A Guide for Normal Skin
IN THIS ARTICLE
Hello everyone, and welcome back to our skincare and dermatology hub! We heard your requests, and today, we're breaking down the ideal skincare routine for normal or combination skin. We've handpicked a routine for you all, and will dive into why we've chosen these specific products. So, let's get right into it.
The three pillars of skincare – cleanse, treat, and protect – will guide us. For a regular skincare routine, the first step is selecting a suitable cleanser. We've narrowed down two options – one budget-friendly and one premium, both excellent for normal skin. Now, we understand that 'budget' might be relative, so take your pick based on your preferences and financial situation.
Cleansing Essentials: Budget-Friendly vs. Premium Options
First up, my personal favorite, the CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam cleanser, is fantastic for normal skin. It's a recent discovery for me, and I've grown to love it after trying a myriad of cleansers. It's balanced, gentle, and still gives a rich lather, which I appreciate. It's a reliable cleanser that does a decent job at removing makeup and sunscreen, although it shouldn't replace your double cleanse routine.
My other recommendation is the MD Solar Sciences Wash Away cleanser, which I've praised more times than I can count. It's a remarkably balanced, nourishing cleanser that leaves your skin feeling hydrated and protected after use, which isn't a given with most cleansers. It has a slight edge over the Cream to Foam as it's more effective at removing sunscreen and makeup, providing a comprehensive cleanse with a gentle lather.
The reason we recommend these specific cleansers for normal skin is due to their balanced formulation – they will neither overly strip your skin nor leave residue. It's exactly what someone with normal skin needs. Cleanliness is guaranteed with these products, and they ensure your skin doesn't feel excessively dry; the ideal cleanser for a regular skin type is one that not only cleans but also treats your skin kindly.
If you're blessed with normal skin, there aren't any specific dermatological issues that need addressing like acne or dark spots; your goal is to maintain the radiant, youthful glow of your skin over the years. This involves retaining collagen production, maintaining a healthy skin texture, and warding off future dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Your job is to focus on preventative measures to keep your skin looking healthy for longer.
Understanding Retinoids and Glycolic Acid in Skincare
Our top recommendation for treatment is, unsurprisingly, retinoids. These versatile products cover all bases, and we can't stress enough that they should be part of your routine if you can tolerate them. A great option is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, a cost-effective product that combines retinol, niacinamide, and licorice. Like all CeraVe products, it also contains ceramides. It's an all-inclusive retinol product that delivers on many fronts and an excellent choice for those just introducing retinol into their skincare routine. It's affordable and easily accessible and, over the years, has proven to be quite effective without causing irritation. CeraVe, in general, has a full range of fragrance-free products that will not disappoint.
For a more potent alternative, consider the 1 percent retinol from Paula's Choice. It's on the pricier side, but it offers 1 percent retinol concentration, THD ascorbate vitamin C, allantoin, licorice root, and multiple peptides. It's an excellent mix, especially with the high retinol concentration, for overall anti-aging and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
However, if you want the most effective and proven retinoid product, then prescription Tretinoin should be your choice. This product is the gold standard and requires a dermatologist's prescription. Tretinoin really is the best of the best when it comes to retinol-based products.
With normal skin, we suggest alternating between your retinoid and a glycolic acid exfoliant on different nights of the week for a balanced, proactive maintenance routine. Glycolic acid holds a significant place in a pro-aging skincare regimen, especially for those with normal skin. Why? As the smallest alpha hydroxy acid, it deeply penetrates the skin, making it the most effective in its category. It's a key component in many skincare studies, and the results are impressive, although it can cause irritation for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, in a standard skincare routine, it can add substantial value.
In lower concentrations, glycolic acid acts as an exfoliant, resolving issues with skin texture and pigmentation. With higher concentrations, it also stimulates collagen production, complementing the work of your retinoid. Although you could use them simultaneously, some people experience irritation with this approach. Therefore, it's advisable to start with a cyclical routine: three days of retinol followed by a day of glycolic acid.
