disclaimer i am NOT a dermatologist so to create this post i did LOTS of research and i'll link all of my sources at the end of the post. i just wanted to kind of put everything that i found in here so i hope its helpful 💕🗒️
HOW TO DETERMINE UR SKIN TYPE ;
wash ur face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and wait for about 30 minutes. if ur skin appears shiny throughout then u have oily skin, if ur skin appears tight/flaky then u have dry skin.
if u notice a slight shine on your nose and forehead then you have normal skin. if you have a combination skin type, then the skin will get oily around the t-zone.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR ;
for skin with acne -> salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and mandelic acid.
for dry skin -> lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin.
for pigmented skin -> mandelic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and arbutin.
INGREDIENTS THAT U SHOULD NOT MIX ;
mixing retinol and vitamin C causes irritation, mixing vitamin C and glycolic acid results in over-exfoliation, mixing AHA and retinol causes extreme dryness.
use a cleansing balm to cleanse ur face to remove all the impurities from ur skin
use serums to hydrate ur skin
lather on moisturizer, dont put too much to the point where ur skin cannot produce its own oils, but you MUST moisturize
apply sunscreen everyday, not only on ur face but also on ur neck and hands
face masks 1-2x a week
get enough sleep, drink enough water, and steer clear of overly processed foods
SKINCARE DOESNT STOP AT UR CHIN ;
its important to take care of the skin on ur neck for SO many reasons because skincare doesnt stop at ur chin. ur neck reflects the first signs of aging, and its most susceptible to sun damage so show it some love!
use the same products that u use on ur face on ur neck also, moisturize ur neck and always apply sunscreen, lastly, use some retinol to build collagen.
HOW TO APPLY RETINOL ;
when applying retinol, use a pea sized amount. avoid application around ur eyes and the openings in ur nose, and use retinol in ur night skincare routine only.
HOW OFTEN TO USE SKINCARE ;
retinol should be used nightly (1-2x a week for beginners). hyaluronic acid should be used (2x a day). salicylic acid should be used (1-2x a week). sunscreen should be applied daily, no need to apply it at night and if u can, you should reapply it every 2-3 hours. vitamin C (1x a day in the morning).
SERUMS FOR UR SKIN-TYPE ;
for oily skin use -> salicylic acid, niacinimide and mandelic acid.
for dry skin use -> hyaluronic acid, ceramides and lactic acid.
for normal skin use -> vitamin C, glycolic acid, and retinol.
for aging skin use -> peptides, retinol and vitamin C.
for acne prone skin use -> salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinimde.
for combination skin use -> mandelic acid, niacinimide, and glycolic acid.
WHAT TYPE OF FACEMASK IS BEST FOR YOU ;
cream masks are good for all skin-types and it soothes and moisturizes. clay masks are good for oily or acne prone skin and it absorbs oil and controls shine. charcoal masks are good for oily or acne prone skin, and it deep cleanses and unclogs.
sheet masks are good for all skin-types, it nourishes and hydrates. enzyme masks are good for all skin-types and it gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. bubble masks are good for all skin-types and it hydrates and soothes.
gel masks are good for all skin-types and it provides a cooling effect. exfoliating masks are good for all skin-types BUT if u have sensitive skin then exfoliating masks are not for you. exfoliating masks remove dead skin cells and debris.
HOW TO LAYER UR SKINCARE ;
in the morning (cleanser + toner + hydrating serum + vitamin c + moisturizer + sunscreen) in the evening (double cleanse + toner + hydrating serum + retinol + moisturizer)
hi angel! thank you for asking about skincare 🌸 i've been meaning to write a detailed guide about this! here's everything i've learned about achieving that dreamy, glazed-skin glow…
mindy's guide to achieving your dream skin
by mindy ♡ @glowettee
understanding your canvas:
before diving into products, let's talk about what your skin actually needs. your skin is delicate and deserves to be treated like the finest silk. here's how to start:
morning routine (in order):
gentle cleanse with lukewarm water
hydrating toner (pat, don't rub!)
vitamin c serum (wait 1 minute)
lightweight moisturizer
sunscreen (non-negotiable!)
