Whether you’re embracing the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look or wanting to give your beauty cabinet a fresh overhaul, investing in a good skincare routine is key to achieving a healthy, glowing complexion. You may already use products like moisturisers and cleansers religiously or occasionally dabble in a serum, but a 5-step routine (including eye cream and an SPF too) should be carried out daily in order to give your skin the TLC it deserves. With a vast array of skincare products on the market, finding a regime that works for your skin type can be tricky. Not sure what skin type you have? We’re here to help you take the guesswork out of your morning and evening skincare routine. Keep scrolling to discover the perfect skincare routine for your skin type...
Normal Skin
If your skin type is Normal, then your complexion is what is described as well-balanced or even in tone. Normal skin types have no or few visible imperfections and is neither too oily nor too dry. Typically, you won’t have any pressing skin concerns, so a routine that helps to maintain your skin’s pH balance is vital.
Step 1: CleanserThe first step of your skincare routine should be cleansing. To keep your skin looking hydrated and bright, a gel or foam-based cleanser will work to leave your skin feeling super clean and rejuvenated.
Step 2: SerumNext, apply a few drops of serum and gently massage into your skin. The serum will work to penetrate the surface of your skin, encouraging it to look and feel plumper and brighter.
Step 3: Eye CreamEven if your skin isn’t showing signs of ageing, it’s important to incorporate an eye cream into your routine as a preventative step. Gently dabbing the cream and massaging into your under-eye area will help to reduce puffiness, minimise dark circles and add firmness to your skin.
Step 4: MoisturiserMaintain your skin’s natural hydration by choosing a cream or water-based moisturiser that will leave your skin looking ultra-glowing and radiant.
Step 5: SPFAdding an SPF to your skincare routine will not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but it will help to maintain your skin’s elasticity and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
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Dry Skin
If your skin type is dry, this means your skin is suffering from dehydration, which can cause feelings of tightness after cleansing and make it more prone to flaking, redness or fine wrinkles – particularly around the eye area. Hydration is key for your skin, with cream or gel-based formulas often providing the best form of moisture.
Step 1: Cleanser
You may think that washing your skin more often will help to restore moisture, but in fact, ‘over-cleansing’ your skin can cause it to become drier. Make sure you cleanse your face twice daily – in the morning and evening - using a cream or gel-based cleanser that will nourish and hydrate your skin.
Step 2: SerumAfter cleansing, apply a few drops of serum to your skin to help penetrate its surface to provide added hydration and a much-needed moisture boost.
Step 3: Eye CreamSince dry skin is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles, it’s important to use an eye cream that works to target the appearance of fine lines and help brighten your under-eye area.
Step 4: MoisturiserEach morning and evening apply a rich, creamy moisturiser to your face and neck area to help combat dryness or flakiness and to restore your skin’s elasticity.
Step 5: SPFExposure to UV rays can cause your skin to dry out, so choose an SPF with nourishing and hydrating properties.
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Oily Skin
If you have an oily skin type, then your skin will appear shiny and you are more likely to have enlarged pores, blackheads and blemishes. Oily skin is caused by a build-up of excess sebum, which means your hormones are over-active causing your glands to produce an oily or waxy substance. Skincare products containing salicylic acid are good for your skin, as this ingredient works to dry oily skin and prevent clogged glands.
Step 1: Cleanser
Gel-based cleansers are good for oily skin types, as they work to reduce shine, unclog pores and help to create a mattifying finish. A gel-based cleanser that contains salicylic acid is an added bonus. This ingredient is typically targeted towards blemish or acne-prone skin, working to reduce excess sebum and minimise the appearance of pores.
Step 2: SerumYou may think that applying a serum to oily skin will cause it to become even oilier. In fact, oil-based formulas work to counteract the skin’s pH levels to create a more balanced skin tone. Select a serum that’s lightweight, grease-free and will leave your skin feeling hydrated.
Step 3: Eye CreamYour under-eye area can suffer from oiliness too, especially if you’ve had makeup on for a long period of time. A gel-based eye cream will help to mattify the skin around your eye whilst reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Step 4: MoisturiserOily skin can still experience dryness, so it’s important to moisturise once or twice a day. Select a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that works to reduce shine without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.
Step 5: SPFWhen oily skin is exposed to UV rays, it can often look or feel greasy, so keep it protected and well-nourished with an SPF that has a lightweight formula and works to create an anti-shine finish.
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Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, your skin will be oily in certain areas (typically the T-zone – forehead, nose and chin) and dry in other areas, such as your cheeks. Combination skin is often prone to breakouts or enlarged pores, whilst experiencing signs of dryness and flakiness. The weather can also impact combination skin, causing it to fluctuate between seasons. Using products that work to hydrate and reduce shine will help to restore your skin’s natural pH balance.
Step 1: CleanserWashing your face with a cleanser that’s mild and free from harsh ingredients will help you to achieve an even, balanced skin tone. Ingredients such as alcohol or salicylic acid can cause your skin to dry out, so it’s best to keep these off-limits by using gentle formulas instead.
Step 2: SerumCombination skin can often look tired, so it’s best to use a serum that works to brighten and hydrate your complexion. Look out for serums containing hyaluronic acid as this ingredient works to plump and rejuvenate dull skin.
Step 3: Eye CreamBefore applying moisturiser, gently massage an eye cream into your under-eye area to help reduce puffiness and minimise dark circles. An eye cream designed to hydrate your skin will make the overall appearance of your complexion more radiant.
Step 4: MoisturiserFinding the right moisturiser that works for combination skin can be one of the hardest parts of your beauty routine. Whilst you don’t want a moisturiser that will cause the dry areas of your skin to become even drier, you equally don’t want to use a product that will make the oily areas of your skin look greasier. A good balance is to use a lightweight cream or gel formula that works to add moisture and provide ultimate hydration.
Step 5: SPFAn SPF with anti-shine and hydrating qualities is best for combination skin. It’s also good to use a lightweight formula that won’t feel thick or greasy on your skin, whilst working to protect from harmful UV rays.
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Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, your skin will be delicate with finer pores. Sensitive skin easily becomes irritated or inflamed, often reacting to harsh chemicals in products or changes in the seasons. Your skin may feel itchy, dry or have a visible imperfection such as eczema. Finding a gentle skincare routine is key.
Step 1: CleanserIt’s important to use a cleanser that's kind and gentle to the skin, working to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural properties. If your skin type is sensitive, avoid using cleansers that are heavily fragranced or contain harsh chemicals. Water-based, gel or balms are good factors to look out for when choosing a cleanser that’s right for you.
Step 2: SerumWhen it comes to selecting a serum for sensitive skin, choose one that has hydrating properties and will retain your skin’s moisture, whilst working to calm the skin and alleviate dry patches or redness. Serums free from parabens, alcohol and fragrances will drastically help to improve your skin’s appearance.
Step 3: Eye CreamThe area around your eye is the most delicate part of your face, so for those with sensitive skin it’s all the more important to care for it properly. Select an eye cream that works to restore and renew your under-eye area. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free or packed with natural ingredients can help to soothe the most sensitive skin types.
Step 4: MoisturiserWhen it comes to moisturising your skin, you’ll need a moisturiser that works to soothe and protect your skin from irritation. Moisturisers with natural ingredients, such as herb or wild fruit extracts, are much kinder to skin that’s prone to redness or allergic reactions.
Step 5: SPFIf you have sensitive skin, being exposed to UV rays for prolonged periods of time can cause your skin to become red and irritated. As with every skin type, an SPF should be included as a vital step of your skincare routine, but for particularly sensitive skin, look out for ingredients such as zinc which works to soothe and calm your natural complexion.
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