The skin is the largest organ in the human body, yet when it comes to hygiene, it is often overlooked [1]. In our fast-paced world, where hustle and bustle often take center stage, it's important to remember that self-care is not a luxury; it's a vital component of overall well-being. At Hygiene4Her, we believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and knowledge necessary for a healthy and empowered life, which includes the ability to have a proper skin care routine. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of self-care, focusing on the daily morning and night skincare routines that can help you embrace your unique beauty.
It is important to note that everybody is different, meaning that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to skincare. Seeing a healthcare professional can allow you to learn more about your skin type and the right products that can help address concerns personal to your skin. Regardless, the information provided in this blog can help get the ball rolling to understanding what you may need to get started on your skincare journey!
Before testing different products, it is essential to know what your skin type is. There are 5 broad categories, which include normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin [2,3].
Normal: Your skin is not dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive. The pores are not very visible, and the complexion appears radiant [2,3].
Oily: Those with oily skin produce excess sebum, an oily substance that is produced from the sebaceous glands in the skin [3]. This often occurs due to the skin being dehydrated, resulting in the body over-compensating by producing excess oil. Signs of oily skin include large pores, shininess (especially in the T zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin) [2,3]. Oily skin is often also considered acne-prone, therefore blemishes and pimples are common as well.
Dry: Those with dry skin have barely visible pores, more dull-looking skin with areas that are rough, dry, and firm to the touch [2,3]. In certain conditions such as during winter, the skin can crack and become irritated [2]. Additionally, fine-lines of the skin are more visible with those that have dry skin types.
Combination: Those with combination skin have characteristics of both dry and oily skin in different areas of the face [2,3]. Normally, the T zone is more oily (the forehead, nose, and chin), while the cheeks are normal or dry. The pores on the nose may appear larger, with there being a presence of visible blackheads, and the complexion may be more shiny around the forehead and nose area [2,3].
Sensitive: Those with sensitive skin are more prone to adverse reactions to different products that contain ingredients like fragrance [3]. Signs of sensitive skin include redness, dryness, and itching when the skin is triggered, especially when using products that are not fit for this skin type [2,3].
One's skin type is not set in stone, as it depends on several factors like age, weather, stress, hormone imbalances, and medications being taken [2]. Different products are specifically tailored to address the concerns of certain skin types, therefore knowing the kind of skin you have can bring you a step closer towards developing a routine that works best for you!
Regardless of whether you do your skin care in the morning or at night, cleansing should always be the first step of any routine in order to remove impurities and excess oils. Choose a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic cleanser, while those with oily skin might benefit from a foaming cleanser [4,5]. Here are several recommendations:
Face wash for skin that tends to be more dry:
CeraVe Hydrating cleanser (a more budget-friendly option)
First Aid Beauty pure skin face cleanser (vegan)
Face wash for oily skin:
CeraVe foaming cleanser
Inkey list salicylic acid cleanser (a great, cruelty-free option for acne prone skin as it helps get rid of excess oils and is a mild exfoliant, which will help even out skin tone and texture). *Note that products with salicylic acid can be harsh, therefore incorporate a gentle cleanser in between.
COSRX low pH morning gel cleanser (cruelty-free)
Face wash for sensitive skin:
Cetaphil gentle cleanser (a simple and affordable option that works well for every skin type!) *Note: when cleansing as part of your night routine, thoroughly remove makeup and cleanse your face. This step is essential to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Consider using a double cleansing method – start with an oil-based cleanser such as the Inkey List squalane cleanser (a budget-friendly and cruelty-free option) to remove makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser as the ones listed above [6].
After cleansing, using toners and serums can help with soothing the skin and incorporate active ingredients that target specific skin concerns such as oiliness, dryness, fine lines, and more [7]. A common product that is fit for all skin types is hyaluronic acid, which helps increase the hydration of the skin and strengthen the skin barrier [7]. The Ordinary hyaluronic acid is a budget-friendly and cruelty-free option that has been a cult-favourite. Niacinamide has also been quite popular, especially with those that tend to be more poly since it helps regulate oil production, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines [7,8]. The Inkey List niacinamide is a budget-friendly and cruelty-free option that has been well-loved by many!
Moisturizing is a key step to maining health skin, regardless of your skin type. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type – lightweight, non-pore-clogging options for oily skin and richer creams for dry skin [7]. The La Roche Posay Toleriane moisturizing line is fit for almost every skin type, as there are different textures and thicknesses available for purchase. This line is also fragrance free, making it suitable for sensitive skin!
The last, and arguably the most important step to a morning-skincare routine is applying sun protection, as it helps prevent premature aging, sunspots, and skin cancer [9]. Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 309. Sunscreens require more experimentation, as many tend to react very differently to the available products, however the La Roche Posay anthelios sunscreen is a great option for all skin types that is light-weight and not greasy. A more affordable option that has been recently gaining lots of love is the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, which is cruelty-free, light-weight, and does not leave a white film on the face!
At Hygiene4Her, we're passionate about empowering women to embrace self-care as a fundamental part of their lives. Your morning and night skincare routines are more than just steps; they're acts of self-love that enable you to care for your skin and nurture your overall well-being. Remember, self-care is about acknowledging your worth and taking intentional steps to prioritize your health and happiness. By following these skincare rituals, you're not just addressing skin concerns – you're investing in your own confidence and radiance, which in turn empowers you to conquer every challenge that comes your way.
*To reiterate: We are not skincare professionals, therefore please do your own research and contact a professional for further advice.*
References:
Swann G. (2010). The skin is the body's largest organ. Journal of visual communication in medicine, 33(4), 148–149. https://doi.org/10.3109/17453054.2010.525439
Stuart, A. (2021, October). What’s your skin type? Radiance by WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type
What type of skin do I have?. CeraVe. (n.d.). https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/what-skin-type-do-i-have#:~:text=If%20your%20skin%20appears%20shiny,you%20likely%20have%20normal%20skin.
Mitchell, A. (2021, July 2). How to choose the right facial cleanser dermstore. Dermstore. https://www.dermstore.com/blog/different-types-of-cleansers/
Stuart, A. (2021, October). What’s your skin type? Radiance by WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type
Sharkey, L. (2019, December 16). A beginner’s Guide to Double Cleansing. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/double-cleansing#benefits
Molvar, K. (n.d.). How to build a skin care routine. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/tmagazine/skincare-routine
Cherney, K. (2023, February 16). Niacinamide: 10 benefits for skin, topical or supplement, side effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/niacinamide#benefits
Skin care tips dermatologists use. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
Comments