How to Create the Perfect Skincare Routine Based on Your Skin Type

You might not have known this, but different skin types react differently to various ingredients. Commercial products that are made for everyone might not be the best choice for your skin. As a result, knowing your specific skin type is critical for the health of your skin.

How Do You Know What Skin Type You Have?

The Blotting Sheet Technique

Gently pat your face with a sheet of blotting paper. Hold it up to a strong light. You most likely have dry skin if you observe little to no oil. If the sheet has some oil from the T-zone, you have combination or normal skin. You probably have oily skin if it collects up oil from all over your face.

The Bare-Faced Approach

Cleanse your skin gently with a light cleanser and pat dry. Allow it to be bare (no makeup) for 30 minutes before checking your cheeks, nose, and forehead for shine. After another 30 minutes, see whether your skin appears parched with any facial movement or smile. If your skin feels tight, you probably have dry skin, however if your nose and forehead are shiny, you probably have combination skin. You have oily skin if your cheeks, nose, and forehead are shiny.

Sunscreen is essential for all skin types.

How To Identify And Care For Each Skin Type

Normal Skin Type

What exactly is normal skin?

Eudermic skin is another term for normal skin. This indicates that it is well-balanced. It’s not too oily or too dry. Normal skin is characterized by balanced pH levels and sebum production.

How can you tell whether someone has normal skin?

Texture that is smooth
Pores that are small
There is no sensitivity.
There are no flaws.
There are few or no breakouts.
A glowing complexion

How should normal skin be cared for?

You don’t have to go extreme with your skincare routine if you have regular skin. You should, however, make it a point to keep healthy, hydrated, and adhere to a basic skincare program.

If you have normal skin, follow these actions to keep it that way:

Keep hydrated.

If you do not stay hydrated throughout the day, your skin may become dry and flaky. It might also result in excessive sebum production.

Use sunscreen.

Sunscreen is essential for maintaining general skin health. Direct sun exposure can cause your skin to dry out, wrinkle, and develop dark patches. To avoid clogging skin pores, use an oil-free sunscreen.

Moisturize

Moisturizers are essential for all skin types. They keep the skin hydrated and prevent excessive sebum production.

Take off your makeup before going to bed.

Makeup has the potential to clog pores and cause outbreaks. You want to avoid this by taking it off at the end of the day.

Before going to bed, wash your face.

Even if you don’t wear makeup, cleanse your face before going to bed. Outside dirt and bacteria can obstruct pores.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin is caused mostly by excessive sebum production. This skin type has excessive oil secretion, is glossy, sweaty, and more prone to acne, blackheads, and other skin problems.

How can you tell if you have oily skin?

slick appearance
Pores that are open/large
prone to acne
Blackheads, blemishes, and so on.

What factors contribute to oily skin?

Changes in hormones

Oily skin can be caused by hormonal imbalances during adolescence or pregnancy.

Climate

Oily skin can be exacerbated by where you live and the time of year. If you live in a humid or hot climate, you are more likely to have oily skin.

Genetics

Take a look around you. Do any members of your immediate family have oily skin? If you answered yes, you most certainly have it as well!

Pores that are large

Sebum production is higher in larger pores.

Excessive exfoliation/use of harsh soaps

What you assume is causing bright skin may actually be the cause of declining skin health. Exfoliating too frequently or too vigorously can increase sebum production. The use of harsh chemicals that are not appropriate for your skin type might also contribute to oily skin.

Suggestions for oily skin:

Regularly moisturize

Moisturizing on a regular basis will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from creating too much sebum. It is critical to select the proper moisturizer. For oily skin, a lotion-based, lightweight moisturizer is recommended.

Keep hydrated.

Keep your skin moist by drinking plenty of water. This will keep your skin from creating too much oil.

You should wash your face twice a day.

Wash your face twice a day to get rid of dirt and bacteria that could block your pores. Avoid over-washing. Over washing can strip your skin of essential oils. This can cause sensitive skin and make it more oily.

Makeup Routine

Use chemical-laden, heavy skincare products and components as little as possible. Instead, opt for non-comedogenic cosmetics that won’t clog your pores. Use moderate cleaners and avoid scrubbing. Before going to bed, make sure you remove all of your makeup.

