Try the simple “bare-faced test.“ Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and leave it alone for about an hour. Don’t put any products on it! After the hour, look in a mirror. Is your whole face shiny? You’re likely oily. Is it flaky or tight? You’re probably dry. Is it shiny just on your forehead and nose? That’s combination. Does it feel comfortable and look clear? You lucky duck, that’s normal. Notice any redness or stinging? You may have sensitive skin.
It’s how you dry your face! Rubbing your skin aggressively with a towel creates friction, tugging at your delicate skin and causing irritation. The gentlest method is to pat, pat, pat your skin dry until it’s just slightly damp. This leaves moisture on your skin, which is the perfect time to immediately apply your moisturizer. This locks in that hydration, keeping your skin plump, calm, and perfectly prepped for the next step in your routine.
Yes, and here’s a simple way to think about it. Your daytime moisturizer is like your outfit—it should protect you. Always pick one with SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from the sun. Your nighttime moisturizer is like your pajamas—it should be all about comfort and repair. At night, you can use a richer, more nourishing cream because your skin is working hard to heal and renew itself while you sleep.
Look for serums or moisturizers with ingredients known to gently brighten skin. Key ingredients to find on the label are Vitamin C, niacinamide, and azelaic acid. These work by quietly interrupting the process that creates excess pigment and by encouraging healthy skin turnover. Start by using them just a few times a week, always at night unless the label says otherwise. Consistency with a gentle product is far better than using something harsh that irritates your skin.