Determining your skin-type is important for a skin care regimen. Discover your skin type here.

Creating a routine for your skin can be intimidating. There are so many types of cleansers and exfoliators.
Before we continue with a routine, let’s go through the types of exfoliators and cleansers to determine what is best for your specific skin type.

Foaming Cleansers: cleanses away surface dirt and grime. These types of cleansers are not ideal for removing make-up and generally leave your skin feeling a little dry. If you’ve got combination or oily skin (even acne-prone skin), this type of cleanser is right for you.

Gel Cleansers: similar to foaming cleansers. Not used for removing make-up and typically used on oily skin and acne-prone skin. This will leave your face feeling dry if you’ve got normal or combination skin.

Lotion/Milk Cleansers: great for removing make-up. These types of cleansers are light and leave your skin feeling smooth. Typically used on normal, combination and dry skin.

Creamy Cleansers: similar to milk/lotion cleansers. This is the thickest formula to remove dirt and grime and is most effection for removing make-up.

Exfoliants: come in a scrub or peel form and should only be used a couple of times a week. The purpose of an exfoliant is to remove dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. It can also help with removing blackheads. Exfoliants are ideal for all skin types but not ideal for removing make-up. Use these gently on your skin to avoid irritation and surface scratches.

Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with the types cleansers and exfoliants, let’s determine what is best for your skin type.

Dry Skin: occurs when your skin does not produce enough natural oils. We need to put the oil back into your skin. Keep in mind that weather conditions can alter your skin type. You’ll want a creamy cleanser that also works as a make-up remover. Cream cleansers work well on dry skin because of  heavy-weight formula that deeply moisturizes the skin while cleansing it. On average, you should exfoliate 1-3x a week. Dry skin should be heavily moisturized with an oil-based moisturizer (again, to infuse oils back into skin).

Normal/Combination Skin: these skin types are easier to maintain. I have normal skin and I love using a milk cleanser. It leaves my skin smooth and moisturized. You can also use foaming and cream cleansers. Exfoliate 1-3x a week. You should moisturize with a water-based moisturizer. If you’ve got combination skin, the type of moisturizer will depend on how your skin is feeling. Generally, you can find a moisturizer specifically made for combination skin.

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: you’ll want to avoid adding extra oil to this skin type. When shopping for a foaming or gel-based cleanser, look for key words like antibacterial or oil-free.  For acne-prone skin, avoid exfoliating to prevent further irritation. For oily skin, exfoliating is important. Exfoliate 2-4x a week. For both skin types, avoid over washing. Use an oil-free or water-based moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin: Usually, a lotion/milk cleanser will be your best option. You should avoid exfoliants altogether because of the irritation it will cause your skin. Use a that is moisturizer that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Be gentle with this skin type.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is exfoliating and what does it do for my (dry) skin?
You skin cells renew each day. The cells push upward until they reach the top layer of your skin. At this point, they are “dead” and will clog your pores causing a dull complexion. Exfoliating removes these dead cells revealing fresher skin.
If you have dry skin, the layer of dead cells will not allow your moisturizer to properly hydrate your skin. Thus, exfoliating a few times a week, after cleansing, will help hydrate your skin.

Can I cleanse my face with a bar of soap?
Unless that bar of soap is specifically made for your face, I wouldn’t use it. Soaps are harsh and can dry out your skin.

How often should I wash my face?
1-2x a day. At night, I like to use a milk cleanser to cleanse and remove the dirt and grime off of my face. After removing surface dirt, I exfoliate and then, moisturize. I do not exfoliate everyday, typically 2x a week. In the morning, I use water to wash my face and then, moisturize again.

Why should I moisturize?
Moisturizers hydrate your skin. Hydrated skin equals better-looking skin. Regular moisturizing will prevent your skin from looking dull and dry.

If you have any further questions about skin care, please leave me a comment and I will get back to you with an answer.
Talk to you soon :)