Skincare Product Recommendations
Firstly you need to establish your skin type so you can figure out the products in the four steps of my simple routine you want to look for. Oily, Dehydrated, Dry, Combination are all terms commonly used. Normal is not a term I would use associated with skin – there literally is no normal! When I ask people what they think their skin type is a lot of people say ‘I don’t know’ which generally means you have Combination skin. If it was one of the extremes you would know about it. Possibly a sometimes shiny t-zone and less oily cheeks. Sometimes people say they have Sensitive skin too but I would say this is an issue you have alongside being drier or oilier as well and by treating the skin correctly to your skin type then the sensitivity should ease. (If this is the case though tread carefully, you don’t want anything to cause a reaction. I would always keep it simple if this is the case and use very few products to start off with.) You might find that as you treat your skin correctly your skin type changes as it balances out.
These days products aren’t always labelled into these classic skin types – they won’t necessarily say ‘for oily skin’ or ‘best for dry skin’ so I find looking out for these key words helpful:
Oily/ oily to combination skin buzz words:
On cleanser: Clarifying , cream wash, lather, purified, refreshing, clearing, blemish prone
On moisturiser: Light, lightweight, lotion, water based, mattifying
Ingredients to look out for: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, glycolic acid, hylaronic acid
Dry/ Dehydrated to combination skin buzz words:
On cleanser: Balm, cream, hydrating, rich, nourishing, hydrates, calming
On moisturiser: Hydrating, rich, cream, nourishing, hydrating, oil, illuminating, brightening
Ingredients to look out for: Lactic acid, aloe vera, squalene, glycolic acid,
hyalaronic acid
Alternatively you can look for a treatment for a particular concern ie redness, pigmentation, blemish prone etc. I find focusing on just one issue easier to start off with. Most skin is never just one type. Identify what it is that bothers you most about your skin (blemishes, sensitivity, dry patches, redness etc) and then get a moisturiser/cleanser (or whatever product you are buying) to address that. ie a moisturiser to treat redness or a cleanser that helps to reduce oiliness.
I have broken down some product recommendations in each category. Unless I say it is for a particular skin type it would be good for everyone.
Cleanser:
The Body Shop, Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter – a great value cleansing balm.
Face Theory, Clarifying Cleanser C2 – Best suited for an oilier skin type
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – my first ever experience of a cleansing balm and I still love it! Great for all skin types but particularly the more dehydrated.
Beauty Pie, Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser – an amazing all round cleanser.
Acid: (exfoliator)
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic – gentle enough to be used everyday
Pixi Glow Tonic – a real cult favourite, that works fantastically at a really great price.
Serum:
Beautypie – they offer a range of serums for a multitude of skin concerns and types – there really is something for everyone
REN Evercalm Anti Redness Serum – a calming, soothing serum perfect for drier more sensitive skin types
Suerdrug Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum – perfect worn alone for a more oily skin or as a serum under moisturiser for a drier skin.
Moisturiser:
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion- a great lightweight moisturiser perfect for spot prone skin
Aveeno Cream – a great value cream for really dry skin or a perfect night cream in the winter for those with with a slightly dehydrated skin
Beautpie – Beautypie have so many affordable moisturiers for morning and night and all skin concerns
Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion – Lovely moisturiser with the added bonus of an SPF.
I’ve tried to list different ones suitable to different budgets. I am in no way affiliated with any of these brands, they are just ones that I have tried over the years so you might even have product recommendations for me! Please do get in touch if you want to discuss any purchases or skincare routines, I’m always happy to help!
