Understanding Your Skin Type
Normal
Normal skin is balanced, exhibiting neither excessive dryness nor oiliness. It typically has a smooth, even texture, minimal pores on nose, and few imperfections. This normal skin care routine is often described as having a healthy, radiant glow.
Oily
Oily skin produces excess sebum, resulting in a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and a tendency towards blackheads and acne breakouts. Often, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is the most oily.
Dry
Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture, leading to a rough, flaky texture, tightness, and reduced elasticity. Skincare routines for dry skin can be sensitive and prone to irritation.
Combination
Combination skincare routine presents a mix of characteristics, with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), drier cheeks, and other areas. This skin type requires a targeted approach to address both concerns.
Sensitive
Skincare products for sensitive skin can react quickly to environmental factors or even stress. They often exhibit redness, itching, or a stinging sensation. Individuals with sensitive skin should choose products carefully and avoid harsh ingredients.
How Do You Determine Your Skin Type?
Blotting Sheet Test
Using a blotting sheet, apply it to different areas of your face.
| Normal Skin | Oily Skin | Dry Skin | Combination Skin |
| Minimal oil on the sheet. | Oil transfers easily onto the sheet. | Little to no oil on the sheet. | Oil mainly in the T-zone. |
Visual & Tactile Inspection
Examine the texture, appearance, and feel of your skin to determine its type.
| Normal Skin | Oily Skin | Dry Skin | Combination Skin |
| Balanced, even texture, no dry patches. | Shiny complexion, enlarged pores. | Flaky, rough texture, tight feeling. | Oily T-zone, normal, or dry cheeks. |
Professional Consultation
Dermatologists or skincare professionals assess skin type based on appearance, history, and sensitivity.
Daily Skincare Routine at Home Naturally For Glowy Skin
Your skincare routine steps include the following:
1. Cleansing
Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities, preventing breakouts and maintaining skin health. Choose the best facial cleanser based on skin type: gentle for dry, oil-controlling for oily, balanced for normal, and soothing for sensitive.
2. Moisturising
Moisturisers for combination skin hydrate skin, prevent dryness and flakiness, improve skin texture, and help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Select oil-free gels are the best skincare routine for oily skin, rich and best night cream for dry skin, lightweight lotions for normal skin, and hypoallergenic lotions for sensitive skin.
3. Sun Protection
SPF shields skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature ageing, sunburn, and skin cancer. Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Opt for lightweight formulas for oily skin and moisturising skincare products for dry skin.
Advanced Skincare Products For Glowy Skin
These are considered to be the best skincare routine products:
Serums
Serums are lightweight, concentrated formulas that deliver specific skincare benefits. They target concerns like hydration, brightening, anti-ageing, and acne. The best serums for glowing skin include hyaluronic acid, vitamins, retinol, and niacinamide.
Exfoliation
The best face exfoliator removes dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. Physical exfoliants use scrubs or brushes, while chemical exfoliants use acids like AHA or BHA. Frequency depends on skin type and product strength, but it is typically 1-3 times a week.
Eye Creams
Eye creams address specific concerns around the delicate eye area, such as dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. They are formulated to be gentle and hydrating, specifically with ingredients like peptides, caffeine, and hyaluroic acid to effectively target those concerns.
Masks
Masks provide intensive treatments. There are various types:
- Clay masks: Deep cleansing and oil control
- Sheet masks: Hydrating and brightening
- Peel-off masks: Exfoliating and pore–refining
- Sleeping masks: Overnight hydration and repair
Note: Use a mask that is best suited for your skin type. A patch test is mandatory to avoid any itching or irritation.
Treatments
The treatments may vary depending on skin concerns and can be done by a professional aesthetician or dermatologist. Specific products or procedures targeting skin concerns:
- Acne: salicylic acid, retinoids
- Anti-ageing: Retiniods, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants
- Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C,, kojic acid, azelaic acid
Common Mistakes To Avoid For Perfect Skincare
- Over-cleansing or under-cleansing: Stripping your skin of natural oils can lead to dryness and irritation, while not cleansing properly can clog pores.
- Skipping sunscreen: Sun damage is a major contributor to premature ageing and skin cancer. Daily sunscreen is essential to avoid UV rays directly contacting the skin.
- Using the wrong products for your skin type: Incorrect products can exacerbate skin issues. Choose products based on your skin type.
- Ignoring your neck and décolletage: These areas are often neglected but show signs of ageing. When it comes to skincare, don’t forget these areas.
- Not adjusting routines for seasonal changes: Your skin’s needs vary with the seasons. Adjust your products and routine accordingly.
- Over-exfoliating: Excessive exfoliation can irritate and damage the skin barrier.
- Neglecting the eye area: The delicate skin around the eyes requires special care, so use a gentle eye cream.
- Touching your face frequently: Hands carry bacteria that can transfer to the skin and cause breakouts. Avoid using dehydrated skin products.
- Ignoring your diet: Nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management impact skin health.
Skin Care – Do You Love It?
Radiant, healthy skin requires patience and dedication. Skinsation is the leading skincare clinic in Ireland, providing advanced, painless treatments to give your skin the radiant glow you love. With a range of products from renowned brands worldwide, we provide each facial and treatment that nurtures your skin and enhances your natural beauty.
FAQs
How often should I exfoliate my skin?
Your skin type determines how often you should exfoliate. Generally, oily and combination skin can tolerate exfoliation 2-3 times a week, while sensitive and dry skin should exfoliate once a week or less. Over-exfoliation can irritate the skin.
How long does it take to see results from a new skincare routine?
Well, the results cannot be visible overnight. It varies depending on the individual and the specific skincare concerns being addressed. The improvement may be noticeable within a week or two for some, whereas others may take longer to notice.
How do I know if a skincare product is causing a reaction?
Watch for signs like redness, itching, or breakouts shortly after using a new product. To check for sensitivity, perform a patch test before full application, especially with potent ingredients like retinol or acids.