Avoid continually touching your face.

Breakouts and pimples are common occurrences for people with oily skin. To prevent further spread, you must avoid popping or plucking any pimples.

On skin care and cosmetics, look for the term “noncomedogenic.” This means that it will not block pores.

Dry Skin Type

Inadequate of moisture in the skin can cause it to seem flaky and harsh. This is referred to as dry skin. Dry skin produces less oil and seems lifeless. This skin type is prone to dryness and is subject to weather fluctuations.

How can you tell if you have dry skin?

Skin that is flaky and rough
Texture variation
Itching
Skin feels constrictive.
Lines that are more visible
Skin elasticity reduces

What factors contribute to dry skin?

Genetics

You are more likely to have dry skin if the majority of your family relatives do.

Season

Due to a lack of humidity, dry skin is more common in dry locations particularly throughout the winter season.

Prolonged showers

Showering for long periods of time might deplete your skin’s natural oils. Dry skin is a result of this.

Sebum production in the skin decreases with age. This can lead to flaky skin.

Important Reminder:

Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, and other skin care products might cause your skin to become dry. Always use soft, light soaps and cleansers, and avoid deodorant soaps.

Advice for Dry Skin

Moisturize your skin after washing on a frequent basis to maintain it supple and nourished.
Spend as little time as possible in the shower. Shower for a shorter period of time, no more than twice a day.
While drying yourself, softly pat your skin. While showering or drying, avoid scrubbing.
Keep your skin moisturized by drinking plenty of water.
To keep your skin’s natural moisture, use a humidifier.
Use sunscreen to keep your skin from drying out.
When using home detergents, cleaning products, and the like, use gloves.

UV radiation can dry your skin and accelerate the aging process. Wear sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house, regardless of your skin type.

Combination Skin Type

Combination skin is a cross between dry and oily skin types. This skin type requires adequate sun protection because it is oilier than other types of skin and more susceptible to UV damage.

How can you tell if you have mixed skin?

T-zone oiliness and dry cheeks
Breakouts only on the brow, chin, and nose
Cheeks that are sensitive
Large holes that are open
Skin that shines

What factors contribute to mixed skin?

Genetics

You may have mixture skin if any of your parents or other family members have it.

Products

Harsh cosmetics can sometimes alter skin type and contribute to increased sebum production in the T-zone.

Climate

Depending on the climate, you may notice a change in your skin type. Summer, for example, may cause your skin to become greasy. During the winter, your skin may feel dry.

Suggestions for Combination Skin

Cleansers should be used.

If you have mixed skin, your T-zone pores are bigger than the rest of your face. Harsh chemicals have the potential to clog your pores. It is advised to use a gentle cleaner.

Gently exfoliate once in a while.

Exfoliating on a daily basis is not suggested for any skin type. It has the ability to remove necessary oils from your skin. Don’t scrub your T-zone too hard when exfoliating [2]. Scrubbing too hard can cause skin injury.

Use sunscreen.

Sunscreen is an essential skin care product. If you have combination skin, look for an oil-free sunscreen.

Maintain two distinct skincare procedures.

Products designed for dry skin may be too abrasive for oily skin. Maintain a distinct skincare routine for your T-zone. Use different products for your T-zone and a different set the rest of your face. Use two types of moisturizers, for example, one rich for your cheeks and one oil-free, lightweight for your T-zone.

Purchase oil-free/fragrance-free items.

Buy oil-free products, whether it’s sunscreen or makeup, to avoid clogged pores. Additionally, use fragrance-free, natural skin care products that soothe your skin.

Sensitive Skin Type

Sensitive skin is defined as skin that is readily irritated and more reactive than normal skin. This type of skin is delicate, prone to heat, redness, itching, and other symptoms, and it loses its barrier, enabling bacteria and irritants to enter and causing infections and allergic reactions.

How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?

The skin is itching and tight.
Your body has uneven texture in some places.
In the summer, it becomes greasy.
Winters are dry.
Responds to skincare
After a hot water bath, it turns crimson.
Itchy when wearing tight clothing
Flushes readily after consuming hot foods

Are allergies and skin sensitivity the same thing?

