Skincare Routine for Every Skin Type

Finding the right skincare routine shouldn’t be a trial and error process. At PSA Skincare, we provide precise solutions that cater directly to the unique characteristics of your skin type.

Our approach is simple: effective, scientifically-backed solutions designed for everyone, regardless of your skin type.

How to Identify Your Skin Type?

Let’s start with the basics - determining your skin type is crucial for applying the correct skincare products. If you’re not sure about your skin needs, here are a few simple methods to help you identify your skin type at home:

The “Bare-Face” Method: 

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry. 
   
   
2. Leave your skin bare (without applying any additional moisturizers, serums, or treatments). 
   
   
3. After 30 minutes, examine your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead for any shine. 
   
   
4. After another 30 minutes, evaluate whether your skin feels parched, especially when you make facial expressions.

• Dry: If your skin feels tight, your skin is likely dry. 
• Normal/combination: If there is noticeable shine on your nose and forehead, your skin is probably normal/combination. 
• Oily: If there is shine on your cheeks in addition to your forehead and nose, you likely have oily skin.

The “Blotting Sheet” Method: 

This method is quicker and often more effective in distinguishing between oily, dry, and combination skin types. 

1. Gently pat some blotting paper on different areas of your face. 
   
   
2. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. 

• Dry: If the sheet picked up little to no oil, you likely have dry skin. 
• Normal/combination: If the blotting paper shows oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is normal/combination. 
• Oily: If the paper is saturated with oil, it is very likely that you have oily skin.

While categorizing skin into dry, oily, or normal types offers a useful starting point, it’s a very simplified view that doesn’t account for the full spectrum of individual skin concerns. 

Your skincare routine demands a more holistic approach, combining insights from these basic categories with a deeper understanding of your specific skin concerns. That way, you can tailor your routine to address particular issues effectively.

What Skin Routine Should You Use?

Maintaining a vibrant complexion every day can feel like a high-maintenance chore. You might spend precious morning minutes layering serums and creams, hoping for that perfect glow, only to see your skin rebel against your efforts. 

If you find yourself wondering, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ you're not alone. It might simply be a matter of understanding your skin’s specific needs. 

• Normal Skin: This skin type is well-balanced, neither too oily nor too dry, and typically free from severe sensitivities. Keeping this equilibrium is key, and it starts with gentle, effective care.

• Dry Skin: Tight, flaky, and sometimes itchy, dry skin craves moisture and protection against the elements to restore its smoothness and prevent further dryness.

• Oily Skin: With a tendency to produce more sebum, oily skin can appear shiny and is more prone to acne. The goal is to balance your skin’s natural oils and prevent excessive shine without over-drying.

• Combination Skin: If your face has areas that are both oily and dry, you have combination skin. This type requires a dual approach to address these contrasting needs effectively.

• Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated by common ingredients, sensitive skin requires sensitive products to reduce the likelihood of inflammatory reactions. Technically, the term “sensitive skin” is not a skin type, it is a concern.

Step by Step Skincare Routines

No matter your skin type, a comprehensive skincare routine including cleansing, serum, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen is essential. These steps help maintain the health of your skin barrier, prevent premature aging, and protect against environmental pollutants.

To make your life easier, we have separated our products into categories for each skin type, you can find this under our main website menu.

Normal Skin Routine

1. Cleansing: Kick off your routine with the RESET Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser. This gentle formula is enriched with Acai Berry extract, known for its antioxidant properties, and Manuka Honey, celebrated for its soothing and antibacterial benefits. Together, they cleanse your skin while preserving its natural harmony.
   
   
2. Toning: Follow up with a toner that's designed to not only refresh but also prepare your skin for what's next. So, continue with a balancing toner like our HEROINE Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner. Mandelic acid gently exfoliates, while licorice root diminishes the appearance of dark spots, preparing your skin for further treatment.
   
   
3. Moisturizing: Choose a lightweight moisturizer that continues the theme of balance. Ingredients like Niacinamide are perfect for this, as they help maintain the skin's moisture barrier while controlling sebum levels to keep your skin looking fresh and feeling hydrated. You can achieve this with the SILVER LINING Dioic & Willowherb Clarifying Cream. 
   
   
4. Sun Protection: Consistent application of SPF is crucial. So, make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Pick a formula that aligns with your skin type to ensure effective protection without causing irritation, helping you maintain your skin’s health and appearance.

Dry Skin Routine

1. Cleanser: Begin your routine with the RESET Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser. This hydrating cleanser is carefully formulated to cleanse without removing your skin's natural oils, which is essential for maintaining moisture levels and preventing dryness.
   
   
2. Serum: Follow up with THE MOST Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum. Its high concentration of Sodium Hyaluronate deeply hydrates the skin, making it an excellent choice for those struggling with dryness and dehydration. This serum provides lasting moisture and plump up the skin's appearance.
   
   
3. Moisturizer: Choose a rich moisturizer like the SILVER LINING Dioic & Willowherb Clarifying Cream. It hydrates and improves skin texture, leaving your complexion smooth and soft.
   
   
4. Night Serum: To further enhance your skin's overnight recovery process, use the GOALS Multi Acids & Probiotics Perfecting Night Serum. This luxurious serum blends nourishing ingredients such as Glycolic, Lactic, Pyruvic Acid, BHA & PHA, Probiotics, Niacinamide & Tamanu Oil to provide intensive nourishment and revitalize your skin while you sleep. Its potent formula is designed to deeply nourish and leave your skin glowing.
   

