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In previous posts, I explained the types of products we should include in our home care routine. Although I briefly explained the function and importance of each step and products, today’s entry covers this topic more deep and is like a continuation of the previous one. Today, I want to explain the types of products according to the skin type we are treating.
As I mentioned before, there are different types of skin: dry, oily, combination, normal and sensitive skin that can be considered as a skin type or also could be a condition (see the post “I don’t know where to start” from July 2025). I also explained previously, that a complete home care routine should basically include:
- Makeup Remover
- Cleanser
- Tonner
- Exfoliation
- Mask
- Serums
- Moisturizer
- Sun Protection.
But even with this list and identifying which is your skin type, maybe you’re not necessarily using the right product. That’s why, in today’s post, I’m explaining the different types of products by skin type. This way, with the advice of your skin specialist, you can have a reference and will be easier to choose your skin care routine to achieve better results.
On the market, there are many brands of skincare products, and each of them have a variety of products depending on skin types and conditions. It’s impossible to cover everything due to the wide variety available to the public, but this list can help you identify the most appropriate one, considering each skin type and condition you want to treat. Although this is only a general guide, since the ingredients and formulations are also extremely important, the help of your skin specialist will be also necessary to get the best for you.
Below, I’ll detail the steps of the skincare routine, classified by skin type or condition:
Makeup Remover: This step is optional and only necessary when wearing makeup.
Makeup removers can come in oils, creams, gels, and the very popular wet wipes.
Oils are particularly effective because they remove heavy makeup more easily. They are good for all skin types, even oily skin.
Cream removers are a better option for dry skin.
Gel makeup removers, good for oily skin, and wet wipes are very popular and work well for all skin types.
Another very effective makeup remover is micellar water; they can be an option for lighter makeup and also for sensitive skin. They can be used in combination with wet wipes or cream removers, for those who use heavier makeups.
But keep in mind: Removing makeup should never replace cleansing step.
Facial cleansers: Facial cleanser or facial soap is the most important step to completely remove all makeup residue and cleanse your face of elements like dirt, sweat, and excess of oil. Depending on the type of product and its formulation, it can also provide nutrients, balance, soothe, and even help with certain skin conditions.
Some types of cleansers we can find on the market are:
- Gel cleansers: excellent for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Foam cleansers: also very good for oily skin; some formulations are also good for combination or normal skin.
- Milk cleansers: recommended for dry or delicate skin, as well as for mature skin.
- Cream cleansers: recommended for combination skin, sensitive, dry and mature.
Toner: This product is used after cleansing and its function is to balance the skin’s pH and remove residue left behind after the cleansing step.
The toning step can be used either after cleansing, after exfoliating, or even before applying serums, as some serums penetrate better when the skin is slightly damp.
We can find different types of toners depending on the skin type: some are formulated with nutrients and antioxidants, others come with ingredients for acne-prone skin, and others for sensitive or dry skin that help soothe and counteract irritation or dryness.
Exfoliation: Exfoliation is one of my favorite steps. Exfoliation softens the skin (improving product absorption), unclogs pores helping to prevent acne, improves skin texture and appearance, and generally provides luminosity and radiance. Exfoliation shouldn’t be done daily; once or twice a week may be an option, but it all depends on your skin type and the product or method used.
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.
A physical or mechanical exfoliant, as it is also known, is one that requires friction, movement or massage to do its job. Scrubs are an example of this. These are good for normal, combination, and especially oily skin. Sensitive skin should avoid these types of products.
Chemical exfoliants are products that are applied and cause a chemical reaction on the skin without the need for friction. They are good for all skin types, and their frequency depends on the product’s formulation or strength.
Both types of exfoliation should not be combined in the same home routine.
Mask: This step comes with a wide variety of products available on the market. Masks have multiple benefits: they can hydrate, treat pigmentation, treat acne, brighten, eliminate excess oil, soothe irritated skin, exfoliate, help with signs of aging, and so on. There are masks for every skin type and condition. Their use should be once or twice a week but you can find some products to use daily, some other that can be left on the skin. Each formula comes with very clear instructions but some others are for professional use at the spa. The table below presents the most common ones depending skin types, conditions and benefits:
Serums: are products with a formulation and texture that makes them easily absorbed by the skin. They are designed to target and treat specific skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, dryness, signs of aging, sensitivity, among others.
Serums can be applied after using the other steps mentioned above, but always before using moisturizer and, of course, before sunscreen, and this is because these two products would not allow the serums to penetrate properly on the skin, due to their heavier texture. Serums are concentrated formulas, and their frequency of use depends on the manufacturer instructions and the ingredients.
Moisturizer: This product is essential for all skin types, even oily skin. Many people think that having oily skin and moisturized skin are the same thing, but they different. Moisturizers not only provide the necessary ingredients for hydration, but they also help seal the application of serums on the skin. Among their benefits, we can mention that they help control oil production and improve the appearance and elasticity of the skin and also calm irritations.
Sunscreen: The most important step in your daytime routine. It’s an anti-aging product, prevents dark spots, and, above all, prevents skin cancer. Sunscreen is a step you should never skip, no matter the season or the climate. It should be the final step in your daytime routine.
The steps involved in skin care, choosing the right products for you, and as I mentioned in previous posts: discipline… all of these factors will be key to achieving the best benefits for beautiful, healthy skin.