The best skincare routine guide for all skin types: Products included (2023)

First, cleanse your face with a gentle, mild cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, and oil. Gently pat your face dry with a towel while avoiding any rubbing. Do not apply any skincare products after this.

Wait and Observe

Allow your skin to return to its natural state. Wait for about an hour, during which your skin will replenish its natural oils. Resist the urge to touch your face during this waiting period, as this can interfere with the end result.

Examine your Skin

After waiting, examine your skin closely using a mirror. You can also use a clean tissue to blot different areas of your face.

Normal Skin: This will feel balanced—not too dry or oily. It usually appears clear, with minimal blemishes, and has a smooth texture with small, barely visible pores. This skin type rarely experiences sensitivity.

Dry Skin: If your skin feels tight, especially after cleansing, it might be dry. Dry skin can flake, itch, or show signs of roughness and redness. Fine lines and wrinkles may also be more noticeable. The pores will often look small. Dry skin lacks the necessary amount of oil to keep it moisturised, which can be due to genetics, environmental factors, or aging.

Oily Skin: If your face appears shiny and feels greasy to touch, particularly in the T-zone, then it is likely to be an oily skin type. Oily skin overproduces sebum, leading to larger pores and a glossier look. Due to the excess oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores, it is also more prone to acne outbreaks and blackheads.

Combination Skin: As the name implies, this skin type is a mix of dry and oily. You might have an oily T-zone, but dry or normal skin on your cheeks. It can be challenging to manage since different facial areas require different care.

Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin may react to certain products or environmental factors with redness, itching, burning, or dryness. It often requires hypoallergenic and soothing formulas to avoid irritants.

If you’re unsure about your skin type, consider paying a visit to us for a professional assessment. Also, remember that your skin type can change over time due to age, hormones, diet and climate. This is why it’s always good to reassess your skin type on a regular basis.

Essential products for an effective skincare routine

Establishing an effective skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. While the specifics can vary based on your skin type and concerns, there are certain essential products that can form the backbone of any effective routine.

Cleanser

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. A good cleanser removes dirt, oil, and other impurities from your skin, providing a clean slate for subsequent products. If you have dry skin, a hydrating, creamy cleanser is ideal. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming or gel cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid can be beneficial.

Toner

Once your skin is clean, the next step is toning. Toners balance the skin’s pH level and further remove any leftover dirt or makeup that the cleanser might have missed. They also help hydrate and prep your skin for the next products in your routine. Choose a toner that suits your skin type—alcohol-free options are generally better as they’re less drying.

Exfoliator

An exfoliator is an essential part of any routine. It helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to dullness and breakouts. Physical exfoliators have small granules to manually scrub away dead skin, while chemical ones use active ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Because exfoliation can be harsh, limit it to 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

Serum

Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients into your skin. They can target specific issues like ageing, pigmentation, or dehydration. Look for a serum with antioxidants like vitamin C for daytime use and consider retinol or peptides for nighttime to support skin repair and renewal.

Moisturiser

No matter your skin type, moisturising is essential. A good moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated, strengthens its protective barrier, and helps maintain its youthful appearance. For dry skin, opt for cream-based moisturisers. If you have oily skin, lighter formulas or gels can provide hydration without making you feel uncomfortable.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a crucial step in any skincare routine, especially in sunny Singapore. Daily use helps to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it even on cloudy days.

Developing the right habits

Hydrate

When it comes to lifestyle choices, hydration plays a pivotal role in delivering essential nutrients to skin cells, replenishing skin tissue and enhancing its elasticity.

Eat right

A balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats contributes significantly to your skin’s health. Foods rich in antioxidants combat free radicals that cause skin damage, while omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin’s oil barrier, thereby aiding hydration.

Sleep well

Getting adequate sleep is also essential for healthy skin. While you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, creating new cells and healing damage from the day. A lack of sleep can lead to a dull complexion, dark circles, and more visible fine lines. Therefore, strive for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to give your skin ample time to rejuvenate.

Reduce stress

Stress management is another crucial factor in maintaining skin health. Chronic stress can worsen skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema, and can accelerate skin ageing. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or simple breathing exercises can be effective in managing stress levels.

Exercise

Regular physical activity is also beneficial for your skin. Exercise boosts circulation, which nourishes skin cells by carrying oxygen and nutrients to them and promotes the removal of toxins through sweat.

Stop or reduce smoking and drinking

It’s crucial to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Both these habits can accelerate skin ageing, deplete skin of essential nutrients, and lead to dehydration, resulting in premature wrinkles and a dull complexion.

Stay on track with your skincare

Achieving good skin doesn’t need to be difficult. At SkinLab, we believe your skincare should work harder for you. Our treatments, like the award-winning Derma Roller Facial, helps with enhancing the absorption of skincare products on top of its clinical benefits.

Let our team of experienced, well-trained therapists take good care of your skin.

Make an appointment with us now.