Oily Skin Routine

1. Cleanser: Begin with RESET Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser that effectively eliminates excess oil without stripping your skin. Thorough cleansing is crucial to prevent the overproduction of oil that often leads to breakouts. Leave it on for 2 minutes, before you rinse it out.
   
   
2. Toner: Follow with the HEROINE Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner. This product helps you reduce shine and refine pores while maintaining essential moisture for a balanced finish. Mandelic acid serves as a mild exfoliator, tightening and clearing your pores.
   
   
3. Serum: For targeted treatment, use LIQUID CLARITY BHA & Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster as needed. You can use it mixed into your favorite serum or alone as a targeted treatment. Incorporate it into your routine 2-3 times a week or as a spot treatment to help unclog pores, reduce acne, and improve skin texture.
   
   
4. Moisturizer: Contrary to a common skincare myth, oily skin needs moisturizer. So, make sure to apply the SILVER LINING Dioic & Willowherb Clarifying Cream. Its lightweight formulation is perfect for oily skin as it hydrates while also helping to control oil production throughout the day. Formulated with Dioic Acid and Willowherb, the moisturizer will also help clarify your complexion and achieve radiance.
   
   
5. Night Serum: At night, use the GOALS Multi Acids & Probiotics Perfecting Night Serum. This serum adjusts oil levels and clarifies your complexion with a targeted blend of acids and probiotics, promoting a clearer, more radiant appearance by morning.

Combination Skin Routine

1. Cleanser: Use the RESET Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser. This balanced cleanser effectively cleans without exacerbating dry or oily patches, maintaining a harmonious complexion.
   
   
2. Toner: Apply the HEROINE Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner. This versatile toner addresses oiliness in the T-zone while being gentle enough not to dry out the cheeks.
   
   
3. Serum: For a versatile option, consider the LIQUID PANACEA Centella & Kombucha Firming Recovery Booster or THE MOST Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum. These booster serums are hydrating and calming, suitable for all areas of your face without overloading the skin.
   
   
4. Moisturizer: Use the SILVER LINING Dioic & Willowherb Clarifying Cream. This medium-weight moisturizer hydrates without causing congestion and balances moisture levels effectively across your face.
   
   
5. Spot Treatment: For targeted care, use the LIQUID CLARITY BHA & Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster on oily areas and breakouts. This treatment helps reduce excess oil and address blemishes without affecting the drier parts of your face.

Sensitive Skin Routine

1. Cleanser: Opt for a very gentle, fragrance-free cleanser like the RESET Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser. This cleanser minimizes potential irritants, helping to prevent reactions and keep your skin calm and comfortable.
   
   
2. Serum: Incorporate a serum with soothing ingredients like LIQUID PANACEA Centella & Kombucha Firming Recovery Booster. Centella Asiatica is known for its ability to reduce redness and calm irritation, making this serum ideal for sensitive skin. This vegan product can be used alone or mixed with THE MOST Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum.
   
   
3. Moisturizer: Use a calming, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties moisturizer such as the SILVER LINING Dioic & Willowherb Clarifying Cream. This product supports your skin’s delicate balance and enhances its natural defenses against environmental stresses.
   
   
4. Night Oil: In the evening, apply MIDNIGHT COURAGE Rosehip & Bakuchiol Retinoid Oil. This oil soothes and reduces irritation while fortifying the skin's barrier with its rich blend of nourishing oils.

Advanced Tips and Common Mistakes

Keeping your skin healthy and glowing can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield of dos and don'ts. Here are some advanced tips and common mistakes to help you maintain a balanced and effective skincare routine:

Advanced Tips:

• Patch Test New Products: Before incorporating a new product into your routine, always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure it doesn't cause irritation or breakouts.
  
  
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key in skincare. Stick to your routine and give products time to work before expecting results. Abrupt changes can lead to skin instability.
  
  
• Layer Products Correctly: Apply products in the correct order—cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day. This ensures maximum absorption and effectiveness.
  
  
• Listen to Your Skin: Adjust your routine based on your skin’s needs. If your skin feels dry, switch to products with more hydrating ingredients, especially during summer. If it's oily, use mattifying and oil-control products.
  
  
• Use Sunscreen Daily: Regardless of the weather, apply sunscreen daily. UV damage can occur even on cloudy days, leading to premature aging and skin issues.

Common Mistakes:

• Trying Too Many Products at Once: Introducing multiple new products simultaneously can overwhelm your skin and make it difficult to identify what works or causes irritation. Add new products one at a time and allow a few weeks to see their effects.
  
  
• Over-Exfoliating: While exfoliation is beneficial, overdoing it can strip your skin of essential oils and disrupt its natural barrier. Limit exfoliation to 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.
  
  
• Ignoring Skin Type: Using products not suited for your skin type can exacerbate existing issues. Ensure you choose products tailored to your specific skin needs.
  
  
• Skipping Moisturizer: Even if you have oily skin, skipping moisturizer can lead to overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration. Opt. for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  
  
• Not Removing Makeup Properly: Failing to thoroughly remove makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a gentle makeup remover followed by a cleanser to ensure all makeup and impurities are removed.

If you stick to these tips, you can ensure your skincare routine effectively supports a clear, radiant, and well-nourished complexion.

Final Thoughts

Listen to your skin’s needs! The right skincare routine for you hinges on multiple factors: your skin type, lifestyle, environmental conditions, and even your diet. Because everyone’s skin is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should indulge in specific skin care practices. 

To truly understand what your skin needs, start by identifying your skin type. From there, pay close attention to how your skin reacts to different products and routines. Then, adjust your regimen based on detailed observations of your skin’s responses, not just general advice. And if you find yourself needing excessive products daily, it might be time to rethink the ingredients and formulations you're using. 

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