Smooth, oil-free, with no flakiness—you probably have normal skin. Shiny or slick—you likely have oily skin Tight, dull, patchy, or flaky—your skin is probably dry. Oily around your forehead nose, and chin, but normal or dry elsewhere—you probably have combination skin. You may need to use separate products on the different zones of your face to get the targeted treatment you need.
Don’t leave on any eye makeup, either—it can irritate your eyes and lead to infections. Avoid relying on makeup remover wipes to take your makeup off at the end of the day. They’re convenient, but they aren’t super effective, so you usually end up scrubbing at your skin. That can lead to skin irritation and over time, it may cause your skin to age faster. [4] X Research source
No matter what skin type you have, look for a non-comedogenic cleanser, which means it won’t clog your pores. [6] X Research source If your skin is normal or if it tends to be sensitive, stick to a mild, lightweight facial cleanser. You don’t need anything fancy! Use a creamy or gel-based cleanser if you have dry skin. Avoid foaming cleansers and anything with a strong fragrance. [7] X Research source Opt for a foaming cleanser if you have oily skin. That will help break up any oil and clean out your pores. [8] X Research source If you’re prone to breakouts and you want to limit how many products you use, try a cleanser with the acne-fighting ingredient salicylic-acid. However, do not use any other acne treatments unless your dermatologist directs you to.
Two of the most popular ingredients in over-the-counter acne treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide helps wipe out the bacteria that causes acne, while salicylic acid eases inflammation and unclogs your pores. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Be patient—it can take several weeks for acne treatments to work. Give a product at least 4 weeks before you switch to a new one. If you use an acne-fighting face wash, you probably don’t need any other products. Talk to your dermatologist if a single product isn’t working well enough.
Look for ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide, which will help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier. If you have dry skin, choose a heavier cream labeled as “moisturizing” or “hydrating. " You might think you don’t need to moisturize your skin if it’s oily, but it’s actually really important! If you don’t, your skin will overcompensate by producing even more oil. Just stick to something lightweight, like a gel or water-based product. [12] X Research source
Use a spot treatment to help the pimple heal on its own. However, if you need to speed up the healing process or you’re dealing with a major breakout, see your dermatologist for an extraction. Don’t pick at blackheads, either—it can lead to inflammation and scarring. Try using a face wash with glycolic acid or salicylic acid to get rid of them, instead. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source To help prevent breakouts, keep your skin clean and moisturized, and try not to touch your face throughout the day, since the oils and bacteria on your hands can cause breakouts. https://kidshealth. org/en/teens/skin-tips. html
If you have sensitive skin, even a soft brush might be a little too harsh. If you notice any redness or tenderness after you use it, switch back to washing your face the old-fashioned way. [16] X Research source Some brushes are battery-operated and some are manual. The difference is really a personal preference, kind of like choosing a toothbrush! Keep in mind that since your cleansing brush will exfoliate the dead skin from the surface of your face, you probably shouldn’t use any additional exfoliants.
Look for a toner with nourishing ingredients like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. Avoid harsh toners with ingredients like alcohol, witch hazel, or any strong fragrance—they’ll just dry out your skin.
For instance, if you tend to have patchy, dry skin, you might apply a hydrating serum just to that area, then use a lightweight moisturizer on the rest of your face.
The directions will vary depending on the mask you choose—some are supposed to dry on your face to draw out impurities, while others should be washed off after only a few minutes so they don’t dry out your skin. Buy a face mask that’s made for your particular skin type, or make your own by mixing up some nourishing ingredients from your kitchen. For instance, you can hydrate dry skin by mashing up 1 avocado and mixing it with 1 tbsp (15 ml) of honey and a handful of oats. If you’re having an acne breakout, avoid using a mask, as this could irritate your skin even more.
Chemical exfoliants might sound scary, but they’re actually a lot gentler than harsh scrubs. You should definitely never use a scrub if you’re struggling with acne—it will make the inflammation worse. Looking for a budget-friendly option? Use an acne-fighting pad that contains salicylic acid—also known as the chemical exfoliant BHA. Just run the pad lightly over your face, then let your face dry completely. Remember to moisturize after you’re done!
