy. This can occur for a few reasons, such as not moisturizing adequately, not drinking enough water, or spending too much time in direct sunlight. The Mayo Clinic states that the risk of getting dry skin increases considerably in your 40s. About half of all people above 50 have dry skin.
    • Combination Skin: If you have combination skin, it means you have a mix of oily and dry. Generally, the oily portion is in the t-zone, with the cheeks having the dryness. This requires a very carefully planned out skin care routine so that you take care of both issues without exacerbating one of them.
    • Sensitive Skin Type: The sensitive skin type reacts very easily to different products, ingredients, jewelry, etc. People with this skin type require a skin care routine that is full of hypo-allergenic, very gentle items. There are many products they can’t use because substances included will cause them to react.
    skin types

    The Ideal Skin Care Routine for Each Type

    When you build your skincare regimen, it’s important to consider your skin type and tailor your routine towards its needs. These are the suggested practices. The steps are similar, but the details change with each skin type.

    1. Skin Regimen for Oily Skin

    If you have oily skin, follow this skin routine twice a day. Also, drink plenty of water as it will slow the production of sebum.

    • Cleanse: You must cleanse oily skin twice a day to get rid of the excess grease. Wash gently and don’t overdo it. It can remove necessary oils from your skin. You can use a stronger cleanser at night when you want to remove the dirt from the day.
    • Use Toner: A good toner will shrink your pores and remove the dirt. It is essential for people with oily skin as it’s effective at taking out the excess oil from your skin. Toners also provide hydration to the skin, moisturizing deeply.
    • Moisturize: Keeping the skin hydrated is very important if you have oily skin. The extra hydration can help wash the oil off your skin. Choose a day product that includes protection from the sun. You may want to choose a special night cream which provides your skin with added moisture. 

    2. Skin Regimen for Dry Skin

    Along with this skin routine, people with dry skin should take warm showers of no more than 10 minutes, drink a lot of water, use a humidifier, and don’t forget to use sunblock.

    • Cleanse: Although you have dry skin, you should still wash your face twice a day. Pick a very gentle cleanser that won’t dry out your skin further. Removing the oils and impurities from your skin is an essential part of any skin routine.
    • Use Toner: Following up cleansing with toner is a good idea for dry skin. Not only does it remove oils and dirt from your pores, but it also provides your skin with a lot of moisture. This is crucial for dry skin.
    • Moisturize: For someone with dry skin, this is an especially important step. Buy a deeply hydrating product, one that absorbs easily into your skin and use it twice a day. Make sure your day cream includes sunblock.
    • Use Rich Serum: In the evening, you can add a special serum to your regimen. Look for one that provides a lot of moisture, such as hyaluronic acid. Some serums have multiple ingredients that enrich and protect the skin. Choose a product high in antioxidants, which can repair skin damage.
    skin regimen for different skin types

    3. Skin Regimen for Sensitive Skin

    People with sensitive skin have skin reactions more often than other people and are prone to rash and redness. Sometimes they are intolerant or allergic to an ingredient. If you have allergies, it’s imperative to go to the doctor and find out what they are so you can avoid those substances. Here is a good skin regimen for people with sensitive skin.

    • Cleanse: If you have sensitive skin, you need to purchase a cleanser that is free of fragrances and free of soap if possible. These substances can irritate your skin and cause a reaction. You need a cleanser gentle enough for you to use twice a day.
    • Use Toner: You can still use toner, but the product must be free of alcohol. Choose a very hydrating item with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. You still want to get the benefits in terms of cleaning out the pores, without causing a skin reaction.
    • Moisturize: Like any skin type, sensitive skin needs to be moisturized for its overall health. It leaves the skin smooth and soft, with a lovely glow. The hydration gives the skin volume, which can eliminate lines and wrinkles too. 
    • Use Rich Serum: Use a hypo allergenic serum that is alcohol and fragrance free to enrich and protect your skin. Choose an antioxidant-rich mix which has a lot of moisture so it will give extra hydration to your skin.

    4. Skin Regimen for Combination Skin

    Combination skin is a little complicated because there’s more than one issue to deal with. You’ll use similar products, but tailor them for your skin.

