The Perfect Skincare Routine for YOUR Skin Type
You probably have a skincare routine that you usually follow, and you might have even seen articles about the perfect skincare routine. (We’ve even written one!) But are you really paying attention to what your skin needs? Are you choosing the right products and the right skincare routine for YOUR skin type? If you aren’t sure why you use the products you use or what you should be doing for your individual skin, listen up!
We are different, and we’re also the same
There are two things I want you to remember. One: All skin needs a lot of the same basic elements in a skin care routine: Cleansing, ph balancing (aka toning), moisturizing, and exfoliating. Two: While most skin care routines include a lot of the same elements, the differences are in how much of these things each skin type needs and which products you choose. We all have different skin types, and a routine that’s tailored to you unique skin will be the most effective in the long run! No one’s skin is quite like yours, but there are a few basic skin care types that most people fall into: dry, oily, and combination. You could also add mature skin and sensitive skin as subtypes. For example, dry skin clearly needs more moisturizing than, say, oily skin. Here are examples of effective skin care routines for each skin type and some of our favorite products/services to go with them!
Dry, Sensitive Skin
This is your skin type if… Your skin feels “tight” after washing. You often notice scaly, flaky patches, especially in the winter.
What to focus on: Moisturizing to soften skin and prevent premature aging
What to avoid: Exfoliating more than once a week, drying masks and other products, harsh cleansers
Your perfect skin care routine:
Morning: Gently cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply sunscreen
Night: Cleanse, tone, (optional) targeted serum, moisturize, (optional) balm
A few times a week: Do a steam facial and/or a moisturizing mask
ONCE per week: Exfoliate with a soft cloth or gentle enzyme exfoliant
Our favorite products for dry/sensitive skin:
- Flower Child Cleanser
- Brightening Beads Facial Scrub
- Surfer Girl Serum
- Cucumber Quartz Mask (once a week)
- Hella Hydration (This is our #1 sensitive skin moisture cream!)
Oily Skin
This is your skin type if… You struggle with breakouts, you have large pores, and your skin is often oily and shiny.
What to focus on: Toning and cleansing to avoid breakouts and balance oil production.
What to avoid: Heavy moisturizers, oil-based products, and anything that dries out your skin.
Your skin care routine:
Morning: Cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply sunscreen
Night: Cleanse, tone, (optional) targeted serum, moisturize
A few times a week: Exfoliate and use a balancing mask to regulate oil production..
Our favorite products for oily skin:
- Lady Grey Cleansing Elixir
- Valencia My Love Toner
- Blemish Beatdown Serum (only directly on breakouts)
- Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask to even tone and gently, but deeply exfoliate
- Hella Hydration (while it feels thick, it sets in light and our oily and acneic clients love it!)
Normal or Combination Skin
This is your skin type if… Your cheeks are on the dry side but your T zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tend to be more oily.
What to focus on: A balanced, well-rounded routine to meet your skin’s varying needs.
What to avoid: Harsh products, over-exfoliation, drying products.
Your skin care routine:
Morning: Cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply sunscreen
Night: Cleanse, tone, (optional) targeted serum, moisturize
A few times a week: Exfoliate. Maybe do a steam facial and a balancing mask to keep your skin soft.
Our favorite products for normal/combo skin:
Mature Skin
This is your skin (sub)type if… You notice fine lines or wrinkles or if you’re over 35.
What to focus on: Anti-aging and moisturizing to slow the aging process and treat wrinkles and age spots
What to avoid: Sun damage, dehydration, drying products
Your skin care routine:
Morning: Cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply sunscreen
Night: Cleanse, tone, (optional) targeted serum, moisturize, eye cream (actually, everyone over 30 should be using this!)
A few times a week: Gently exfoliate and apply an anti-aging serum.
Our favorite products for mature skin:
ALL Skin Types
What should everyone make a priority, no matter what their skin type is? Sun protection! Nothing will damage your skin more than prolonged sun exposure, so make sure to incorporate a light, non-greasy mineral sunscreen into your morning routine.The basic skincare routine is the same for most skin types, the difference is in the extras and in careful product selection! Come visit us at The Portland Girl to get tailored care and recommendations for your skin!
