Facial Skincare: The Complete Guide for Oily, Combination, and Dry Skin
When we talk about skincare, we're not just talking about applying a cream to our face, but a true daily ritual , a gesture of love towards our skin, which needs to be nourished, protected, and cared for according to its specific needs. The truth is that every skin is different : whether oily, combination, or dry, it has different needs, and for this reason, it's essential to choose a personalized routine that respects it and keeps it healthy.
But why is skincare so important?
Our faces are exposed to a variety of external factors, such as sun, pollution, stress, and cold, which take their toll on the skin. Skincare helps remove impurities, hydrate, protect from environmental damage , and prevent premature aging . But the key is choosing the right products that specifically address our skin's needs.
The fundamental steps of skincare
Regardless of your skin type, there are key steps every routine should follow to ensure your skin receives the treatment it needs.
- Cleanser : removes impurities, makeup and excess sebum, purifying the skin without attacking it.
- Serum : a concentrate of active ingredients to treat specific skin problems such as dryness, blemishes or signs of aging is an essential step when it comes to facial care.
- Face cream : essential for sealing in hydration and protecting the skin from external aggressions.
- Sunscreen (SPF) : An essential step in protecting against damage caused by UV rays.
Each step should be chosen based on your skin's specific needs, which is why we want to help you! Here's how to create a complete skincare routine for oily, combination, and dry skin .
Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production , which tends to concentrate in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). This makes it appear shiny and often more prone to blemishes , such as pimples and blackheads, since the pores are more dilated and easily clogged. Furthermore, the T-zone may seem less susceptible to aging due to its increased sebum production, but over time it can become more vulnerable to environmental damage if not treated properly.
This skin needs to be purified without drying out or damaging it. Products must reduce excess sebum without compromising the skin's natural balance, preventing the accumulation of impurities in the pores and the onset of acne.
Step-by-step skincare for oily skin
-
Purifying cleansing milk
In this case, you'll need a cleanser that gently removes excess sebum without stripping it. Choose a cleansing milk to gently purify your face without stripping the skin barrier. -
Purifying tonic
A toner suited to your skin type will help you properly treat blemished skin and improve the appearance of enlarged pores. -
Purifying gel serum
The ideal serum for oily skin should have a lightweight yet effective formula . Lightweight serums like gel-based ones are an excellent solution for this need! -
Purifying cream
Here too, hydration is essential, but it should be done with light products to avoid weighing down the face. Choose a fragrance-free cream that specifically targets impurities. -
Sunscreen
To protect your face, always opt for a lightweight sunscreen with a mattifying formula, which reduces shine throughout the day.
This skin type therefore needs to be purified without drying it out. Light, sebum-regulating products are essential to keep it fresh and free of blemishes. Remember to never forget hydration; even though the skin produces a lot of sebum, it still needs to be well-nourished!
PS If you want to make sure you do a deep cleansing, a useful tip is to use a cleansing cream , to be introduced into your evening skincare routine before any other step, so as to thoroughly dissolve all traces of makeup and impurities.
You can always include this step in your routine, regardless of your skin type!
Combination Skin
Combination skin is a combination of dry and oily areas. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks and temples are drier or normal. This requires more personalized care, as each area of the face has different needs.
Here, the key is to use balancing products that aren't too harsh on dry areas while also controlling excess sebum in oily areas. The goal is to maintain a uniform complexion and prevent dryness in the most sensitive areas.
Step-by-step skincare for combination skin
-
Gentle and purifying cleanser
Opt for a cleanser that cleanses deeply without drying out. A gel texture can be really helpful! -
Hydrating toner
A toner with niacinamide and collagen will help rebalance the skin, without stripping or drying out the most delicate areas. Remember that hydration is essential to include in your routine! -
Purifying gel serum
The perfect serum for purifying your face! It prevents and corrects facial imperfections, but... don't forget to use it consistently! -
Vanishing cream
A mattifying cream, which thanks to its silky texture is absorbed immediately, helps to smooth and reduce skin relief. -
Lightweight sunscreen
A silky, fluid sunscreen is perfect for preventing pores from becoming clogged. Choose a sunscreen that doesn't leave a shiny residue, but that provides adequate protection from sun damage while also providing hydration.
If you find yourself in this category, as you've probably already understood, you need balance , but also targeted products for each area. Use light, hydrating textures and specific treatments for oily and dry areas. A balanced routine will help keep your skin even and radiant.
Dry Skin
Dry skin tends to look dull, rough, and can feel tight. It lacks sebum and is often more sensitive to external agents. Its natural defenses are more fragile, which also makes it more prone to dehydration .
Its primary need is to be nourished, deeply hydrated, and protected . Treatments should strengthen the skin's barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Step-by-step skincare for dry skin
-
Soothing cleansing milk
Choose a gentle cleanser, with ingredients like calendula oil, which can gently cleanse the face, leaving it soft, nourished and hydrated. -
Moisturizing and soothing toner
The ideal toner for dry skin must have a rich formula, capable of providing hydration and soothing redness. -
Hydrating toner
As an alternative to what we talked about before, another very good option is a dual-function toner, which can also be used as a serum, thanks to its plumping and extremely hydrating texture. -
Rich and nourishing face cream
For dry skin, a cream rich in vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils is essential to restore hydration and protect the skin from water loss. -
Nourishing sunscreen
Choose a hydrating sunscreen, such as one containing hyaluronic acid , for adequate protection from UV damage without being harsh.
If you fall into this category, you need deep hydration and constant nourishment. Use rich, hydrating products to keep your skin soft and radiant, restoring and strengthening the skin barrier.
PS Regardless of your skin type, you can treat yourself to a little extra pampering once a week by using a light, gentle scrub that deeply purifies and eliminates impurities and dead cells.
Conclusion
Adapting your skincare routine to your skin's unique characteristics is essential to ensuring long-lasting health, beauty, and vitality. Every skin type —oily, combination, or dry—has its own specific needs, and proper care can make the difference in preventing blemishes, imperfections, and signs of aging.
The key is to know your needs and carefully choose the most suitable products.
Remember, every skin is unique and, just like you, requires personalized care to shine at its best. Don't be afraid to invest time and attention in a customized skincare routine, because it's a step that will reward you with a healthier, more balanced, and beautiful-looking face day after day.