Budget-friendly options for glycolic acid include The Ordinary or Krave Beauty's Kale-lalu-yAHA. As for more expensive options, Vichy's Lift Active line offers a balanced product that contains glycolic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid. Although it's a bit pricier, it's a comprehensive product that yields excellent results when used in a cycle with your retinoid.
Finally, if you're looking for a premium product, consider Skin Better Science. It's a high-priced item but offers a unique composition of retinol attached to lactic acid and glycolic acid, removing the need to cycle between products, simplifying your night routine significantly. Again, whatever exfoliation approach you choose, remember to balance it with your retinoid for the best results.
Moisturizing: A Key Step in Nighttime Skincare
Moving on, let’s focus on the protect stage, which at night translates to moisturizing. For regular skin, the ideal moisturizer isn't too heavy nor too watery or light.
I have a favorite I've been talking about a lot recently - the e.l.f. Holy Hydration. I find this product fascinating. It feels just right, quite similar to the texture of some mid to high-end facial moisturizers. In terms of texture, it's a knockout. It has hydrating ingredients, peptides, and an unbeatable price point. I'd heard about it so many times, and I couldn't wait to try it. I truly find it a fantastic product. The price is just right, making it super accessible to many people.
Unlock Your Ultimate Skincare Routine: Tips and Product Recommendations
My preferred product, though slightly pricier, is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. It contains squalene, is fragrance-free, and features an ingredient named hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, which is similar to a ceramide. This ingredient increases your skin's natural ceramide production, vital for the skin barrier. I've had good results with it, and I'm definitely a fan. It's a cult classic—people who love this product are utterly devoted to it, and justifiably so.
The Importance of Sunscreen for Daily Protection
During the day, protection involves sunscreen. You can use the same moisturizer and apply sunscreen on top, or find a moisturizing sunscreen. When it comes to sunscreen for normal skin, you want something effective and not overly greasy. Preferences vary, but most people want a product that's balanced, lightweight, and doesn't feel heavy during the day.
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream with SPF is a budget-friendly option, but Korean sunscreens, which sit incredibly well, are another affordable choice. The texture of Korean sunscreens is often even better than most moisturizers, making them an excellent alternative. We've covered our favorites in previous articles as there are several noteworthy sunscreen options that offer effective protection and hydration for your skin. One of these is the newly launched Purito Soft Touch Sunscreen. It may cost a bit more, but it offers excellent hydration. Another option is the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel, a fantastic Japanese product that blends seamlessly and makes your skin feel like it is bare, offering invisible protection. We've previously discussed the merits of Korean sunscreens and their cutting-edge filter technology which makes it feel like you're not wearing any sunscreen at all.
We've also mentioned other great options such as the Isntree sunscreen and the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen – both are excellent products, along with the newly relaunched Purito sunscreen. All these products are highly affordable and worth every penny.
The Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen is another versatile product that works well for all skin types, including acne-prone and oily skin. It also contains niacinamide, which offers additional balancing benefits. While it might be a little more expensive, it most certainly does the job. The Elta MD UV Restore is a tinted sunscreen option that's excellent for normal skin types, especially for those targeting dark spots and wanting coverage from visible light. Elta MD has also expanded its range to include multiple tinted variations catering to different skin tones, offering a more personalized way to tint your sunscreen. This trend is becoming increasingly popular with brands like Illya and Nars also offering tinted sunscreens. The goal is to find a sunscreen that suits your skin tone, much like searching for the perfect foundation.
The most important thing, however, is to find a sunscreen that you love and will wear daily, regardless of its ingredients. Always remember, it's better to wear whatever sunscreen you can lay your hands on, than to not wear any sunscreen at all.
As always, we appreciate all the love and support from our community that has allowed our website to grow incredibly over the past two years. We look forward to continuing this journey with you all. Thank you so much, and we'll see you in our next article.
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
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