evening routine (the dreamy part):
double cleanse (oil cleanser then gentle foam)
treatment (rotate between these)
monday/thursday: exfoliation
tuesday/friday: retinol
wednesday/saturday: hydrating treatments
sunday: rest day
essence (tap in with fingertips)
moisturizer
facial oil (if needed)
my holy grail products (that won't break the bank):
cleansing balm: heimish all clean balm
gentle cleanser: la roche posay toleriane
toner: laneige cream skin refiner
vitamin c: timeless 20% vitamin c
moisturizer: illiyoon ceramide ato cream
sunscreen: beauty of joseon rice + probiotics
secret tips i've learned:
sleep with a silk pillowcase
change pillowcases twice a week
apply products to damp skin
keep skincare in the fridge
use facial ice globes in the morning
drink spearmint tea for hormonal breakouts
practice face massage techniques
lifestyle changes that transformed my skin:
drinking 2.5 liters of water daily
getting 8 hours of sleep
eating more green vegetables
reducing dairy intake
managing stress through meditation
regular exercise (the glow is real!)
weekly sheet mask sessions
common mistakes to avoid:
harsh physical scrubs
hot water on face
touching face throughout day
skipping sunscreen
trying too many new products
over-exfoliating
sleeping with makeup on
creating your skincare sanctuary:
set up a dedicated space
use pretty containers
keep tools clean
maintain a skincare journal
take progress photos
emergency skin solutions:
sudden breakout: pimple patch + ice
dehydration: layered toner method
redness: centella products
dullness: gentle aha toner
sensitivity: skip actives, focus on healing
seasonal adjustments:
spring/summer:
lighter moisturizer
higher spf
more antioxidants
gentle exfoliation
fall/winter:
richer moisturizer
facial oils
humidifier
less exfoliation
note:
consistency over complexity
patience is key
listen to your skin
what works for others might not work for you
stress shows on skin
healing takes time
skincare is self-care
personal note:
i struggled with my skin for years before realizing that gentleness and consistency matter more than expensive products or complicated routines. your skin is unique and beautiful - treat it with love and patience. some days won't be perfect, and that's okay. focus on progress, not perfection.
sending you the softest hugs 🤍
love,
mindy x
p.s. would you like a detailed post about my favorite face massage techniques? let me know in the reblogs/replies!
Skincare products can be broadly categorized into cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, among others.
These products address different aspects of skin health and can be tailored to specific needs and concerns like hydration, exfoliation, or anti-aging.
Here's a more detailed list:
◇ Cleansers: Used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Options include face washes, cleansing balms, and micellar water.
◇ Toners: Help balance the skin's pH level and prepare it for subsequent products.
◇ Serums: Concentrated treatments for specific skin concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, or hydration. Examples include hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C serum, and retinol serum.
◇ Moisturizers: Hydrate and nourish the skin, preventing dryness and promoting a healthy barrier. Options include creams, lotions, and oils.
◇ Sunscreen: Essential for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. Available in various formulations like lotions, creams, and sticks.
Other Skincare Products:
◇ Exfoliators: Help remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin. Can be physical (scrubs) or chemical (acids).
◇ Eye Creams: Specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes, addressing concerns like dark circles and wrinkles.
◇ Lip Balms: Protect and hydrate the lips.
Face Masks: Provide a more intensive treatment for specific skin concerns.
◇ Treatments: Targeted products for specific concerns, like acne or hyperpigmentation.
◇ Pimple Patches: Hydrocolloid patches that help absorb fluid from pimples and protect them from bacteria.
◇ Facial Oils: Can be used to moisturize and nourish the skin, often containing beneficial ingredients like antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
◇ Essence: A lightweight, hydrating layer often used after toner and before serum.
Taking Care of Your Face and Looking Good (With Minimal or NO Makeup)
Disclaimer: I am not a cosmetics or skincare professional. I would not even classify myself as an expert. But after years of confusion I still haven’t found a comprehensive beginner’s guide explaining not just what to use, but why, and whether it is truly an essential step or just a brand trying to sell more products. I hope my decade of frustration can prevent others from the same fate.
My daily skincare routine used to consist of washing my face with facial soap before I went to bed. I figured that was enough; it’s soap made for the face (so not too harsh) and I’m cleaning the dirt off, so I should be good, right? Wrong. You don’t just want your skin to be clean, you want it to be healthy. I didn’t realize ‘clean’ and ‘healthy’ weren’t mutually inclusive until a couple years ago.
I have very fair skin that is “normal” (i.e. not too oily or too dry) and I suffer from mild but chronic acne. The products that work for me may not work for you, but the basic guidelines still remain the same. Just make sure to do your own research on certain products before buying and using them. Unlike many beauty gurus, I am not trying to sell you products and I received nothing nor will I receive anything for linking them to you. That means I am suggesting products I do genuinely believe to be good and am not just getting paid to promote.