    • Cleanse: It’s important to cleanse your skin well twice a day, especially focusing on the oily portions to eliminate the dirt. Do not over cleanse, as it will strip away the natural oils from your skin.
    • Use Toner: Cleanse your pores using a good toner. Focus on the oily parts of your skin and tone a little lighter on the dry areas. You don’t want to over dry those portions of your skin.
    • Moisturize: Use a moisturizer twice a day to enrich the hydration for your dry skin and help get rid of the oils and dirt. 
    • Use Rich Serum: Combination skin could benefit greatly from an additional serum with potent hydrating benefits. Hydration both treats the dry skin and washes away the oil and dirt on your skin and in your pores.

    5. Skin Regimen for Normal Skin

    Normal skin isn’t overly oily or dry. You must cleanse and take care of it properly, but there are no extra requirements you need to be concerned about. Follow this routine to keep your skin fresh and in good condition.

    • Cleanse: Make sure you cleanse your face and neck twice a day with a high-quality product, morning, and night.
    • Use a Toner: Tone your skin with a good quality product twice a day, to shrink your pores, and eliminate dirt and oils. It will also hydrate your skin.
    • Moisturize: Deeply hydrate your skin twice a day using a rich moisturizer. 

    Skin Care Tips

    skin care routine tips

    As you follow your skin care routine, there are some useful tips you may want to take into account that will improve your complexion [3].

    • Never miss a day of your routine: Sometimes, it’s tempting to fall asleep before you go through your routine or get too busy in the morning to do your skincare. However, it’s vital to treat your skin twice a day. It ensures that you get rid of the dirt and oils in your skin instead of it building up, and properly moisturize.
    • Take off your makeup before bed: One thing you should never do is fall asleep without completely removing your makeup. It can clog your pores and lead to acne or blackheads. Use a good quality makeup remover, then cleanse and moisturize as usual.
    • Throw out expired products: It’s important to go through not only your skincare products but also all your makeup. Most makeup items should be replaced every 6-12 months. After that, it can develop harmful bacteria that can lead to a reaction on your skin.
    • Don’t exfoliate too much: You’re supposed to exfoliate about twice a week and no more. Don’t exfoliate every day or you risk irritating your skin and having a reaction. Be particularly careful if your skin type is sensitive. 
    • Wash your linens frequently: There is a connection between your bed sheets and pillowcases and the condition of your skin. If they develop too much dirt and oils because you don’t wash them enough, this dirt will be transferred onto your skin and can clog pores. Make sure you are washing your sheets at least once a week.
    • Adjust your skin care routine to the weather: Different seasons affect the various types of skin in certain ways, and it often requires a shift in the products or amounts you use. The skin often gets extra dry in the winter, so this could require added moisturizer or more hydrating products overall. In the summer you must be extra careful about using your sunblock, although you should use it all year round.
    use sunscreen

    Most Popular Questions

    Normal skin is the healthiest as it isn’t dry or oily. A very balanced amount of sebum is produced in this situation – neither too much nor too little. It is the kind of skin you strive for with the skin products you use.

    If you want to look more youthful and get rid of some of the signs of aging, add some anti-aging products to your skincare regimen. Purchase a good cream or serum and use it twice a day along with your regular skincare routine.  These products should include ingredients like peptides and antioxidants which repair damage to the skin and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. There are also creams that enrich the skin around the eyes, which can also reduce dark circles, bags, and puffiness.

    Yes, you should use sunscreen every day of the year. Even if it’s not boiling hot outside, the sun can come out even in the winter and it can really damage your skin. Either buy a moisturizer with a good sunscreen included or purchase a separate product and add it on top. A review article in Frontiers in Medicine confirmed that sunscreen is effective in preventing skin cancer.

    You should do your entire skin routine when you get up in the morning and before you go to sleep. You want to put on products that will protect your skin and keep it hydrated for the day. Your night routine helps certain ingredients to penetrate deeply into your skin for real effectiveness.

    Vitamin C is the most effective vitamin for glowing skin and for treating other skin issues. It’s rich in antioxidants that repair damage to the skin barrier and provide anti-aging benefits. It’s also used to treat acne and areas of pigmentation on the skin. A review in Nutrients examined the role of Vitamin C in skin health and its many benefits.

    The Bottom Line

    Having a regular skin care routine is essential, but you must realize that there are different skin types, and you must tailor the products you use. There’s normal skin, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. Each type has its separate requirements and issues, which is why you need to determine where you fit.

    Aside from your skin type, your skin is just as unique as you are. Spend some time researching the different products, their benefits, drawbacks, and the ingredients included. This way you can put together a personal skin care routine that is tailored to your needs alone.