Allergies are more acute and might cause difficulties breathing as well as nausea. If you are allergic to dust, this does not always imply that your skin is sensitive.

You may be allergic to a certain ingredient in cosmetics, but your skin may not be sensitive. It might be able to adapt to other items that lack that component. However, if you have sensitive skin, harsh chemicals and skin creams would most certainly irritate it.

Suggestions for Sensitive Skin

Perform a patch test.

This is required if you do not want your skin to react. Use a product only after testing it on your hand. After the patch test, wait 24 hours. Apply it on your face if your skin does not react to it.

Don’t overdo it with your skincare routine.

Purchase a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid using too many products on your face. Begin with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that does not lather on your skin. Choose products made with relaxing elements such as green tea extracts, chamomile, and so on.

Don’t take the “hypoallergenic” label at face value.

Products labeled “hypoallergenic” may not be suitable for you. Before using these goods, perform a patch test.

Avoid taking hot showers.

Long, hot showers can make you feel good, but they can also leave your sensitive skin red and irritated by removing essential oils. To avoid irritation, avoid taking hot showers.

If you have sensitive skin, attempt to identify your triggers so you can avoid them. There are numerous probable causes, however it is frequently in response to specific skin care products.

The tell-tale signs that a skincare product is working for you.

The best indication that a skincare product is effective is that it feels good on your skin… in some situations, so good that you don’t even notice it’s there! You might wake up in the morning and realize that your skin is softer or smoother than usual, or you might look in the mirror and note that your complexion is brighter and more radiant – but these differences can take some time to notice. After all, if you gaze in the mirror several times a day, the minute changes may be missed on you!

There are two simple techniques to assess the effectiveness of a new skincare treatment. First, take a “before” snapshot of your skin on the first day of use. Take another on day seven, then two weeks later, then a month after. The small changes in your skin should be revealed by these visual progress reports.

The alternative approach needs some mindfulness and self-awareness, but no one knows you like you do! Make a note of a specific issue region and keep an eye on it during your treatment. Do you have a lumpy spot on your brow or a severe dry patch near your nose? Consider it your “test” zone for observing changes or enhancements following the introduction of a product.

How to plan your day and nighttime routines based on your skin type.

Before deciding what to include in your skincare routine, you should understand your skin type and any key concerns you want to address. It’s also important to note that everyone’s regimen is unique—what works for your friends, family, or online randos may not work for you. Knowing your skin type will help you choose products that will manage dryness and oiliness while also efficiently addressing any other skin conditions you may have.

Your Morning Skincare Routine

1.Cleanse

All successful skincare routines begin with a clean, fresh face. To ensure that the active components in your skincare products do their job properly, you must eliminate any impurities from your skin’s surface and pores. If you didn’t sleep with your makeup on, you should be fine with your regular facial cleanser in the morning.

However, if you are wearing makeup at night, you should use a makeup remover or an oil cleanser before your regular facial cleanser. When you use an oil cleanser before your regular cleanser, this is referred to as double-cleansing, and it is a procedure that many skincare experts advocate. This two-step technique assures clean skin without removing it of its natural oils or causing harsh harm.

2. Exfoliate

The next step is to exfoliate, but keep in mind that you should only do this one to three times a week, depending on your skin type and the product label instructions. Exfoliation is the process of eliminating dead skin cells that have accumulated on the skin. Exfoliating once a week should adequate for novices or those with sensitive skin, given the rate at which we shed face skin cells. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should try exfoliating two or three times each week.

3. Tone

After cleansing, use a facial toner before applying any serum, moisturizer, or oil. Toner is used to remove any dirt that your cleanser or exfoliant may have missed while also preparing your skin to accept serums, moisturizers, oils, and other skincare products.

If you’re new to using toner, you can choose from a selection of products that are suited to specific skincare needs. If you have dry skin, choose a toner with hydrating properties, such as rosewater or Vitamin E; if you have sensitive skin, choose a toner with soothing properties, such as chamomile or aloe vera.

4. Serums

Serums are concentrated dosages of nutrients or specialized active substances that are typically used to address issues such as skin brightness, hydration, vibrancy, and anti-aging. Because serums contain concentrated quantities of active chemicals, it is best to apply this thin, liquid-based product before applying heavy products like moisturizers, which may prevent the serum from being absorbed by your skin.

