Complete Guide to Skin Types and Recommended Products

These recommendations are for anyone who wants to improve the health of their skin. Your skin type determines to a large degree, the best treatments for you.

I have done separate articles about pigmentation, post-menopause, wrinkles that you may want to have a look at if your are concerned about these issues. Also, there are articles relating to different age groups.

Knowing your skin type is important for determining the most appropriate skincare products you can use.

 

Please don’t be alarmed by all the details here; once you get used to using your skin care regimen, it will only require a few minutes twice a day.

You can work out your skin type by

• First cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and wait 30 minutes to an hour.
•  If your skin appears shiny all over, you likely have oily skin.
• If it feels tight and dry, you have dry skin.
• If shine is limited to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you likely have combination skin.
• If your skin feels hydrated and doesn’t exhibit any of the above, you have normal skin.
• You can also use blotting papers to check for oiliness in different areas of your face

1. NORMAL SKIN TYPE- the Lucky Ones

Characteristics:

• Balanced oil production
• Few imperfections
• Barely visible pores
• Bright complexion
• Not sensitive to products
• Smooth, even skin texture

Many people with this skin type don’t bother with any skin care, which is understandable, however many dermatologists would say that even people with ” good ” skin, need to both protect it, and treat any problems that have not shown up yet, because you are a healthy 30 year old and either don’t care or don’t worry about your skin.

But if you have had an active childhood, you have probably already had some excessive solar exposure, which will start to show up in later years as fine lines, pigmentation or brown spots, and generally dull damaged skin that you won’t be so pleased with. So I recommend you consider starting some preventive treatment now to greatly reduce early aging changes which most people start noticing in their 40s.

The regimes I have described below can be used to improve and protect your skin at any age- much like physical exercise is good for everyone.

I have written specific articles about aging, sunscreens, pigmentation problems, etc with detailed treatment programs for people with different skin conditions.

Recommended Skincare Routine for People with Normal Skin:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser

            CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

2. Toner

            Paula’s Choice CALM Restoring Toner

3. Serum –Vitamin C (antioxidant)

          The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%

4. Moisturizer Lightweight, hydrating

            CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

5. Sunscreen SPF 30+ broad spectrum- choose from

          La Roche-Posay Anthelios

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser Same as morning
2. Treatment-Retinol (3x/week) or BHA choose one of :

            The Ordinary Retinol 0.5%

           Paula’s Choice 2% BHA (1-2x/week)

Use the Retinol and BHA on different evenings. I have written separate articles about these products which explain more about how they work and how to use them.

3. Moisturizer-Needs to be slightly richer than morning, choose from:

           CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Weekly Treatments:

• Clay mask: 1x/week (Origins Clear Improvement)
• Hydrating mask: 1x/week (Laneige Water Sleeping Mask)
• Exfoliation: 2-3x/week with BHA or AHA- see my  article “AHAs and BHAs”

2. DRY SKIN TYPE

Signs You Have Dry Skin:

• Skin feels tight after cleansing
• Flaking or peeling
• Rough texture
• Fine lines appear more prominent
• Makeup looks cakey or patchy
• Skin feels uncomfortable without moisturizer

Recommended Skincare Routine for Dry Skin:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser Cream or oil-based:

             CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

2. Toner Hydrating, alcohol-free

               Paula’s Choice CALM Restoring Toner

3. Serum- Hyaluronic acid or ceramides

             The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

4. Moisturizer–best if it is rich, occlusive, for example

            La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair

5. Face Oil (this step is optional)

               The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

6. Sunscreen Moisturizing SPF

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser-Same as morning options

2.Active Treatment: with gentle retinol or peptides

             The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2%

3. Hydrating repair serum:

            CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Serum

4. Moisturizer- with a heavy night cream

            Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream

5. Face Oil- Overnight treatment, same as morning options

Weekly Treatments:

• Hydrating mask: 2-3x/week (Laneige Water Sleeping Mask)
• Gentle exfoliation: 1x/week (lactic acid)
• Overnight treatment: Aquaphor or Vaseline as occlusive

3. OILY SKIN TYPE

Signs You Have Oily Skin:

• Shiny face within hours of cleansing
• Blotting papers show oil from most areas
• Frequent breakouts
• Large, visible pores
• Makeup doesn’t last long
• Skin rarely feels tight or dry

Recommended Skincare Routine for People with Oily Skin:

This routine aims to reduce excessive oiliness without stripping the oils from your skin too much, it is a balancing and removal program.

