Adjusting for skin type
Oily or acne-prone skin usually does well with a gel cleanser, a non-comedogenic lotion and an evening salicylic acid or adapalene product. Adapalene 0.1% gel became available without prescription in the United States in 2016 and is a common first step; a pharmacist can advise on availability where you live.
Dry skin benefits from cream cleansers, fewer washes, and moisturisers with glycerin, urea or ceramides. Occlusive layers such as petrolatum at night can make a large difference in winter.
Sensitive skin calls for fragrance-free products and very few of them. Introduce one new product at a time and patch test on the inner arm or behind the ear for several days first.
Combination skin is the most common description people give, and often the answer is a lightweight moisturiser everywhere with a richer one on drier patches.
How to introduce something new
Change one thing at a time and give it a fair trial: about four weeks for most products, eight to twelve for retinoids and pigment treatments. If you add three products at once and your skin reacts, you will not know which one to blame. Keep a short note of what you started and when — a literal notebook works well.
Common routine mistakes
- Using several exfoliating products in the same week
- Applying too little sunscreen, or skipping reapplication outdoors
- Switching products before they have had time to work
- Chasing a "glass skin" finish that ordinary pores and texture will never produce
- Treating every spot as a problem needing an active
For what the actives on your shelf actually do, continue to reading a label line by line. If you are unsure whether your skin needs a routine or a diagnosis, see our conditions notes.