Warning: This is a long post with a lot of reading. I promise it is worth it if you want to understand skincare. If you just want to know what to do, there is a TL;DR at the end.
Washing your face daily is important if you wear makeup. You want to go to bed with a clean, healthy face to prevent clogged pores overnight. Make sure your pillowcase is clean as well; changing it every two to four days is ideal. If you accidentally fall asleep with makeup or some other heavy cosmetic on, change your pillowcase before the next night regardless of the last time you changed it. (Yes, I have a ton of pillowcases. You’ll want to stock up.)
I wash my face twice a day if I’m wearing makeup: once before applying it and again before settling down for the night. (The steps for each change, look at the bottom of this post to see morning versus nightly routines). If you do not use cosmetics you may find you only need to wash your face once a day. Others wash their face every other day or even less. Do what is best for you. Allowing your face to regulate itself may in fact be the answer to your problems. For others (like me), your face may be abysmal at taking care of itself and thus you’re left to do the work for it. Thanks, face.
Here’s the optimal way to wash your face:
Remove makeup. Use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup. I recommend this cleanser with jojoba oil. Use your fingers in gentle circular motions over your face until your makeup is loosened. Do not scrub your face with a towel or loofah. A cotton pad works best if you need to wipe more aggressively. If you don’t have any makeup on this step isn’t 100% necessary, but many people swear by double-cleansing so it doesn’t hurt if you’re feeling ambitious.
Cleanse. Removing makeup does not necessarily clean your skin, nor is oil-based cleanser the best way to rid your pores of dirt, so you need to clean your face again even if you did step one. I use this fermented grain cleanser. When looking for your own, make sure to avoid oil-based cleansers on this second step. Oil sits on top of your pores and doesn’t penetrate into them so it does not clean your skin fully. Water-based cleanser works best (meaning water should be the first, main ingredient).
Exfoliate. *Do not do this step every day*. Exfoliation should be once a week, no more than three. Exfoliating rids your face of dead skin cells, meaning if you’ve already exfoliated recently you’re just rubbing abrasives into your healthy skin... not ideal. Exfoliate on the last night of your most heavily cosmetic days, such as a Friday night if you work Mon-Fri or Sunday night if you wear more makeup on the weekends. Make sure whatever product you are using has been made for the face, as body exfoliators are too harsh. I really like Mary Kay’s Botanical Effects Scrub but it’s on the expensive side. A cheaper scrub I've been using recently is from St. Ives. Again, rub gently in circular motions, avoiding the eyes, then wash with water.
Tips:
When massaging cleanser into your skin, start from the middle of your face and rub outward in circular motions. This helps prevent wrinkles among other benefits (some people claim this alleviates puffiness and even makes your face look smaller).
Wash with cold or lukewarm water. Hot water dries out your skin.
Wash your hands often, and not just after bathroom visits. Everyone touches their face way more than they think they do. Keeping your hands clean will keep your face cleaner, too.
Warnings:
I repeat, do not exfoliate your face every day. You will ruin your skin.
Likewise, don’t ever scrub your face, especially not with abrasive items like loofahs. Even if you want to get rid of blackheads, little bumps, or acne, scrubbing your face will only irritate it more and exacerbate the problem.
Many people claim that washing your face makes it worse: causing dryness, redness, oiliness, etc. While some may have good results by leaving their skin alone, I do not believe it is the universal answer. The most likely reason someone sees bad results is because they are not rebalancing their face to its natural levels. When you wash with cleansers, you are stripping your face of its oils and protections. Your skin may produce more to compensate (making your face oily)... ...or not (leaving it uncomfortably dry and unhealthy). How do you “balance” your face? With:
Toner. I thought this was pseudo-science nonsense for a long time, but it is actually an essential part of your skincare regime. A good toner shrinks your pores, restores your face’s natural pH level, and pre-moistens your skin so moisturizer will be absorbed more easily instead of sitting on top of your epidermis. Stay away from toners with alcohol as they will dry out your skin more than moisturizer can repair. I use Thayer’s Rose Petal Toner. Be wary of this product as it causes some people to break out. Remember, this isn’t a product you wash off-- it will stay on your skin, so if you have sensitive skin be on the look-out for any known irritants, drying agents, or allergies.