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser- best foaming, with salicylic acid; choose from:

                 CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

2. Toner BHA or niacinamide-

              Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

3. Active Serum –Niacinamide or vitamin C

           The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%4.

4.Moisturizer-Needs to be oil-free and lightweight

Yes oily skin needs a moisturizer, if it is too dry your body will compensate by over producing oil

             The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors

5. Sunscreen –Needs to be especially made for people with oily skin- so non-comedogenic, will be matte (not shiny)

            La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser Double cleanse if wearing makeup

             The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser first then

              CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (second)

2. Treatment BHA or retinol -use on alternate days

                Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

                Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

3. Serum- Niacinamide or hyaluronic acid

            The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

4. Moisturizer-Lightweight, non-comedogenic

             The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors

Weekly Treatments:

• Clay mask: 2x/week (Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay)
• BHA treatment: 3-4x/week
• Spot treatment: Benzoyl peroxide for active breakouts

4. COMBINATION SKIN TYPE

Signs You Have Combination Skin:

T-zone gets oily, cheeks stay normal/dry

Pores are larger only in center of face

Breakouts mainly on forehead, nose, chin

Cheeks may feel tight after cleansing

Need different products for different areas

Recommended Skincare Routine if you have Combination Skin Type:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser-Gentle foaming, for example choose one of:

             CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

2. Toner (Balancing/ improves penetration of ingredients)-choose from

            Paula’s Choice CALM Restoring Toner

3. Serum T-Zone– Niacinamide

            The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

3. Serum Cheeks-Hydrating

            The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

4. Moisturizer (Lightweight)

              CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

5. Sunscreen Non-comedogenic

            La Roche-Posay Anthelios

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser-Same as morning option
2. Treatment T-Zone BHA 3x/week:

                Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

2. Treatment Cheeks Gentle retinol 2x/week

                The Ordinary Retinol 0.25% in Squalane

3. Moisturizer-different for different zones: Lighter on T-zone, richer on cheeks

You Could Try the Multi-Masking Approach:

• T-Zone: Clay mask 1x/week
• Cheeks: Hydrating mask 1x/week
• Full face: Gentle exfoliating mask 1x/week

5. SENSITIVE SKIN TYPE

Signs You Have Sensitive Skin:

Products often cause burning/stinging

Frequent redness or flushing

Skin reacts to weather changes

Allergic to fragrances or dyes

Prone to rashes or irritation

Some fabrics irritate your skin

Recommended Skincare Routine for People with Sensitive Skin:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser-needs to be gentle, fragrance-free, for example

                  CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

                Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

2. Toner Alcohol-free, soothing:

                Paula’s Choice CALM Restoring Toner

3. Serum –Calming ingredients

               The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

4. Moisturizer-for barrier repair, choose from:

                 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair

5. Sunscreen-A mineral sunscreen containing zinc or titanium contains fewer chemicals and is less likely to irritate your skin), such as

               CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser-Same as morning options
2. Treatment Very gentle, 1-2x/week

                The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2%

3. Serum for soothing/repairing

              Paula’s Choice CALM Nourishing Milky Toner

4. Moisturizer Rich, occlusive

                Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Sensitive Skin:

-Fragrances and essential oils

-Alcohol (denatured)

-Harsh sulphates

– Strong  acids

-Retinoids (need to start very slowly)

-Physical scrubs

Soothing Ingredients to Look For:

–Niacinamide

– Ceramides

– Hyaluronic acid

– Centella asiatica

– Aloe vera

– Colloidal oatmeal

6. ACNE-PRONE SKIN TYPE

Signs You Have Acne-Prone Skin:

Regular breakouts beyond teenage years

Blackheads and whiteheads

Inflammatory acne (red, painful bumps)

