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Skincare Routine for All Skin Types A complete clinical routine designed for normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

1. Morning Routine

Step 1: Cleanser

Cleansing removes overnight oils and supports the skin’s natural barrier.


Recommended by skin type:

  • Dry / Mature Skin: Hydrating cream or milk cleanser (ceramides, glycerin).

  • Oily / Acne-Prone Skin: Foaming or gel cleanser (salicylic acid or zinc PCA).

  • Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser (centella, allantoin).

  • Normal / Combination: Gentle gel cleanser.


Step 2: Toner or Essences (Optional)

Balances pH, prepares skin for active ingredients.

  • Hydrating toner: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol.

  • Clarifying toner: Salicylic acid, witch hazel (oily skin only).

  • Soothing toner: Chamomile, centella (for sensitive skin).


Step 3: Active Serum

Choose your serum based on your main skin concern:

  • Brightening & antioxidants: Vitamin C

  • Hydration support: Hyaluronic Acid

  • Oil regulation & pores: Niacinamide

  • Redness reduction: Azelaic acid

  • Acne prevention: Salicylic Acid


Step 4: Moisturizer – Barrier Protection

Every skin type needs barrier support.

  • Dry / Mature: Ceramide-rich creams, squalane, peptides.

  • Oily: Light, oil-free gel moisturizer.

  • Sensitive: Hypoallergenic moisturizers without fragrance.

  • Normal / Combo: Gel-cream or lightweight lotion.


Step 5: Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30–50)

The most essential protective step.

  • Oily: Gel, fluid or water-based SPF.

  • Dry: Cream SPF with hydrating ingredients.

  • Sensitive: Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide).


2. Evening Routine

Step 1: Makeup Removal or First Cleanse

  • Use micellar water, cleansing oil, or balm cleanser.

  • Ideal for removing makeup, SPF, and pollution.


Step 2: Second Cleanse (Double Cleanse Method)

Ensures pores are fully clean and reduces breakouts.

  • Use the same morning cleanser.


Step 3: Exfoliation (2–3 times per week only)

Clinical exfoliants improve texture, unclog pores, and support cell turnover.

  • Dry: Lactic acid (gentle AHA).

  • Oily: Salicylic acid (BHA).

  • Combination: Glycolic acid (AHA).

  • Sensitive: Enzyme exfoliants (papain, bromelain).

⚠️ Avoid daily exfoliation — it damages the skin barrier.


Step 4: Night (Choose ONE per night)

Retinoids (Anti-aging + Acne)

  • Retinol / Retinaldehyde (start 2× per week).

  • Restores collagen, reduces pigmentation, prevents acne.

Niacinamide

  • Balances oil, strengthens the barrier, reduces redness.

Azelaic Acid

  • Safe for all skin types, including sensitive.

  • Treats acne, rosacea, pigmentation.

Hyaluronic Acid

  • Deep hydration for dry or stressed skin.

Step 5: Night Cream / Barrier Repair Moisturizer

  • Dry: Thick cream with ceramides + urea.

  • Oily: Lightweight gel.

  • Sensitive: Fragrance-free ceramide cream.

  • Normal: Standard moisturizing cream.


3. Weekly

(Optional)

Face Masks (1–2 times/week)

  • Dry: Hydrating mask (hyaluronic acid, amino acids).

  • Oily: Clay mask (kaolin/bentonite).

  • Combination: Multimasking (clay on T-zone, hydration on cheeks).

  • Sensitive: Calming mask (centella, calendula).

Chemical Peels (Professional Clinic Only)

Ideal for:

  • Acne-prone skin

  • Pigmentation

  • Dull texture

  • Fine lines

Peels should be applied by a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist.



REFERENCES

Dermatology Textbooks

  1. Bolognia, J., Schaffer, J., & Cerroni, L. Dermatology (4th ed.). Elsevier, 2018.– Covers physiology, skin types, barrier function, and treatment strategies.

  2. Draelos, Z. D. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Wiley-Blackwell, 2015.– Evidence-based guidance for moisturizers, actives, and skin-type-specific care.

Peer-Reviewed Studies

  1. Misery, L., et al. (2018). “Sensitive skin in dermatology.” JEADV.

  2. Saint-Martory, C., et al. (2008). “Sensitive skin is not limited to the face.” BJD.

  3. Zaenglein, A. L., et al. (2016). “Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris.” JAAD.

  4. Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). “Moisturization and skin barrier function.” Dermatologic Therapy.

  5. Lodén, M. (2003). “Role of moisturizers in dry and dehydrated skin.” AJCD.

  6. Kafi, R., et al. (2007). “Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol).” Archives of Dermatology.

  7. Farris, P. K. (2005). “Topical antioxidants in dermatology.” JAAD.

  8. Proksch, E., Brandner, J. M., & Jensen, J. M. (2008). “The skin: an indispensable barrier.” Experimental Dermatology.

  9. Mills, O. H., et al. (2017). “Role of salicylic acid in treating oily and combination skin.” JDRP.

  10. Bowe, W. P., & Logan, A. C. (2010). “Acne vulgaris, probiotics, and diet.” JCAD.

 
 
 

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