Treatment. Serums, essences, boosters, and ampoules. If you don’t have any problem areas, you can skip this step. However if you have redness, acne, dark spots, age spots, wrinkles, or any other number of things you want diminished, you can really benefit from this. I’m a fan of this Vitamin C Serum. Ampoules are concentrated serums made to target specific problems with more aggression and are short-term treatments. ‘Serum,’ ‘essence,’ and ‘booster’ are all kind of the same thing but are toted to have different properties and purposes (though they often don’t). If researching just one term doesn’t come up with anything you like, try the others.
Moisturizer. Good moisturizer maintains your face’s pH level and hydrates your skin, then keeps the moisture locked in throughout the day. If you are washing your face, you need to moisturize it. If you don’t, your skin will either remain desert-dry, or it will produce excess oils to compensate for all the cleansers that removed its natural oils. Because moisturizing is so important while at the same time so detrimental if you use the wrong product for your skin, I’m not linking to any specific product. Please research for your individual needs. A simple google search of, “Moisturizer for oily (or dry/ normal/ acne-prone/ sensitive/ etc) skin,” will produce results. Make sure to read reviews and ingredients. Some particularly good ingredients to look for are Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, and Centella Asiatica. Avoid products with high pH levels (of 7+).
Sunscreen. This is a necessity in the morning. Prolonged exposure to sunlight (which happens even on overcast days) hastens the aging of your skin, causes sun damage that will eventually be visible dark spots, and increases your risk of skin cancer. If none of your cosmetics have sunscreen and you will be outside for more than 15 minutes that day, I highly recommend adding sunscreen after your moisturizer has settled. Try this SPF 46 sunscreen. It’s a bigger hit to your wallet but it’s worth it to avoid visible-later-in-life sun damage and a visible-right-now greasy face.
Tips:
Wait a minute or two in-between steps before applying the next product. This gives the product time to sink in and do its work before being diluted by other ingredients or possibly even being wiped away when you apply something else.
Don’t rub toners and treatments on like you do for cleansers. Pat them gently onto your skin.
Buy facial sunscreen instead of reaching for whatever sunscreen is in your cupboard. If you are going to be exposed to the sun for prolonged time or in a more intense way, heavier sunscreen may be necessary, but for day-to-day use, more sensitive facial sunscreen is better for the more sensitive skin on your face!
Investing in a hat that shades your whole face is another option to protect your skin from sun damage. Especially if you refuse to wear sunscreen. But wearing both can’t hurt either.
Warnings:
Beware of knock-off brands on Amazon or Ebay. Even if the product looks the same and costs the same, check reviews for red flags. Or just be safe and buy straight from the company’s online store instead of going through a middle-man. Knock-off brands can use alternative ingredients that cause break outs, skin damage, or allergic reactions. At the very least, they will be worse quality products.
Having a clean, balanced face does not guarantee a blemish-free face. If you’ve tried everything under the sun to no avail, you may need prescription drugs to combat your skin problems. Consult a dermatologist if possible. They can also offer expert advice on what products your skin needs so you won’t be guessing.
You might not have the time or desire to put on even a little makeup, and that is perfectly fine. Feel free to skip this category. If I’m not going to wear any I don’t usually wash my face in the morning unless it’s feeling particularly gross. If you are going to wear makeup, first wash your face with a water-based cleanser then apply toner and moisturizer before any other products. This ensures any sweat, dust, or other dirt from the bed is washed off and the makeup won’t dry out your skin. After you’ve done that, you can do one of the following depending on your needs.
BB Cream. Essentially a very minimal foundation but, unlike foundation, BB Cream often comes with a host of other skin benefits such as sunscreen, color treatment, or special extracts. I use this MISSHA BB cream with sun protection and soothing extracts.
CC Cream. Stands for color correction cream. An alternative to BB Cream, though often a lighter product with less fancy skincare benefits. CC Cream may not cover every blemish to make your face look flawless, but it can cancel out redness or yellowing. Use this if you only want to even out your skin tone and don’t have any obvious bumps to cover. I don’t use CC Cream but based on my research, my best suggestion is this one from bareMinerals.
Foundation. If one of the creams is still not enough coverage for you, you can apply a layer of foundation over it or use foundation in its place. If you are putting foundation on top of a cream, remember that you won’t need as much product so be on the cautious side and use very little at first. You can always add more if it’s needed. I use this foundation from Colourpop; it comes in a huge variety of shades and is pretty cheap. However, the bottle is small. If you use a lot of foundation this is not ideal for you.
