Effective skincare routines for different skin types :-

1. Oily Skin

Oily skin is typically described as shiny and is associated with acne, blackheads, and large pores. The goal is to control oil production while retaining moisture in the skin.

Morning Routine:

  • Cleanser: Gel or foam cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil for excess oil control.
  • Toner: Non-alcoholic toner with witch hazel, niacinamide or other ingredients to improve pore and oil control.
  • Serum: Light serum available which hydrates with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
  • Moisturizer: Lightweight gel based moisturizer which is oil free and does not clog the pores.
  • Sunscreen: Contains a range of worrying factors including SPF 30 or more matte or oil free according to one’s preference.

Night Routine:

  • Cleanser: similar to morning or use a two-step cleansing method (cleansing oil first, then water-based cleanser) to remove all traces of makeup.
  • Exfoliator: A salicylic acid based exfoliant used 2-3 times a week in order to keep pores clear.
  • Serum/Treatment: Anti-aging active such as retinol or vitamin C serum used to treat acne otherwise active ingredients that encourage skin renewal.
  • Moisturizer: An oil free, smooth over cream or a light non-comedogenic gel based night cream.


2. Dry Skin

Dull and dry skin is often described as taut, has often a crusty appearance and is increasingly prone to irritations in some individuals. Ensure to emphasize moisture and retain hydration.

Morning Routine:

  • Cleanser: Gentle cleanser with creamy consistency that will hydrate the skin instead of removing the oils.
  • Toner: A toner without alcohol, and able to rehydrate with materials such as glycerol or rosewater.
  • Serum: Serum with hyaluronic acid aimed at skin hydration and skin plumpness.
  • Moisturizer: A rich cream based moisturizer which consists of ceramides or squalene.
  • Sunscreen: An SPF of 30 and above with hydrating properties with the sunscreen.

Night Routine:

  • Cleanser: Same cleanser as in the morning, or cleaning balm for more hydration.
  • Exfoliant: Gentle AHA exfoliant (lactic acid for example) used 1-2 times weekly.
  • Serum/Treatment: Further hydration can be achieved by introducing a facial nourishing oil like a jojoba oil or marula oil. 
  • Moisturizer: It can be an Envelope cream containing moisture containing ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, etc to help lock in the moisture.

3. Combination Skin

This type of skin includes both dry and oily skin. Primarily, oily skin is found in the T zone and the rest of the cheeks are dry. Therefore, it requires a balanced method.

Morning Routine:

  • Cleanser: A gentle foaming or gel cleanser effective in removing excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated.
  • Toner: A balancing toner that may contain niacinamide for the control of oil and retention of moisture.
  • Serum: Lightweight water-based serum such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that is non-comedogenic.
  • Moisturizer: A light GEL-MOIST cream that provides moisture without the heaviness.
  • Sunscreen: SPF ladder 30 or above- broad spectrum sunscreen preferably gel-based.

Night Routine:

  • Cleanser: Apply the same product as used in the morning or double cleanse making sure all makeup and oil are lifted.
  • Exfoliator: Gentle exfoliators such as BHA or AHA can be accustomed two to three times a week concentrating on the t zone.
  • Serum/Treatment: Brightening with vitamin c serum, or a moisturizing serum if the skin feels taut.
  • Moisturizer: Apply a light texture cream or a night cream for combination skin and if necessary a heavier cream on the dry patches only.

4. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is also quite reactive as far as products and environmental factors are concerned. There is a need to focus on gentle, soothing as well as non-irritating products.

Morning Routine:

  • Cleanser: Creamy, scentless cleanser that is specially designed for sensitive skin.
  • Toner: An Alcohol Free Calming Toner that contains ingredients like aloevera or chamomile.
  • Serum: Gentle moisturizer and barrier support in the form of niacinamide serum or hyaluronic acid serum.
  • Moisturizer: A fragrance free cream with calming additives such as colloidal oatmeal or ceramides.
  • Sunscreen: A mineral sunscreen (i.e. SPF 30 or above) made of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to prevent any irritation.

Night Routine:

  • Cleanser: Same as used in the morning or powerless cleansing micellar water.
  • Exfoliator: Mild exfoliating agent such as lactic acid can be used on a very low frequency and skipped if irritation was present.
  • Serum/Treatment: A relaxing serum with topical agents such as green tea, C.  Asiatica and azelaic acid.
  • Moisturizer: Application of a more emollient cream at night with soothing agents like ceramide or shea butter to help in skin recovery.

5. Mature Skin

Anti-aging ingredients, additional moisture, and products that increase skin elasticity will all work well on mature skin.

Morning Routine:

  • Cleanser: Use a hydrating cleanser so that the skin’s oils are not stripped off.
  • Toner: Use hydrating toner, rich in vitamins such as C or antioxidants such as green tea.
  • Serum: Application of Vitamin C serum aids in brightening and increasing the levels of collagen.
  • Moisturizer: Use heavy or serum based moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid and peptides. 
  • Sunscreens: Broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 and above, and with antioxidant properties is the ideal one.

Night Routine:

  • Cleanser: The same as morning or use double cleanse if makeup is applied.
  • Exfoliator: Use glycolic acid, a gentle AHA, for 2-3 times a week to hasten cell turn over.
  • Serum/Treatment: Serum with retinol or retinoid for collagen boosting and fine line shrinking.
  • Moisturizer: Cream to be used overnight which abounds in peptides, hyaluronic acid and other antioxidants.