You would like to start your skincare journey but you don’t know where to start ? Let me guide you through the first necessary steps you will need to know before starting an effective and easy skincare routine.

Skin Types

To start a successful skincare journey, you will need to identify your skin type. There are 5 different skin types : Dry, Oily, Normal, Combination and Sensitive.

• Dry skin : typically feels tight or itchy after washing and may peel in dry environments due to low sebum production. The lack of sebum causes moisture to escape rather than being retained in the skin.

• Oily skin : appears shiny or greasy, especially on the forehead and nose, as it produces excess sebum.

• Normal skin neither leans towards dryness nor excess oil, presenting a balanced and “normal” feel without specific concerns.

• Combination Skin is a blend of different types; for example, an oily forehead coupled with dry cheeks is considered a combination.

• Sensitive Skin : is not always categorized as a standalone type, as one can have normal or sensitive skin. It reacts easily to certain products or environments, manifesting as redness or itchiness upon exposure. Identifying your skin type is the first step towards tailoring an effective skincare routine for a healthy and radiant complexion.

How to identify your skin type

You might have already an idea, what your skin type is but if you need some confirmation you can do this simple exercise.

• Wash your face with a cleanser you have on hand
• Dry it gently with a towel
• Wait 30 min to a 1h without applying any product
• Analyze how your skin feels like and looks like according to the previous definitions I mentioned.

The brand Typology has created a useful table to identify your skin type so if you are still unsure, have a look at their page !

Skin Concerns

Now that you’ve identified your skin type, you can focus on addressing specific skin concerns. Your initial goal may involve addressing your skin type, such as rehydrating dry skin or reducing the shine in oily skin. While these are valuable starting points, you may have additional concerns :

• Acne : one of the most prevalent skin concerns, is not exclusively a teenage puberty problem, contrary to popular belief. It manifests in various forms and at different ages. To effectively address it, try to identify the specific type of acne you have.

• Acne scars : following acne breakouts, scars can appear. They are the result of skin inflammation, creating marks that heal more or less quickly.

• Dull skin : usually looks tired, grey, and lacks radiance.

• Dark spots (or hyperpigmentation) : result from various factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and stress, leading to changes in skin pigmentation, appearing “dark.”

• Signs of aging : encompass the changes of the skin as a person gets older, they include fine lines or wrinkles.

Basic Skincare

1. Cleanser : First step of a skincare routine, a good cleanser removes the day’s dirt and makeup, laying the foundation for healthy skin. Two primary types exist: oil-based and water-based. For newcomers, a water-based cleanser is a more common and gentle choice.
2. Serums : are concentrated products designed to address specific skin concerns like acne and fine lines. Packed with active ingredients, they offer targeted solutions for your skincare needs.
3. Moisturizer : regardless of your skin type, a moisturizer is a non-negotiable. It provides essential hydration and creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors, keeping your skin supple and nourished.
4. Sunscreen : daily sun protection is a must. Not only does it prevent issues like hyperpigmentation, but it also enables the use of daytime serums. For instance, vitamin C is photosensitive and needs this protection

Now you have all the insights to start your skincare journey, here are some specific tips if you have acne :