THE SELF CARE COLLECTIVE

Dreaming of glowing, healthy skin? You’re not alone! Achieving radiant skin is all about building a consistent routine that works for your unique skin type. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through the ultimate skincare routine step by step, with expert tips and product recommendations to help you shine.

Step 1: Cleansing

Start your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Proper cleansing preps your skin for the next steps and prevents clogged pores.

Best Practices:

• For dry skin: Use a hydrating cream or balm cleanser with ingredients like ceramides or glycerin.
• For oily skin: Opt for a gel or foam cleanser containing salicylic acid to control excess oil.
• For combination skin: Choose a gentle foaming cleanser that balances oil production without over-drying.

Product Recommendations:

• Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
• Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser
• Combination Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Step 2: Exfoliating

Exfoliation is key to glowing skin as it removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. However, don’t overdo it—once or twice a week is usually enough.

Best Practices:

• For dry skin: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant with lactic acid.
• For oily skin: Try a BHA exfoliant like salicylic acid.
• For combination skin: Alternate between a gentle AHA and a BHA exfoliant.

Product Recommendations:

• Dry Skin: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%
• Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Combination Skin: Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial

Step 3: Toning

Toners help restore your skin’s pH balance and provide an extra layer of hydration or oil control. Choose a toner that targets your skin’s specific needs.

Best Practices:

• For dry skin: Use a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid.
• For oily skin: Look for a clarifying toner with witch hazel or niacinamide.
• For combination skin: Balance hydration and oil control with an all-purpose toner.

Product Recommendations:

• Dry Skin: Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
• Oily Skin: Pixi Glow Tonic
• Combination Skin: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

Step 4: Serum

Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients to address specific skin concerns. This is where you can target issues like dullness, dark spots, or fine lines.

Best Practices:

• For dry skin: Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or peptides.
• For oily skin: Try a serum with niacinamide to regulate oil.
• For combination skin: Opt for a vitamin C serum to brighten and even out skin tone.

Product Recommendations:

• Dry Skin: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Oily Skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Combination Skin: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Step 5: Moisturizing

Lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier with a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Even oily skin needs moisture!

Best Practices:

• For dry skin: Choose a rich cream with ceramides and shea butter.
• For oily skin: Opt for a lightweight gel moisturizer.
• For combination skin: Use a gel-cream formula that hydrates without being greasy.

Product Recommendations:

• Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
• Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
• Combination Skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Step 6: Sun Protection Morning Only

Never skip sunscreen! UV rays can cause premature aging and damage, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Best Practices:

• For all skin types: Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores.

Product Recommendations:

• Dry Skin: EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
• Oily Skin: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
• Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100

How to Layer Your Skincare Products

Follow this golden rule: apply products from the lightest to the heaviest consistency. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Serum
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen morning only

At night, swap sunscreen for a night cream or a retinol product if needed.

Tips for a Consistent Routine

• Stick to your routine daily to see the best results.
• Adjust your products seasonally e.g., richer moisturizers in winter.
• Always patch-test new products to avoid irritation.

Glowing skin is just a consistent routine away! With the right products and techniques tailored to your skin type, you’ll be radiating confidence in no time.

Till next time, stay beautifully you.
xoxo