When it comes to skincare, there are so many options that it can feel quite overwhelming and somewhat confusing. With a ton of cleansers, toners, scrubs, moisturisers, and serums available, all claiming to give you the best skin ever, it can be challenging to figure out what skincare products are best suited for your skin type.

The most important part of building a skincare routine is knowing what your skin type is. When you know your skin type it makes it easy to choose the right products. Here are categories of skin types that can make it easier for you when choosing products:

• Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some parts (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or itch after you use some other products.
• Normal skin is balanced, clear, and not sensitive.

Choosing the right cleanser

Cleansing your skin is the first step for any skincare routine as it will remove any dirt, excess oils, and impurities on the skin. Those with dry or sensitive skin, look for a cleanser with moisturising properties to ensure that oils are not removed from your skin and keep away from foaming cleansers that can dry out your skin.  If you have oily or combination skin, you should get those that are lighter and won’t clog your pores, such as a foaming cleanser or a cleansing bar.

 Moisturising is key

Finding the right moisturiser for your skin type is an important step in your skincare, it needs to hydrate and restore your skin efficiently without leaving it feeling greasy and feeling heavy. A lot of people with oily skin also tend to make the mistake of not moisturizing, but this can be dangerous as when your skin is dehydrated, it will compensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil and that is not good for your skin. When you have oily skin, lighter lotion formulas are better suited for you as they will hydrate (add water to) your skin and not add more oil. If you have normal skin, use a lotion or light cream. If you have very dry skin, use a heavy cream that takes a minute or two to absorb into your skin, you can apply it more than once a day.

Make sunscreen your best friend

This step is important because SPF is the most essential treatment for your skin with many benefits, and you don’t have to use it only in summer but in all seasons. The more sun protection you use, the better your skin. The powerful UVA and UVB rays of the sun result in premature ageing, fine lines, wrinkles dark spots, and also skin cancer. This is why wearing sunscreen is important, you must make sure you look for a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Choose a sunscreen based on your skin type, your climate, and how intense your sun exposure is.

• For oily skin, choose a very light lotion for your sunscreen.
• For normal skin, choose a lotion or a light cream, and for dry skin, a rich cream.
• For mature and drier skin, look for a sunscreen that adds some repair to it.

You don’t need to break the bank balance to get healthy and beautiful skin. The best way to take care of your skin starts with just the basics and you can achieve the best results.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).