We all live increasingly busy lives and as a result, having the motivation to keep up with your multi-step skincare regime can be, well with want of a better phrase… really hard. Especially when in order to even find a skincare regime that works for your skin you need to figure out what your skin really needs. This, by its very nature, is fraught with frustrations, but once you understand what your skin needs and how to cater to it accordingly, you’ll actually save yourself a lot of time and money in the future.
This means finding out what your skin type is pronto. Most people fit into one of the main categories; dry, mature, sensitive, or oily and acne-prone. Because these skin types are all different, the ingredients and products needed for them are too. For example, if you’ve been using harsh acne products because you thought you had oily skin, only to find it leaves your skin as dry as the Sahara Desert, it might be time for a reevaluation of your current skincare routine.
Skin is inherently individual to each of us, so if you’re struggling to find a skincare routine that’s answering your specific needs, you’re not alone. It can all seem a bit overwhelming at times, but never fear… we are here to offer you a simple and precise guide for discovering what your skin type is, and the best products to suit it.
What are the most common skin types?
Acne-prone skin
Acne or blemish-prone skin is likely pretty self-explainable, and those who have it will experience frequent breakouts. This skin type can be worse during certain ages and is common amongst teenagers due to hormonal changes. However, there are a lot of ingredients and products that are used to treat breakouts.
Dry Skin
If you experience dry patches, or your skin can be flakey it’s likely you fit into the dry skin category. People who have dry skin often describe it as being exasperated during the colder seasons, and they tend to find it more manageable in the summer. Dry skin is one of the most common skin concerns our clients describe, and the best way to treat it is by using a range of rich and hydrating skin products.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can manifest as dryness and requires you to use a specific range of products while avoiding ingredients that can be harsh and drying. Sometimes sensitive skin can cause eczema if the wrong products or treatments are used.
Mature skin
As we age, we produce less oestrogen. As oestrogen helps your skin retain moisture, the reduced levels of this hormone during menopause cause your skin to struggle to hold onto hydration. You may notice your once oily or combination skin now feels dehydrated, tight, and flaky. The skin’s natural ability to stay hydrated declines, leading to more frequent dry patches and an overall sense of dryness, and this has the unfortunate byproduct of making your skin more prone to irritation, with a lack of moisture leaving it vulnerable to external aggressors.
How to choose a skincare routine based on your skin type
Although you can tailor your specific skincare to your individual needs, there are a few non-negotiables for all types. Everyone, regardless of their type, should have a good cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF in their skincare routine.
The best skincare routine for acne-prone skin
A good skincare routine is key if you struggle with blemishes and breakouts. The secret is incorporating products designed to eliminate excess oil and balance your complexion. Murad’s blue range is the voice of reason your skin desperately needs.
The Clarifying Cleanser is your first line of defence. It’s loaded with salicylic acid to dive deep into pores and kick out the gunk and baddies that may be causing your breakouts. It’s kind of like an eviction notice for your pimples.
Next, the Outsmart Blemish Clarifying Treatment steps in. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and works to target multiple acne triggers at once which means no more throwing five different products at your face and hoping for the best.
Then, there’s the Age Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Acne-prone skin needs sun protection too, but the wrong sunscreen can make things worse. This one is perfect for those who suffer from breakouts because it incorporates retinol, which is essentially kryptonite to acne prone skin, and it also delivers hydration, without clogging the pores.
There’s also a very persistent wives tale that if you have acne prone skin you have to ‘dry it out’ but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hydrated skin will repair itself faster, meaning you will have active breakouts for less time, and you will minimise the chances of scarring or damage that acne can cause. This being said, make sure you are armed with a moisturiser that is hydrating without being too thick, the Nutrient Charged Water Gel is the perfect product for the job.
The best skincare routine for dry skin
The glow-getters among us (all of us) are always seeking products that give us that lit-from-within glow. But if your skin type fits within the dry skin category the road to achieving it can be even more difficult… While we may be stating the obvious here the key is hydration, hydration, hydration! Skincare products that are high in plumping ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid are undoubtedly the bread and butter when it comes to achieving healthy, hydrated skin. Here are a few of our favourites for those of whose skin tends to dry out no matter the season…
First up, the Renewing Cleansing Cream or the Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser. These products gently cleanse without that awful tight, Sahara-desert feeling. Instead, it leaves your skin soft, fresh, and actually happy.
Next, meet your new best friend: the Revitalixir Recovery Serum. This little miracle worker is packed with niacinamide and caffeine, because your face deserves an energy boost too. It soothes dryness, reduces redness, and gives you that “I drink two litres of water a day” glow (even if you don’t).
To seal all that moisture in you’re going to want to reach for the Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturiser. This product is good for just about any skin type if we’re honest, rich and luxurious, but never greasy, it keeps your skin feeling bouncy and plump all day long. And don’t forget the City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50, because dry skin is still vulnerable to sun damage, and we’re all trying to age like fine wine, not expired milk. It’s a multi-award winning product for a reason.
The best skincare routine for sensitive skin
If your skin has the tendency to be a bit of a sensitive-Sally try reaching for products filled with soothing and calming ingredients. Also, avoid doing too much at once and instead opt for introducing your products slowly and giving your skin time to adjust.
Opt for a calming cleanser like the Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser so you don’t overwhelm the skin. Next, look for ingredients such as niacinamide which effectively repair and restore the skin barrier (one of the number one causes of sensitive skin). Luckily for you, Murad has an entire range dedicated to doing exactly that (look for the purple products), so you’ll be in good hands. The Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum will help to gently sooth your skin while also effectively restoring your skins protective barrier. The Cellular Hydration Repair Cream will lock all of that in and you’ll have glowing skin (without the adverse reactions).
The best skincare routine for mature skin
Mature skin is basically just skin that’s been through a bit. Over time, collagen levels drop, hydration decreases, and fine lines start making themselves at home. But just because ageing is inevitable doesn’t mean you can’t slow things down.
The AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a must. It gently removes dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion underneath. Think of it as a gentle refresh button for your face. Then, let the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum work its magic. Retinol is the gold standard for anti-ageing, helping to boost collagen, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin texture. It’s basically skincare’s answer to time travel.
To lock everything in, the Intense Recovery Cream deeply hydrates and soothes, ensuring your skin stays plump and healthy. And of course, a targeted treatment like the Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment will help you get your desired results, quicker. Don’t forget to finish your routine with an eye treatment too, the Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of deep set lines and wrinkles, making it perfect for mature skin.
Ready to level up your skincare game?
Skincare products can be a bit like knives, in the way that you can definitely get away with only having a few, but quality does matter. Knowing what your skin needs are is crucial to ensuring it gets the right treatment, so start by identifying your skin type, get the basics right and go from there. If you’re still lost, take our skin quiz to find out the best skincare regime for you in five short minutes.