Oh to have normal skin! For many of us, normal skin is a dream but for some it is very much a reality. But does having normal skin mean you do not have to do much to it? Well, think of it this way - our bodies require a healthy diet, sleep, and exercise to function properly. Similarly, a skincare routine is an essential part of keeping your skin healthy and happy. There are also certain underlying skin issues that you may be dealing with - such as pigmentation. In that scenario, you might want to pick up certain special products with specific ingredients and incorporate them into your daily skincare routine.
Today, we have a simple yet effective skincare routine for all your normal skin type beauties!
1. Cleanser: Swisse Manuka Honey Daily Glow Foaming Cleanser
Ingredient spotlight: Manuka Honey and Papaya Enzymes
Benefit: Every skincare routine needs to begin with a good cleanser. And what better way to do it than with a gentle cleanser that is effective and non-drying? This cleanser contains hydrating ingredients such as Manuka Honey that nourish the skin while cleansing. Papaya enzymes gently exfoliate while Vitamin C brightens the skin. Say hello to soft and glowy skin!
How to use: Dampen your face and neck with lukewarm water, and apply an almond-sized amount and gentle massage it onto your face and neck in circular motions. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.
How often to use: While you can skip out on cleansing in the morning if your skin is not too greasy and you did a good night time routine, we would highly recommend cleansing at the end of the day at least.
2. Exfoliator: Myra Veda Luxury Hawaiian Mud & Seaweed Scrub
Ingredient spotlight: Hawaiian Mud and Wakame Seaweed
Benefit: Exfoliation is an important part of your skincare routine - irrespective of the weather or your skin type. It is the secret ingredient to healthy and glowing skin. If you have normal skin, this Myra Veda scrub is the one for you. Hawaiian Mud and Wakame Seaweed detoxify and rejuvenate the skin while a blend of nourishing butters and oils moisturise the skin. A mix of walnut shells and sugar gently exfoliate away dead cells, revealing brighter skin.
How to use: Gently massage a nickel-sized amount onto wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse it well with lukewarm water and pat dry.
How often to use: Once a day, 1 to 2 times a week.
3. Mask: Swisse Blood Orange Brightening Clay Mask
Ingredient spotlight: Kaolin Clay and Niacinamide
Benefit: The best way to decompress after a long hard day at work or school is to put on a mask while you Netflix and chill. The Swisse Brightening Clay Mask is the perfect companion for such an occasion. Kaolin Clay is a gentle yet effective clay that pulls out toxins from the skin without being too drying. Niacinamide helps decongest pores and brightens the skin while Blood Orange Essential Oil and Turmeric Extracts are rich in antioxidants that further protect the skin from free radicals.
How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 10–15 minutes or until the mask feels firm and dry. Rinse off with warm water.
How often to use: 1 to 2 times a week.
4. Toner: Conscious Chemist Porology Toner
Ingredient spotlight: Kombucha and AHAs
Benefit: Toners can do a lot of different things for your skin. They help balance the pH, hydrate the skin, add a glow, gently exfoliate, or all of the above. The Porology toner is a great multi-tasking toner that gently exfoliates with the help of plant-based AHAs (you can read more about AHAs and other active ingredients on our blog) and brightens the skin with ingredients such as Kombucha, Liquorice extract and Witch Hazel extract. It also contains Niacinamide which helps reduce the appearance of pores.
How to use: Dampen your face and neck with lukewarm water, and apply an almond-sized amount and gentle massage it onto your face and neck in circular motions. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.
How often to use: Use 2 times a day, after cleansing.
5. Ampoules: Martiderm Proteos Hydra Plus SP 30 Ampoules
Ingredient spotlight: Vitamin C and proteoglycans
Benefit: Who does not love a dewy glow? These Martiderm ampoules are perfect for those of you looking to spice up your skincare routine. Proteoglycans are powerful moisturisers, holding up to 1,000 times their weight in water and deeply hydrate the skin while 5% Vitamin C brightens the skin, deals with any pigmentation, and stimulates collagen production.