Serums, such as Vitamin C, complement LED light therapy and improve the efficacy of both treatments for your skin.

5. Eye cream

Because products with a thinner consistency should be applied before goods with a thicker, heavier texture, eye creams should be used before moisturizers. Because the eyelids are the most fragile area of the face, a little extra TLC goes a long way, many skincare regimes include eye cream.

An eye cream that helps lessen the look of under-eye bags or dark circles can be beneficial in the morning. In the evenings, choose an eye cream that is hydrating or contains retinol for enhanced wrinkle prevention and control.

6. Moisturizer

Skin hydration is critical for healthy, beautiful skin. If you have naturally oily skin, you may believe that step is unnecessary. Dermatologists still advise patients with oily skin to moisturize on a daily basis. If you have acne, most dermatologists recommend using an oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.

7. Sunscreen + a face oil (if needed).

Sunscreen should be your last step in the morning. Even if you do not intend to spend long periods of time outside, your skin should be protected from damaging UV radiation. Taking this extra step helps to keep the youthfulness, firmness, and overall texture of your skin in the long run.

If you have a face oil product, use it in the nights as the last thing you apply. Facial oils are frequently used to seal in all of the skincare products that have been used previously. The most important thing to remember is that most skincare products cannot penetrate and break through oil, thus it should always be the last step in your process.

Your Night skincare routine

The only distinction between your daytime and nightly routines that we advocate is applying a mask after cleansing. Evenings are ideal for applying a calming face mask. This, like exfoliation, should not be done on a daily basis. Follow the instructions on the packaging of your facial mask for the greatest results. Some masks should only be used once a week, while others can be used several times per week.

Why are melanin-based skincare products preferable for melanin-rich individuals?

Historically, skincare products have been designed to appeal to a white market. Despite the fact that 40% of Americans have darker skin and a higher quantity of melanin. This is expected to exceed 50% by 2045. 80% of all people worldwide identify as having skin of color. That being said, today’s products are not “one size fits all,” and the majority of skincare products are still geared toward white skin types; however, trends and movements such as Black is Beautiful have worked to raise awareness and highlight the beauty of African American skin and all other skin types. Huge amounts of research and testing have been conducted over time to develop skincare solutions for all skin types and colors.

Exclusive products for darker skin may not always be necessary, but current research indicates that formulas that double down on enhanced pigment-lifting, inflammation treatment, and skin barrier repair are very advantageous to Black and brown beauty customers.

Darker skin is more prone to stubborn hyperpigmentation and over-active scarring, including keloids, after any sort of trauma such as a pimple or a scratch, and this only scratches the surface of the unique skincare issues that people of color face. According to various research, those with darker skin tones can have:

Dark circles are more common in certain ethnic groups due to increased concentrations of melanin in the skin around the eyes.
More persistent hyperpigmentation, patches, and uneven tone.
Scarring that is more prominent or elevated.
Ceramide levels are lower (cells that keep the skin’s surface smooth and moisturized).
Skin elements that are tighter and more compact, which may improve resistance to environmental stressors such as pollution.

Sunscreen is needed regardless of skin color to prevent uneven tones from worsening. Even the best components won’t be able to repair damage if you don’t protect your skin from UV rays on a regular basis. If you are going to be exposed to the sun on a daily basis, an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.

Acne scars are another fairly prevalent skin condition for persons with darker complexion. The treatment for this, like discoloration, spans from exfoliation to chemical peels. Because the marks are more pronounced, a combination of products may be the best option once again. Natural skin brightening substances are a fantastic place to start, and it is critical to use them individually initially. When testing a new product or chemical on your skin, it is critical to perform a patch test to ensure that there is no unfavorable reaction.

In addition, if you are unsure where to begin, below is a list of personal care and skincare companies to consider.

Ayele and Company
Skincare by Epilogic
Under Your Mask

Conclusion

There are numerous innovative skincare products and businesses that have been developed by people of color for people of color in order to solve difficulties that “conventional” goods did not address. Understanding your skin type and sticking to a consistent skincare routine is a good way to begin your skincare journey.

Do yourself a favor and conduct study to select items that complement your skin tone, morals, and personality.

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