Normal: Skin that’s not especially dry, oily, or sensitive Oily: Skin with a shiny, greasy sheen Dry: Skin that itches, flakes, or feels rough to the touch Combination: A mixture of dry and oily skin Sensitive: Skin that tends to react to skincare products[2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Get a product with salicylic acid to deal with acne Invest in retinol products to minimize wrinkles[4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Skip toner if you have rosacea[5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Oily Skin: Gel cleanser with glycolic and salicylic acid Dry Skin: Cream cleanser with glycerin and petrolatum, lanolin, or ceramides Combination Skin: Gentle, balanced cleanser Sensitive Skin: Mild cleanser without dye, soap, or fragrance[9] X Research source
Dry and Normal Skin: Toner with hyaluronic acid Oily Skin: Toner with alpha and beta hydroxy acids Sensitive Skin: Toner with hyaluronic acid that’s fragrance-free All Skin Types: Any toner that’s alcohol-free with antioxidants
Vitamin C serums are a really popular option that can help your skin look brighter and less red. They can even help boost collagen production, which helps your skin look a bit more youthful. [13] X Research source This could be helpful if you just quit smoking, since cigarettes hurt your skin’s collagen. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Although serums are an optional part of most skincare routines, some people find them helpful. [15] X Research source
Oily Skin: Use a mechanical exfoliator or strong chemical exfoliator Dry Skin: Use a gentle chemical exfoliator Sensitive Skin: Use a gentle chemical exfoliator Mechanical exfoliators require physical motion to exfoliate your skin, like using a bristled brush or exfoliating scrub. Chemical exfoliators are products made with exfoliating ingredients and aren’t as rough on your skin. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Oily Skin: Water-based, oil-free moisturizer Dry Skin: Oil-based moisturizer Combination Skin: Medium-weight lotion Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizer[22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A cherry tomato-sized squirt of sunscreen should be enough to protect your face. [25] X Research source Try to apply a new layer of sunscreen every 2 hours if you spend a lot of time out in the sun. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Remember: you should always wear sunscreen when you head outside, even if you have a tan complexion or darker skin tone. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Skincare experts suggest picking out products with a low AHA concentration so you don’t bother your skin. Anywhere between 10 and 15% should be good!
Products with beta-hydroxy acids may be a little easier on your skin than products with AHAs.
You can find L-ascorbic acid in plenty of over-the-counter skincare products.
Keep in mind that the medical community has a divided opinion about hydroquinone, and some health professionals link it with serious health issues. [35] X Research source
Fragrance Homosalate Nanomaterials Octinoxate Parabens For a full list of concerning ingredients, check out this list: https://www. safecosmetics. org/get-the-facts/chem-of-concern/
