How To Choose The Right Products for your Skin

Understanding Your Skin: Identifying Your Needs

The first step in selecting the perfect skincare products is understanding your skin type and its specific concerns. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, there’s a routine out there tailored to your needs. One helpful method for determining your skin type is the Paper method. Simply blot your face with a clean tissue in the morning and observe the results:

• If the tissue has oil from your forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone), you likely have combination or oily skin.
• If the tissue shows oil from all areas of your face, you likely have oily skin.
• If there is little to no oil on the tissue, you likely have normal or dry skin.

Choosing the Right Cleanser

Choosing the formulation to keep your skin clean is crucial for maintaining a healthy complexion. If you wear makeup regularly, opt for an oil or balm cleanser as they effectively dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. For those who enjoy the squeaky-clean sensation, or you have oily or teen skin, a gel, mousse or foam cleanser is great, as it provides a thorough cleanse without leaving a residue. If you have sensitive or dry skin, a cream cleanser offers gentle cleansing while providing hydration and comfort. Additionally, if you’re always on the go or prefer a low-maintenance routine, a micellar water cleanser is a convenient option as it effectively removes dirt and makeup with just a few swipes, no rinsing required. By considering your skin type and personal preferences, you can choose a cleanser that meets your specific needs and leaves your skin feeling fresh and radiant.

For makeup/sunscreen wearers here’s a cleansing oil we rate: Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil: Ideal for those in their thirties, this decadent oil melts away makeup and pollutants, leaving the skin clean and hydrated.

For clean girls here’s a gel cleanser we like: Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser: Ideal for battling pesky blemishes, this clarifying cleanser contains salicylic acid and purifying clay to target oil and impurities.

For the busy/lazy among us try a micellar water:  Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover: this gentle micellar water effortlessly removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

For those who like a creamier option: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a hydrating cleanser formulated with squalane to nourish and replenish dry or sensitive skins.

For a decadent balm cleanser try: Eve Lom, elevate your skincare routine with this luxurious cream cleanser infused with aromatic oils to cleanse and nourish the skin.

Once you’ve identified your skin type and cleansed accordingly, it’s time to address specific concerns through targeted serums and exfoliating treatments. Whether you’re dealing with sensitized skin, dehydration, or breakouts, there’s a product to suit your needs.

DULL SKIN? 

Achieve luminous skin with this skincare/makeup hybrid, suitable for all ages and skin types: try Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops.

PIGMENTATION?

The Melanin Regulating Toner:  Biologique Recherche Lotion P50.

BREAKOUTS? 

BHA Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: Combat breakouts and clogged pores with this gentle yet effective exfoliating treatment, suitable for teens and beyond.

Blemish Patches: Sand & Sky Dual Action Blemish Patches: A game-changer for breakouts – two types of patch for each stage of pimple.

Drying Lotion: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: I can’t count the number of times this little pink lotion has saved my bacon. It dries pimples out overnight. 

Moisturizers: Finding Your Perfect Match

After treating your skin with the correct serums and exfoliants, it’s essential to lock in moisture with the right moisturizer. Whether you have oily, dry, or mature skin, there’s a moisturizer to suit your specific needs.

Light Moisturizers for Oilier or Combo Skins: Dermalogica Clear Start Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion — keep oily skin balanced and hydrated with this lightweight moisturizer, perfect for teens and tweens.

All-Purpose Moisturizer/All rounders for normal skins: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré: Nourish and prime your skin with this multi-purpose moisturizer, suitable for all ages.

Dermalogica Clear Start Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Rich Moisturizer, deep moisturisers for dry skin: Creme De La Mer, experience unparalleled luxury with this iconic moisturizer, enriched with Miracle Broth to hydrate and regenerate mature skin.

Creme De La Mer

Eye Creams and Balms

Last but not least, don’t forget to show some love to the delicate skin around your eyes with targeted eye creams and balms. Whether you’re combating dark circles, fine lines, or puffiness, there’s a product to address your concerns.

Brightening Eye Cream: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème: Instantly brighten and hydrate tired eyes with this cult-favorite eye cream, suitable for all ages.

Multipurpose cream: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant:: Keep your lips and skin nourished with this multi-purpose balm, a staple in every beauty enthusiast’s arsenal.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

The Latest in Skincare Technology

By following these guidelines and incorporating the right products into your skincare routine, you can achieve healthy, radiant skin at any age. Remember, skincare is not one-size-fits-all, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Here’s to glowing skin and endless beauty possibilities. 

Story by Sigourney Cantelo