Over a 15 month period of lockdown-induced boredom, desperate individuals have cycled through countless new hobbies to keep busy, thus starting a global surge of interest in skincare. While perfecting one鈥檚 complexion may be among the endless trends, it is clear skincare is not just another fad 鈥� it is here to stay.
Through the advice of YouTubers such as , and , millions have learned about both effective and inexpensive skincare routines.
With the recent social media attention comes an overwhelming number of contradictory opinions on different kinds of skincare, enough to confuse any person in search of a beneficial skincare routine. In truth, everyone鈥檚 skin is unique and will react differently to different products.
To build an effective skincare routine, one must first identify their skin type: normal, dry, oily or a combination. Normal skin is often referred to as well-balanced due to its retention of moisture without building up grease.
Dry skin produces minimal sebum, an oily substance that your glands produce, which results in a weak defense against external factors like the weather, often leaving the skin rough or dull. On the other hand, oily skin tends to overproduce sebum, causing a glossy appearance and more noticeable pores.
Lastly, 鈥渃ombination鈥� skin encompasses multiple of the previous skin types. The most common form of combination skin is having dry cheeks paired with an oily nose, chin and forehead often referred to as the T-zone. Click for more detailed information on each of the four skin types.
Cleanser
A facial is arguably one of the most essential steps to any skincare routine, and the right formula should purify the skin without stripping the face of its natural oils. Below are three possible cleansers depending on your skin type.
If your skin is dehydrated or on the drier side, The Ordinary鈥檚 may be the healthy hydrating choice for you. Priced at 拢13.90, the cleanser contains fatty acids such as Squalene and lipophilic esters that remove the day鈥檚 grime and gently moisturize the skin.
On the other hand, the CeraVe , with a price of 拢15, caters to oily skin as it removes excess oil, refreshing the skin without leaving it dehydrated.
At 拢15, Glossier鈥檚 is most beneficial for normal or combination skin because it has five conditioners that leave skin soft and clear. These ingredients act to improve the skin鈥檚 barrier and reduce dehydration. All of Glossier鈥檚 products are also animal cruelty-free with vegan options.
Exfoliator
An assists in the turnover of dead skin cells on the face and should be used no more than a couple of times per week. Be forewarned as some exfoliators can be abrasive, so it is crucial to find one that will not damage the skin.
Made specifically for oily and combination skin, the from Paula鈥檚 Choice uses fast-absorbing liquid to refresh the skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. The product costs 拢28.
Also from Paula鈥檚 Choice, the at 拢28 is recommended for normal and dry skin given its hydrating lotion properties.
If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, then the Nuxe , priced at 拢20, may be the product for you. The product is a physical exfoliator that gently turns into an oil as you massage it into the skin, leaving the face renewed and hydrated.
Toner
A balances pH levels, which leaves the skin feeling calm after the use of a cleanser. Toners also prepare the skin for absorbing heavier products. Depending on your skin time, you may need a specific set of ingredients to combat your skincare concerns.
碍颈别丑濒鈥檚 , priced at 拢29.50, is an alcohol-free, astringent toner designed for dry and sensitive skin that may react to highly acidic products. This toner will soothe inflammation.
Using antioxidant tea extract, salicin-rich bark and jasmine water, Herbivore鈥檚 , priced at 拢35, is suggested to oily and combination skin types.
颁补耻诲补濒颈别鈥檚 , priced at 拢18, is infused with acids and essential oils that tighten pores and prevent skin imperfections, targeting combination skin. This toner will soothe the surface of the skin, prepping it for the next product in your skincare routine.
Serum
A is used to target a specific area of the face or particular skin concern such as aiding blemishes, irritation or dullness of the skin. These various products will help to minimize such skincare issues.
Dr. Jart+ , with a price of 拢34, is intended for normal to dry skin as it contains a five-ceramides complex designed to improve moisture retention and increase the skin鈥檚 protective barrier.
In contrast, The Ordinary , priced at 拢8.90, uses a vitamin and mineral blemish formula to reduce skin congestion and imperfections, making it ideal for oily or combination skin types.
Using a slow-release formula, The Inkey List , priced at 拢9.99, utilizes the ingredient retinol to make skin appear brighter and more youthful. As retinol can be drying, the product is advised for those with more oily skin.
Moisturizer
A is another must-have product for healthy skin as it not only hydrates the face but also prevents epidermal water loss through the outermost layers of the skin. Below are an array of soothing moisterizers suited for every skin type.
痴别谤蝉别诲鈥檚 , priced at 拢11.99, is recommended for all skin types due to its lightweight formula and jelly-like texture. These components allow the product to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue, making it particularly beneficial to those with more oily skin. Versed is also an ethical brand that focuses on eco-friendly formulated products and packaging.
With its unique buttery texture, Glossier鈥檚 , priced at 拢29, contains ceramides and fatty acids that increase skin鈥檚 moisture barrier and melt into the skin should a lightweight cream not provide enough long-term hydration for drier skin types.
顿别谤尘补濒辞驳颈肠补鈥檚 , priced at 拢55, is effective for all skin types using a combination of Prebiotic Moisture Complex and various plant extracts that improve surface texture and skin hydration.
Using the right products for these five steps is crucial for maintaining clear and healthy skin. Knowing one鈥檚 skin type and buying the right cleanser, exfoliator, toner, serum and moisturizer will result in a more personalized skincare routine that benefits the individual鈥檚 skin.
