Skincare Routine For Different Skin Types – Tips From Dermatologists

Establishing the ideal skincare routine is no simple feat, which is why we enlisted dermatologists’ help in sharing their tips and tricks for successful routine development.

Start off right – wear sunscreen! Next, they recommend the Core Four products tailored specifically for your skin type: cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizer and SPF.

Oily Skin

If your complexion is frequently shining or you experience enlarged pores, chances are it’s likely you have oily skin. Sebum production is essential in keeping skin soft and supple; however, too much production of this natural substance may lead to an excessively greasy appearance and could even trigger acne breakouts.

But there is hope: there’s an effective solution to the greasy problem: instead of opting for harsh oil-stripping products, look for ingredients known to regulate oil production and refine pores such as niacinamide or glycolic acid. A lightweight oil-free moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid will also be an indispensable addition to your routine.

An antibacterial product with pyrethrins or chlorhexidine to combat bacteria should also be a staple, while those with oily skin should consider prescribing or over-the-counter retinol as part of their daily skincare regime. When starting with either form of treatment, start small – starting off by using just pea-size amounts at night until your tolerance builds up.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, its appearance can often appear flaky and rough. To combat these symptoms, develop a routine consisting of cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen.

Genes are usually at the root of dry skin problems, though factors like living in cold climates, over washing, environmental irritants and medications can all have an impactful influence. When it comes to skincare, look for gentle products without harsh ingredients; cream or gel-based cleansers with rich lather are best.

Before applying moisturizer, after cleansing your face with soap and water, use a serum with hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E to target specific areas that need extra TLC, such as your cheeks. A facial serum also allows you to address specific concerns on your face such as dark circles.

Zubritsky suggests choosing a sunscreen with ceramides or fatty acids to soften and strengthen barrier function, or mineral sun protection products containing oil-free minerals for an oil-free option.

Normal Skin

An effective skin care routine for normal skin should aim to maintain balance in its complexion. A gentle cleanser, targeted serum or treatment, and quenching moisturizer should form the core of a morning and nighttime regimen; face masks or high-tech beauty gadgets may be added for added pampering if desired.

Normal skin may experience occasional breakouts or dryness, but typically has small pores and a uniform texture. If the skin seems irritated or you notice changes to its complexion, consult a dermatologist immediately.

Koukoufikis advises using a gentle cleanser and avoiding face scrubs with coarse materials as these may be too aggressive on the complexion. Exfoliation should take place no more frequently than two or three times each week and overmoisturization must be avoided to preserve a balanced oil and water ratio in your complexion. Those with normal skin should also regularly apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Sensitive Skin

Certain individuals are born with sensitive skin, while anyone can experience some degree of sensitization at some point due to environmental triggers like food, beverages, stress or pollution – or from skincare product ingredients that contain irritating components – leading to what dermatologists refer to as irritant contact dermatitis affecting up to 70% of adult population.

As those with sensitive skin know, maintaining the integrity of their outermost layer, known as the barrier layer is of vital importance in keeping inner layers hydrated and healthy. When this barrier weakens, irritants may penetrate its protective shield and trigger unwanted reactions like redness, itchiness or breakouts.

Use gentle, noncomedogenic cleanser and moisturizer products without added fragrances or dyes for maximum results. Consider physical exfoliants like Tatcha’s Calming Rice Powder to provide physical exfoliation; its finely ground rice bran helps soothe irritation. Combine that with targeted serums containing Vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serum to further help decrease discoloration and boost moisture levels.