What's The Best Clean Skincare Routine For My Skin Type?
Every product listed in this article has been vetted by Nadia, a Harvard-certified skincare expert and Clean Beauty Specialist. The products are available on Thebeautydoctrine.com, and can also be accessed by clicking on each image.
Some of the criteria applied in product curation:
- Products have been tested for sensitive skin.
- The ingredient list has been vetted to exclude the most known toxins, carcinogens, hormonal disruptors, and other irritants.
- Fragrance-free and minimal use of essential oils.
- A minimal amount of harsh preservatives, fillers and other inactive ingredients.
If you have any skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or contact dermatitis, please book a virtual consultation for a more in-depth assessment of your skin condition. For severe issues, please consult a dermatologist.
WHAT ARE THE MOST ESSENTIAL STEPS IN A HEALTHY SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Every skincare routine should be comprised of two effective but gentle cleansers, water-based products, oil-based products, an exfoliant, and sunscreen. This is the absolute minimum!
As far as ingredients, you should look for humectants, occlusives, antioxidants, peptides, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Zinc Oxide. These are all absolutely essential to maintain and protect your skin.
We put together skincare routines, categorized by skin type /concern to make your search easier. You can click on the product image to see it in-store. For more one-on-one help or a custom skincare routine, you may book a virtual consultation here.
There are, of course, multiple choices for each skin type and some products work for all skin types and concerns. But the below routines include our top choices.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
1- Red light therapy treatment: 5 minutes in the morning (up to 5 days a week), on clean skin: This is an essential step in maintaining collagen production, reducing inflammation, promoting hair growth, and maintaining healthy overall mitochondrial function.
2- Gua Sha Massage: massage is essential to maintaining blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and hyaluronic acid production, as well as lifting the skin.
3- Weekly exfoliating mask: I recommend holi bright lactic acid mask, which is suitable for everyone regardless of skin type. This will help increase moisture absorption and radiance, and promote smoother and more even skin texture and tone.
4- Neck Cream: The neck is always a tell of a woman's age. It is an overlooked area, yet is very delicate and prone to rapid aging. One Love Organic Neck Cream is essential for everyone regardless of skin type. I recommend starting to use this at age 25.
5- Lip balm: A clean lip balm is essential in maintaining a healthy moisture barrier on the lip. An organic choice such as Henné Organics is perfect for everyone!6- Weekly firming and moisturizing mask: for this category, I highly recommend Bloomeffects Face Treatment. You can't go wrong with this one.
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - MATURE SKIN
Mature skin refers to skin that has undergone aging processes, typically associated with the natural aging of the body. It is characterized by changes such as wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and a decrease in collagen and elastin production. Mature skin often requires special attention and care to address these aging-related concerns. I am only covering skincare here, but I highly recommend a supplement routine to help support the skin from the inside out. The best options are available on thebeautydoctrine.com.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
or
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - DRY SKIN
This recommendation is very similar to mature skin. The only difference is the addition of an occlusive at night to seal moisture in. Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a lack of moisture and oil. It often feels tight, and rough, and may appear flaky or dull. In this condition, the skin's natural barrier is compromised, leading to a reduced ability to retain water. Factors such as environmental conditions, genetics, and lifestyle choices can contribute to dry skin. For those with dry skin, it's essential to use moisturizers that provide hydration and nourishment to restore the skin's moisture balance.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Acne-prone skin is a skin type characterized by a heightened susceptibility to developing acne and blemishes. Individuals with this skin type are more prone to the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes more severe forms of acne, such as cysts and nodules. This condition often involves excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation, and it can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.
It is important not to pick at the pimples, use the Acne Guide to learn how to eat for acne and use a gentle skincare routine that will support skin balance without introducing too much moisture or drying out the skin. It needs to be just right!
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
EXFOLIATION- once or twice a week at night in place of Versine Serum
ACNE TREATMENT- Apply to active blemishes only and leave on overnight
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is a skin type characterized by a combination of different skin conditions in different areas of the face. Typically, individuals with combination skin experience both oily and dry (or normal) skin in different regions. The most common pattern is an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with dry or normal skin on the cheeks. Managing combination skin can be challenging as it requires addressing multiple concerns simultaneously.
Use the same routine as Normal skin with the addition of a weekly enzyme mask. Here are two options:
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is a skin type characterized by a well-balanced state with adequate moisture, minimal sensitivity, and a generally even complexion. Individuals with normal skin typically experience few skin concerns, such as minimal oiliness, dryness, or blemishes. The pores are usually small, and the skin texture is smooth and supple. This routine is focused on prevention, and introducing mild anti-aging and brightening ingredients to help maintain skin health and delay signs of aging.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - OILY SKIN
Oily skin is a skin type characterized by an excess production of sebum, the skin's natural oil. This overactivity of the sebaceous glands can result in a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and a propensity for acne and other blemishes. Individuals with oily skin often experience a greasy feel, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). While genetics play a role, hormonal fluctuations, diet, and environmental factors can also contribute to the development of oily skin.
Oily skin can become quickly imbalanced if dehydrated or aggressive products are used. Instead of using drying products whose effects last for a few minutes, aim at balancing it and using oil blotters instead, throughout the day.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is a skin type that is more prone to react adversely to various environmental and topical factors. Individuals with sensitive skin often experience redness, irritation, itching, or a burning sensation in response to certain skincare products, environmental conditions, or other triggers. This skin type requires special care to avoid exacerbating sensitivity and to maintain a healthy and comfortable complexion.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - HYPERPIGMENTATION
Skin with hyperpigmentation is characterized by the presence of darker patches or spots on the skin, which result from an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Hyperpigmentation can manifest in various forms, including sunspots, age spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resulting from acne or other skin injuries. It is often a response to factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, or injury to the skin.
You may follow any of the above-mentioned skincare routines for your specific skin type while incorporating some of additional Vitamin C products and Retinol at night, and twice-a-week exfoliation, instead of once.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
OVERNIGHT EXFOLIATION- once or twice a week at night in place of Bloomeffects Serum
WEEKLY TREATMENT- Use Glow Juice if oily or combination, and Holi Bright if dry or sensitive
BEST CLEAN SKINCARE ROUTINE - MEN
Men's skin refers to the skin type typically associated with individuals assigned male at birth. While the basic structure of men's and women's skin is similar, men's skin can have some unique characteristics. Men often have thicker skin with more collagen and elastin, contributing to a firmer and more resilient complexion. Additionally, men's skin tends to produce more sebum (skin oil), making it oilier than women's skin.
The below-delineated routine is as simple as it is comprehensive.
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
WEEKLY TREATMENT- Use Glow Juice in the evening, on clean skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off and proceed with your evening skincare routine.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY SKINCARE ROUTINE - ALL SKIN TYPES
AM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
OR (IF DRY)
PM ROUTINE - Listed in the order it should be used
WEEKLY TREATMENT- Use Glow Juice in the evening, on clean skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off and proceed with your evening skincare routine.
I hope this helps everyone! If you have any questions or concerns or would like to book a personalized consultation, please do so here:
Be well. Be safe. Be beautiful!
Nadia