Finding your perfect skincare routine can seem a bit daunting, to say the least. There are thousands of different products and treatments to choose from. It’s difficult to know where to start.
Luckily, we’ve made finding the best skincare routine for you simple. Once you know your skin type, the rest is easy. In fact, our team at Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa utilizes advanced skincare technology to look deep past your pores. Find the perfect skincare routine is as easy as one scan and putting a treatment process in place.
In this guide, we’ll break down each of the four skin types and how best to care for them. With these easy tips, you’ll be basking in the glow of your clearest skin in no time.
The Four Skin Types: Which One Are You?
By now you’ve probably heard of the four different skin types.
But, how do you know which one you have? Interestingly enough, your skin type may change throughout your life.
This is because your skin may become more sensitive or less elastic as you age. Your oil levels may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as diet, hormones, and environment.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Normal Skin Type
Just because it’s called “normal” skin, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the default. Instead, it means that your skin is not too dry or too oily.
Those with a normal skin type usually notice:
- Few imperfections
- Small pores
- No real sensitivity
- A glowing complexion
Dry Skin Type
Dry skin is, well, exactly what it sounds like. Those with a dry skin type may notice:
- Tiny, almost invisible pores
- Dull complexion
- Visible lines
- Less elasticity
- Red patches
In some severe cases, dry skin can become cracked or scaly. Luckily, Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa has products and treatments to help.
Oily Skin Type
Oily skin means you produce more skin oils than average. This can happen because of things like weather and hormones. Those with oily skin typically notice:
- Large, visible pores
- Thick complexion, which can be shiny or dull
- Pimples, blackheads, or an increased number of blemishes
Combination Skin Type
When your skin is oily in some places and dry in others, you have combination skin. This is one of the most common skin types. You may notice:
- Larger, more open pores
- Shiny skin
- An abundance of blackheads
Combination skin typically requires different types of care in these different areas.
No matter your skin type, you may also have sensitive skin. If this is the case, you’ll have to do a bit of trial and error to find products that work for you without inflaming the skin. Luckily, Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa can help you find an easy solution.
The Optimal Daily Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse
Everyone should be washing their face, no matter what type of skin they have. It’s best to start with a gentle cleanser that is still powerful enough to remove excess dirt and oil.
When shopping for a cleanser there are two ingredients to look out for: glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These will give you the best results.
Those with sensitive skin may find the skin cleansing stage strips too many oils. If that’s the case, try micellar water, which is much more gentle.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is essential for unclogging pores and removing deep-set dirt and oil. However, you need to exfoliate correctly to avoid damaging your skin. Avoid exfoliating more than 2-3 times a week.
Scrubs can be a useful exfoliant. Gentle ones are usually made from salt or sugar, while tougher ones are made from ground nuts or seeds.
You can also use chemical exfoliants, or make an appointment at Colair for a chemical peel. This intense exfoliation will breathe new life into your skin.
Step 3: Tone
After cleansing, it’s time to apply a gentle toner. Most people will find that they only need to apply toner once daily.
Toner helps to remove any dirt or makeup your cleanser couldn’t get to. It also helps to close your pores, which prevents excess breakouts.
The best toner products for skincare are those without any alcohol. You should also look for hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or aloe.
Avoid applying toners with your bare hands. Instead, use a cotton ball or pad. Toner should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Step 4: Apply Serum Based on Specific Needs
Serums are a bit more specialized than toners. They contain concentrated ingredients that your skin may need an extra boost of. For example, Vitamin C serums and anti-aging serums are exceptionally popular.
Each skin type is going to have different needs. Some ingredients different skin types should look out for include:
- Normal Skin – Niacinamide to boost collagen production
- Dry Skin – Oil-free with hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Sensitive Skin – Calming ingredients such as lavender and chamomile
Serums will work best when incorporated into an existing night or morning skincare routine.
Step 5: Moisturize
Dry skin isn’t the only skin type that needs to be moisturized. Moisturizing is a necessity for every skin type, as it helps to protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Again, the right moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type. For example, the best moisturizers for dry skin are an ointment or cream-based instead of lotions.
Try using moisturizers with an SPF 30+ during the day (higher SPF is better for wrinkle-prevention). For your night skincare routine, switch to a night cream.
Ingredients to look for include:
- Peptides
- Ceramides
- Antioxidants
- Hydrators, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid
Step 6: SPF
You need to be protecting your skin from the sun. Even when it’s cloudy, the sun’s rays can do major damage to your skin, which may lead to premature aging or even skin cancer.
Use an SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin. You should also reapply every two hours.
When shopping, look for products with broad-spectrum SPFs. These will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Address Your Issues Head-On
Everyone has specific issues they’d like to work on. From acne to wrinkles and fine lines, a Colair med spa professional can help you find the best skincare routine for your specific problems.
For example, those with acne may be able to get prescription creams or ointments. Deep cleansing masks used weekly may also help prevent breakouts.
Those with signs of premature aging may benefit from laser therapy, injections, micro-needling, or specialized creams. All in all, a specialist can help you tackle any kind of skin concern.
Boost Your Best Skincare Routine
Building your skincare routine can seem tricky. But with a little background knowledge, it’s easy to find the best skincare routine for you.
If you need a little extra help, contact our team. Our skin care professionals at Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa can help you achieve picture-perfect skin.