Basic skin care
Choose products designed for your skin type. Everyone’s skin is different, so don’t buy a product your sister or best friend used — make sure you’re using a product that’s right for you. [1] One way to find out your skin type is to wash your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser. Wait two hours, then check your skin. If your face looks and feels:
Smooth, oil-free, shine-free – your skin is normal.
Shiny or shiny – your skin is oily.
Dull, dull, dull or flaky – your skin may be dry.
Oily skin around the forehead, nose, and chin, but otherwise normal or dry means you have combination skin. You may need to use different products on different areas of your face to get the targeted treatment you need.
Remove makeup every night. Going to bed with makeup on may not sound like a bad thing, but it can actually lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Every time you apply makeup, use a makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad to remove any traces. [3]
Also, don’t skip eye makeup, it can irritate the eyes and lead to infection.
Don’t rely on makeup remover wipes to remove makeup at the end of the day. They are useful but not very effective, so you usually just exfoliate. Over time, this can lead to skin irritation and accelerated skin aging. [4]
Wash with a cleanser suitable for your skin type.
It is important to wash your face every night with warm water and a mild cleanser. Removes dirt, bacteria and sebum that build up on the skin during the day. You also need to wash off your sunscreen – you wear it every day to protect your skin from UV rays, right? All of these can lead to breakouts if you don’t wash them off. [5]
Regardless of your skin type, look for a cleanser that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
If you have normal or sensitive skin, use a mild face wash. You don’t need anything!
If you have dry skin, use a cream or gel cleanser. Avoid sudsing detergents and anything with a strong smell.
If you have oily skin, opt for a foaming cleanser. This will help break down any oil and unclog pores.
If you’re acne-prone and want to limit the products you use, try the acne-fighting salicylic acid cleanser. However, do not use any other acne treatments unless recommended by your dermatologist.
Get targeted acne treatment if you need it.
There are many products for treating acne, and there is no single right answer to the question of which product is right for you. For example, if you suffer from frequent acne, you may prefer products that are applied all over your face. If you only get occasional breakouts, you may prefer topical treatments, which you can leave behind if needed. In any case, use this product after washing your face, but before moisturizing.
Two of the most popular ingredients in over-the-counter acne treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid reduces inflammation and unclogs pores. [9]
Be patient – acne can take weeks to heal. Give the product at least 4 weeks before switching to a new one.
If you’re using an acne face wash, you probably don’t need any other products. Consult your dermatologist if the product does not work as expected.