How to use: Shake the ampoule lightly. Support the ampoule on a flat surface and place the ‘EASY OPEN’ device on it, pressing gently until you hear a ‘click’. Remove the ‘EASY OPEN’ device and the top of the ampoule. Position the dispenser on the ampoule up to the line. Tip half the content into your hand and apply. Store the ampoule on the base, placing the lid on the dispenser.
How often to use: Use twice a day, after toner/mist and before moisturiser.
6. Eye Cream: Detoxie Dark Circle Repair and Anti-Fatigue Under-Eye Gel
Ingredient spotlight: Japanese Matcha and Hyaluronic Acid
Benefit: The skin under and around our eyes is extremely thin and delicate, requiring special care. Whether it is prevention you are looking at or you are already struggling with taking care of your under-eyes, this Detoxie gel is a great option. Rich in Hyaluronic Acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin, and antioxidants such as Matcha and Ashwagandha, that brighten and de-puff, this lightweight gel is a great addition to your skincare routine.
How to use: Take a pea size drop of the eye gel on the tip of your ring finger and apply it evenly under the eyes. You can also close the eyes and apply on the upper layer as well. Please be careful to avoid this going into the eyes.
How often to use: While the best time to apply this is at night before your moisturiser, you can also apply it in the mornings, preferably 20 mins prior to stepping out during the day time. It also goes well with your make-up and sunscreen!
You can read all about eye creams on our blog.
7. Moisturiser: Oceglow Water Cream
Ingredient spotlight: Brown Algae, Panthenol and Beta Glucan
Benefit: A moisturiser is a must, irrespective of your skin type. The Oceglow water cream is a great lightweight moisturizer that is hydrating and moisturising. Brown Algae detoxifies and hydrates the skin while Panthenol and Beta Glucan, soothe and heal the skin. Various plant extracts and oils also help strengthen the skin and deliver a healthy dose of antioxidants.
How to use: Apply an almond-sized amount to the face, neck and decolletage in gentle, circular motions. Always move in an upward manner to defy gravity and have a lifting effect.
How often to use: Use 2 times a day - morning and night.
8. Face Oil: Herbis Botanicals Superhero Face Oil
Ingredient spotlight: Rosehip Seed, Evening Primrose Seed and Hemp Seed Oil
Benefit: Face oils are becoming increasingly popular and we totally get the hype. They’re moisturising, strengthen the skin barrier and add a beautiful glow to the skin. The Herbis Botanicals Superhero oil is certainly no different. Rosehip Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants and Linoleic Acid, which balances the skin and deeply nourishes it. Hemp Seed and Evening Primrose Seed Oils are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that further rejuvenate and protect the skin.
How to use: Apply 2 to 4 drops to cleansed and moisturised skin. Massage the oil gently into your skin. Wait 3 to 4 minutes for the oil to absorb into the skin before moving onto sunscreen.
How often to use: Use 2 times a day - morning and night.
9. Sunscreen: Moms Co Mineral Sunscreen
Ingredient spotlight: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Benefit: It does not matter whether it is cloudy or sunny, wet or dry, or summer or winter. Sunscreen is a must and when it is this good, you might just enjoy it! For those of you who are on the lookout for a mineral sunscreen, look no further. This sunscreen is a blend of nourishing butters and oils that will moisturise your skin and add a soft glow as well.
How to use: Apply a tablespoon of sunscreen to your face and other exposed areas as the last step of your routine. Reapply every 2 hours.
How often to use: Use everyday.
The Order of Application
Confused about which product comes first? The general rule is to go from thinnest to thickest product:
Cleanser > Toner > Exfoliator > Mask > Ampoule > Serum > Eye Cream > Moisturiser > Face Oil > SPF
SUMMARY
Routines may seem boring but a skincare routine is a must. Even if you have normal skin. While your diet, sleeping patterns, genes, and climate play a big role in how your skin behaves, sticking to a routine is a must and your skin will definitely thank you for it!
- Gauri Sindhu
