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In case you missed my first post in the skin care for your skin type series, I know how hard it can be to find recommendations for my skin type. I want to make sure you don’t have the same problem so I am putting together guides for a variety of skin types. If you don’t have dry skin you can check out my recommendations for normal skin or oily skin.
Cleanser
If you have normal skin, you want to make sure you have a face wash that will help control the oil but does not strip the skin.
In the morning, use your cleanser to remove any dirt, oils, or overnight treatments.
If you wear makeup regularly, you may want to consider doing a double cleanse. If you do a double cleanse, you want to start with the oil-based cleanser to remove any makeup you are wearing. After the first cleanser, you will follow with a second cleanser to really get the face clean. If you are not into the double cleanse, just make sure your cleanser is removing all of your makeup.
Top Picks: gentle cleanser // cleansing balm // cleansing oil
Toner
I’m going to let you in on a secret. You don’t HAVE to use a toner. But if you want to use one, you can tackle a different number of skin issues, like textured skin, with the simple swipe of a cotton round.
For skin that is extra parched, grab a hydrating toner. To help with fine lines, dull skin, and texture grab an exfoliating toner with AHAs or PHAs.
Top Picks: hydrating toner // exfoliating toner // spray toner
Serum
You really want to pick a serum that targets specific issues for your skin, since the serum is a workhorse. If your skin is not sensitive, you can use some powerful ingredients without destroying your skin.
You could use a Vitamin C product to help fade dark spots and discolorations. To help with fine lines and wrinkles, use a retinoid serum at night. Don’t want to us retinol? Try a serum with AHAs.
Top Picks: vitamin c serum // hydrating serum // exfoliating serum // retinol serum
Recommended reading: The Best Facial Serums
Eye Cream
Pick an eye cream based on your specific concerns. Do you want to hydrate the eye area and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Or do you want to work on dark circles?
Top picks: super hydrating // good for dark circles // depuffing cream
Moisturizer
With dry skin, make sure you pick a moisturizer that is rich enough for your skin. Your skin should feel comfortable after applying moisturizer, not rough and tight.
Ideally, you will have at least two different moisturizers. One lighter formula for the day and a rich moisturizer to use at night.
Top picks: barrier repairing // lightweight option // soothing night cream
SPF
If you are serious about your skin, you need to be wearing SPF every day. It may take trying a few different options before you find the best SPF for you.
Make sure to pick a formula with at least 30 SPF. When applying make sure you use a liberal amount to ensure you are getting adequate protection from the sun.
Top Picks: glowy sunscreen // unseen sunscreen
Recommended reading: My Favorite Sunscreens
Face Oils
If you find that your skin is still parched, consider adding facial oil to your routine. Facial oils can be mixed in with a moisturizer or be used on their own.
Top picks: affordable rose hip oil // squalane oil // oil-blend
Face Masks
Masks are an optional item for your skincare routine. While not necessary, there will be times when your skin feels like it needs something more. A mask is perfect for addressing nagging skin issues like dryness or congestion.
Since masks are used at most one to two times a week, you don’t need to keep too many on hand. You don’t want your expensive face mask to expire or dry out before you can use it all.
Top Picks: perfecting mask // gentle exfoliating mask // detox mask
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