I recently wrote about living with psoriasis and my recent diagnosis and how I had been conscientious about the products I use on my body because I have highly sensitive skin.
With so many products to choose from, it’s sometimes difficult to find which facial formula works best. I’m going to share easy day-to-night routines for four different skin types:
Skin that’s free of obvious issues (what some call normal and others combo) tends to be oily along the t-zone and dry on the cheeks, so you need to pick products with dual functions.
Cleanser
Use a mild glycolic acid or gentle non-soap wash such as CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($12 at drugstores) that won’t strip away too much oil but will still help eradicate dirt and dead skin cells trapped in pores.
Day Lotion
A light moisturizer such as Honest Face + Body lotion ($9.95 online or at Target) with organic olive, shea, jojoba, and safflower oils helps nourish and support the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Night Treatment
Creams with retinol or alpha hydroxy acids such Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($22 at drugstores) help unclog pores and improve fine lines. “Apply sparingly only where you see blemishes or creases,” says Amy Wechsler, a New York City dermatologist.
Keep pores clear, and don’t over dry, which can result in rebound greasiness. But don’t forgo moisturizing products—just be sure they won’t cause blemishes.
Cleanser
For a deep clean, wash morning and night. Consider using a facial cleansing brush such as the Clarisonic Smart Profile 4 ($149 at select retailers and online).
Day Lotion
Although your skin might not require much extra moisture, it does need the protection of a broad-spectrum sunscreen year round. Look for an oil-free lotion with SPF 15 such as Garnier Moisture Rescue Actively Hydrating Daily Lotion Fragrance Free ($12 at drugstores).
Night Treatment
Oily skin tends to be hardy and can tolerate potent ingredients. Use a retinol night cream to dry up sebum and firm skin such as Derma-E Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Crème ($13 at vitaminshoppe.com).
To care for this type of complexion, add as much moisture as possible because your skin doesn’t produce adequate oil. And work to repair age-related damage (wrinkles, discoloration).
Cleanser
Choose a rich, creamy formula such as Yes to Blueberries Smoothing Daily Cleanser ($10 online and at drugstores) and smooth it on with a wet washcloth to exfoliate gently. If your skin is extremely dry, cleanse only at night. In the morning, just splash your face with warm water.
Day Lotion
To stave off wrinkles and spots, every day apply a cream with a humectant, like ceramides, plus sunscreen such as Olay Regenerist DNA Superstructure UV Cream SPF 25 ($25 at drugstores).
Night Treatment
Topical retinoids are the gold standard for plumping wrinkles and evening out tone; they can be drying, so start slowly with L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair ($20 at drugstores).
If your skin is easily irritated, you need to be extra careful when choosing and using products. Pick those that contain few ingredients, are fragrance-free, and offer soothing hydration.
Cleanser
Steer clear of irritants, such as glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids, and use a cleanser with calming botanicals, like feverfew and oatmeal such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser ($7 at drugstores). To avoid over drying, wash only in the evening. If your skin is easily irritated such as mine, you need to be extra careful when choosing and using products. Pick those that contain few ingredients, are fragrance-free, and offer soothing hydration.
Day Lotion
Opt for a moisturizer with sun-blocking minerals such as Argan Oil Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 with argan oil, rosehip oil, green tea, and herbal extracts to soften and nourish skin.
Night Treatment
Use a cream with antioxidants, like green tea and pomegranate such as Lumene Sensitive Touch Comforting Night Cream ($20, walgreens.com).
No matter which type of skin you have, there’s a product or technique that should work for you. But you shouldn’t have to pay big money for tiny amounts of a supposedly magical face cream. By paying attention to a product’s active ingredients and choosing one based on your unique needs, you can find great cleansers, moisturizers, and skin treatments. Whether you’re shopping the drugstore or your storage room shelves, a tight budget shouldn’t be a reason you skip a daily skin care routine.
What are your best budget tips for skin care?
