best skincare routine
A skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing certain skin conditions (Wightman, 2022). It is recommended that everyone has a consistent morning and nighttime skincare routine (Wightman, 2022). Four general steps must be followed (Wightman, 2022). These steps include cleansing the skin with an alcohol-free cleanser using the fingertips, drying the skin with a soft and clean towel, applying skin medical treatments, and applying suitable moisturizer (Wightman, 2022). Applying makeup is the last step during the skincare routine (Wightman, 2022). Furthermore, people should wash their faces after sweating (Wightman, 2022). Lukewarm water must be used to cleanse the face because hot water can remove natural oils, and cold water would not allow the opening of pores for removing dirt (Spector, 2020).
Skin types
There are five skin types (Wightman, 2022). A typical skin type is a skin that is clear and not sensitive (Wightman, 2022). A sensitive skin type is skin that can be irritated by certain products (Wightman, 2022). Dry skin type is flaky, rough, and sometimes itchy (Wightman, 2022). Oily skin type looks greasy and is prone to acne (Wightman, 2022). A combination skin type is a skin that has both dry and oily areas, such as oily forehead, nose, and chin (Wightman, 2022).
Normal skin type
People with standard skin type can follow these four general steps to clean their faces: cleansing the skin with an alcohol-free cleanser using the fingertips, drying the skin with a soft and clean towel, applying skin medical treatments, and applying suitable moisturizer (Wightman, 2022).
Sensitive skin type
Individuals with sensitive skin should use fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers (Wightman, 2022). People with eczema usually have sensitive skin (Wightman, 2022). Products with retinol and glycolic acid should be avoided (Wightman, 2022). Moreover, organic skin products with essential oils must be avoided since they can cause skin irritations (Wightman, 2022).
Dry skin type
People should use fragrance-free cleansers and apply a thick moisturizer after washing their faces (Wightman, 2022). Products that contain alcohol, alpha hydroxy acid, and retinoids must be avoided (Wightman, 2022). In addition, over-scrubbing must be avoided since it can lead to further skin drying (Wightman, 2022).
Oily skin type
The face must be cleansed every morning and evening with a foaming face wash (Wightman, 2022). Heavy moisturizer should be avoided since it can lead to clogged pores (Wightman, 2022). Lighter lotions and gel-based products are more suitable for individuals with oily skin type (Wightman, 2022). Oil-free and alcohol-free products
must be used to avoid clogged pores (Wightman, 2022). Moreover, gentle toner can help unclog pores (Wightman, 2022).
Combination skin type
Individuals with combination skin types should moisturize the dry areas of their skin and avoid applying moisturizers to the oily areas (Wightman, 2022).
Lifestyle tips
People should make sure that the skin products they use are suitable for their skin type (Wightman, 2022). Moreover, it is necessary to use sunscreen that is an SPF of 30 or higher every day (Wightman, 2022). Cream-based moisturizers are appropriate for people aged 50 or above with typical skin types (Wightman, 2022). People with sensitive skin should perform a patch test for reactions before using a new product (Wightman, 2022). Persistent acne development and worsening of eczema symptoms require contacting dermatologists (Wightman, 2022). To prevent breakouts, one must avoid touching their face with their hands since this action results in depositing oil, dirt, and bacteria onto the face (Wightman, 2022). Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin cells; therefore, drinking enough water throughout the day (Wightman, 2022). A healthy diet rich in nutrients is also critical for maintaining healthy skin (Wightman, 2022).
Skin Products (Godio, 2023)
Skin type: oily
Morning Routine:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Wash or Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Apply a daily moisturizer such as Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer
- Apply Sunscreen such as Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
- Do your Makeup Routine
Evening Routine
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Wash or Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Apply prescription-strength retinoid
- Apply Cerave PM Face Moisturizer
- Apply Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Skin type: dry
Morning Routine:
- Apply serum containing antioxidants, specifically ascorbic acid (vitamin C), such as SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum
- Layer on a product containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as Sunday Riley’s Good Genes
- Apply sunscreens such as TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 40 or ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen
- Apply lip ointment such as Aquaphor ointment
Evening Routine:
- Wash your face with a cleanser such as Neutrogena’s Skin Balancing Milky Cleanser
- Apply prescription-strength retinoid
- Apply moisturizers such as Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream or Skinfix’s Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
Skin type: Combination acne-prone skin
Morning Routine:
- Wash your face with a cleaner such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Apply vitamin C serum such as ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican 30 Ampoules
- Apply SPF 50 sunscreen, such as tinted compact mineral sunscreen from Avene
Evening Routine:
- Remove makeup and sunscreen using Bio derma’s Micellar Water
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser such as Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
- Apply prescription retinoid
Skin type: Normal and mildly sensitive
Morning Routine:
- Wash your face with a foaming cleanser such as Skinfix Foaming Oil Cleanser
- Apply vitamin C serum such as Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum
- Apply a hydrating moisturizer
- Apply sunscreen such as ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ sunscreen
Evening Routine:
- Wash your face with a foaming cleanser such as Skinfix Foaming Oil Cleanser
- Apply over-the-counter retinol cream or prescription retinol
- Apply a moisturizer such as Exuviance Rebuild-5 Firming & Moisturizing Face Cream and facial oil such as Exuviance CitraFirm Firming & Nourishing Face Oil
Disclaimer
User discretion: The material presented here is for educational purposes and is to be used for your information only. Our authors/editors try their best to source this information from reputable references and ensure it meets the quality standards at MARI. The information presented is not intended to be used as a diagnostic or treatment plan, a basis upon which to make diagnostic or treatment decisions or to substitute the advice of a medical or healthcare professional.
If you are a patient experiencing any of the listed symptoms or diseases, please consult your healthcare provider for specialized care and follow the instructions provided for you by your doctor.
References
Godio, M. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/dermatologists-skin-care-routine-ncna1303681
Spector, N. (2020). Are you washing your face wrong? Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.nbcnews.com/select/lifestyle/best-way-wash-your-face-according-dermatologists-ncna1147956
Wightman, C. (2022). Dermatologist-recommended skin care: Tips and routine. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dermatologist-recommended-skin-care#sensitive
Provided and edited by the members of MARI authors; Helia Falahatkar, Anahita Arfa MSc, and Pooya Beigi MD.
