The skincare world is filled with thousands of different products that all do different things, with each trying to grab your attention whether it be through online ads, (skin)influencers or more traditional ads on TV, print and radio  

With so many different combinations of ingredients, it’s difficult to find something that works for you. Even if a friend or family member suggests a product, there’s no guarantee that it’s going to work the same for you. In fact, it may even cause rashes, dry skin, or long-term problems due to continued use.  

Instead of choosing products based on recommendations and reviews, we need to start going back to basics with our skincare; we need to understand the type of skin we have so we can know the skin we’re in. 

Focusing on fundamentals is the key to establishing an effective skincare routine 

While the types of products you use do affect your skin, these three golden can be easily implemented to give you an extra edge in your skincare routine:

  • Be consistent with your skincare routine for maximum effect. Far too many people expect to see immediate results when they start using a product. Sadly, this isn’t possible because skincare products take a long time until they start showing their benefits. You need to be extremely consistent with using products and you can’t really skip a day or two and expect to still see improvements.
  • Develop skincare routines for both day and night. Another important rule is to establish a skincare routine for day and night. This is because your skin undergoes different types of stress at different times of the day. During the day, your goal is to protect your skin from the sun, dirt, and other forms of pollution. Your night time routine should be about repairing your skin before your body enters a state of rest.
  • Understand your skin and how to best take care of it. Perhaps the most important rule in building an effective skincare routine is to ensure that you understand your specific type of skin. Everyone has different skin and it’s impossible to copy someone else’s routine and expect the same results. If you use the wrong type of product on your skin, it could show almost no benefits and you’ll have wasted your money on a product that isn’t designed for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for skincare, hence why you need to be more mindful about choosing the right products.
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What are the different types of skin? 

The current most effective way to identify your skin type is to speak with a skincare specialist. Expert opinions are generally the way to go when it comes to building an effective skincare routine because they’ll also have suggestions on the types of products to purchase. However, there are a couple of ways to identify your skin type at home right now. 

Normal skin 

Also known as eudermic skin, this is the most balanced type of skin that is neither too oily nor dry. A great way to tell if you have this skin type is if your skin appears healthy even without using products in the morning, or if there is minimal dryness and very little oil on your face. Even with a balanced skin complexion, it’s possible that you might experience extra dryness as you grow older. 

Dry skin 

Dry skin usually means that your skin is prone to flaking or even feeling scaly. If you move your face around then you might even feel a tight sensation. You might also notice that moving your facial features can create very distinct lines on your face that can occasionally become itchy or red. Certain parts of your face may also feel very brittle or be prone to chapping. If you require copious amounts of moisturiser to control the dryness, then it’s highly likely that your skin type is dry. 

Oily skin 

Oily skin refers to skin that produces excess sebum. This makes your skin appear glossy and greasy. This is especially true when for areas around your forehead, nose and your chin. If you have oily skin, then it often means that your pores are enlarged and you’ll be prone to acne breakouts.  If you visually inspect your skin, then you may notice that there are large pores on the surface of your skin. In some severe cases, you may also notice small bumps on your skin. 

Combination skin 

Combination skin typically means that your nose, forehead and chin are oily, but your cheeks are often dry or normal. This mixed skin type may require different products on certain areas of your face, but some brands do offer combination products as well. 

Skin conditions 

It’s important not to confuse skin types with skin conditions. Skin conditions can often manifest as oily or dry skin, and it can sometimes cause acne breakouts as well. However, this may be completely separate from your actual skin type and may be caused by the environment or your genetics. If you find it difficult to identify your skin type then we highly suggest working with a skin care specialist. This will ensure that you can pick the right skincare products that offer the most effectiveness, and it’ll ensure that skin conditions are identified and treated before they can cause further damage. The Skin Trust Club will empower you to take your skincare routine to the next level with truly personalised skincare. We use science to tell you your exact skin type and suggest a personalised skincare routine that will work best for you.  

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What happens if I use a skincare product that’s not designed for my skin type? 

In most cases, nothing will happen at all. You might get a brief moisturising effect and it can sometimes make your skin feel a little smoother, but these effects will be extremely weak and it won’t last for long. 

In some bad cases, your skin might react poorly to the products. Some skin care products might cause a burning sensation as soon as it touches your skin, and you might encounter excessive dryness and flaking as well. If you notice these problems with your products, then you should immediately stop using them to prevent further problems.