Skin gets worse with certain products

Dark spots after breakouts heal

Scarring from previous acne

Recommended Skincare Routine If You Have Acne-Prone Skin:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide

 CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

2. Serum Niacinamide or vitamin C

           The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

3. Moisturizer-Non-comedogenic, lightweight

           CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

4. Sunscreen Non-comedogenic

           La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser-Same as morning
2. Treatment Retinoid or BHA alternate days

                Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

              Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

3. Spot Treatment of individual breakout spots with either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid:

                Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10

               The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

4. Moisturizer Non-comedogenic Same as morning options

Weekly Treatments:

• Clay mask: 1-2x/week (Origins Clear Improvement)
• BHA treatment: 3-4x/week (can use daily if not too irritating)-please refer to my article about AHAs and BHAs for more information about these products
• Hydrating mask: 1x/week to prevent over-drying

Professional Treatments:

• Chemical peels
• Extractions
• LED light therapy
• Prescription medications (consult dermatologist)

7. MATURE/AGING SKIN TYPE

Characteristics:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of elasticity and firmness
• Age spots and hyperpigmentation
• Dryness and thinning skin
• Enlarged pores
• Dull complexion

Recommended Skincare Routine if you have Mature or Aging Skin :

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser-Gentle, hydrating

              CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

2. Toner aiming for hydrating & anti-aging effects

                  Paula’s Choice CALM Restoring Toner

3. Serum Vitamin C or peptides

                 The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%

4. Eye Cream– Peptides, retinol

                RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

5. Moisturizer-Rich, anti-aging

               Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

6. Sunscreen High SPF, anti-aging

                La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Aging

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser-Same as morning options
2. Treatment Retinol/retinoid (retinol is a weaker type of retinoid)

            The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

3. Serum-Hyaluronic acid or peptides

            The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

4. Eye Cream Anti-aging treatment. Same as morning options
5. Moisturizer-Rich night cream:

               Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream

6. Face Oil– final,nourishing treatment

            Josie Maran Argan Oil

Weekly Treatments:

• Exfoliating mask: 1x/week (glycolic or lactic acid)
• Hydrating mask: 2x/week
• Professional treatments: Monthly facials, quarterly peels

General Tips for All Skin Types

1. Always patch test new products
2. Introduce one new product at a time
3. Be consistent with your routine
4. You need to apply sunscreen every day
5. Be aware of how your skin feels, and adjust treatments as required.

These are the most affordable brands but still good products:

• The Ordinary: low cost but effective
• CeraVe: Dermatologist-recommended basics
• Neutrogena: Accessible drugstore options
• Vanicream: Has gentle, fragrance-free products

Seasonal Adjustments:

• Winter: Richer moisturizers, gentle cleansers
• Summer: Lighter textures, higher SPF
• Spring/Fall: Change products gradually

Your skin can change due to age, hormones, climate, and lifestyle, including a poor diet with inadequate consumption of important vitamins and antioxidants. Too much sugar is bad for your skin.

Reassess your skin regularly and adjust your routine accordingly. Consistency and patience are key to seeing results!

Key Notes for All Skin Types:

Important Guidelines:

• Patch test all new products first
• Introduce one new product at a time (wait 1-2 weeks between additions)
• Start with lower concentrations of active ingredients
• Always use SPF sunscreen if the UV index is going to be above 3- this is the most effective way to prevent premature aging and other skin damage
• Be consistent – results take 6-12 weeks to show

Treatment Frequency:

• Retinoids: Start 1x/week, gradually increase to 3x/week
• Chemical exfoliants (BHA/AHA): Start 1-2x/week, max 3-4x/week
• Vitamin C: Can be used daily in morning
• Niacinamide: Can be used twice daily

Red Flags – Stop and Consult a Professional:

You should see a dermatologist if you notice:

• Persistent acne or skin issues
• Sudden changes in skin
• Severe reactions to products
• Suspicious moles or growths
• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation
• Persistent redness that doesn’t subside
• Worsening of skin condition after 6-8 weeks
• Allergic reactions (hives, swelling)

Remember: These are general guidelines.

Consider professional advice if you have persistent skin concerns or before starting new active ingredients, especially if you have underlying skin conditions or very sensitive skin.