Concealer. If you’re still seeing acne, dark spots, or other skin blemishes, apply concealer to only those areas to cover them up better. Make sure to blend it out. I don’t think this is concealer but this is what I use and love: L’Oreal True Match Powder. Sometimes this is the only product I use because it works great, however since it is a powder it is very drying. Most people I know prefer liquid concealers. My friend swears by this concealer from Burt’s Bees, though it doesn’t offer a lot of shades.
Tips:
As you can tell, I’m not “brand loyal” and I don’t think anyone should be. Don’t assume because one brand’s toner works for you that their moisturizer is the best for you, too. Don’t be afraid to shop around, do your own research, and pay attention to ingredients, not the name on the container.
Long, scary-looking chemical names do not necessarily mean unnatural or harsh ingredients. Do not be scared off from a product just because the ingredient list isn’t five colloquial English words. If you’re concerned, a quick google search usually brings up an ingredient’s cosmetic purpose and whether it is known to cause problems.
Everyone has different skin types and thus their skins have different needs. Don’t assume the “miracle cure” your friend is raving about will solve all of your problems, too. Keep this in mind especially for people giving one-size-fits-all advice. “Stop using skincare products and your skin will take care of itself.” “The only thing people need is moisturizer after showers.” And so on. Unless they’re your dermatologist, they don’t know you or your skin. Ignore ignorance and focus on what you’ve seen and felt to work best on your skin.
Use alcohol-free toner to shrink pores and prep face for moisturizer.
Find the best moisturizer for your skin type and always use it after washing your face with anything more than water.
Apply facial sunscreen if none of your cosmetics have SPF properties. Don’t use sunscreen not specified for the face as it is greasy, heavy, and clogs pores.
If you want, apply BB Cream or CC Cream to cover blemishes and even-out the tone of your face. You can skip this step.
If you want or need more coverage, use a light foundation on top of or in place of a cream. You can skip this step.
Use concealer after cream or foundation to better cover problem areas that still stand out. You can skip this step.
Nightly Routine:
Wash off the day’s makeup or surface dirt with oil-based cleanser.
Clean face with water-based cleanser.
Exfoliate once a week.
Use alcohol-free toner to shrink pores and prep face for moisturizer.
If necessary, use a treatment to target specific problems with your skin. You can skip this step.
Find the best moisturizer for your skin type and always use it after washing your face with anything more than water.
Tips:
Mix up your routine by wearing the occasional mask after cleansing. I didn’t go into masks here because they aren’t necessary, but... they are fun, so if you have them, use them!
If you want to do as little as possible and/or buy the least amount of products (I don’t blame you), the fundamentals of skincare are cleansing, toning, and moisturizing before you go to bed. Three products, three steps, once a day. Hopefully that’s doable for you!
❧
As I said above, I’m not getting any money or benefits from this research and product advertising. If you’ve found this guide helpful please consider donating a few dollars as my family and I are in a tight spot financially. Here’s a link to my ko-fi. No worries if you can’t or don’t want to.
I hope this guide helped you understand skincare better. Feel free to send me questions, though I cannot guarantee I’ll be able to help. I’m also open to requests for other guides, or comments with your thoughts on this one. Thank you for reading.
Lactic Acid – v. gentle, good for those with dry & sensitive skin (has a moisturizing element because it’s derived from milk)
Ascorbic Acid – aka Vitamin C! Great for fine lines and brightening
Other less common acids:
Azelaic Acid – most commonly found in prescribed skin care treatments, good for inflammation, redness & bacterial acne
Citric Acid – antioxidant; good for those with who have early signs of aging and sun spots
Kojic Acid – a skin lightening agent that can often be very irritating
Linoleic Acid – a lighter version of Oleic acid, so its a much better moisturizer for people with oily skin
Lipolic Acid – a “universal antioxidant”, anti-aging, fights free-radicals
Malic Acid – gentle & good for clearing acne – so if you have acne-prone skin that’s too dry for salicylic acid, try this
Mandelic Acid – has the largest molecule of all AHAs meaning it penerates the skin slower so its suuuuuuper good for people with sensitive skin
Oleic Acid – a fatty acid found in oils like argan, and olive oil, creates a moisturizing seal, might be too moisturizing for people who don’t have dry skin
Tartaric Acid – smoothes skin texture
*DISCLAIMER : alwaysss patch test when trying a new product/acid because you don’t know how your skin will react – also, only try one new product at a time so you know exactly what product is giving you which reaction/result!
Use as part of your AM skincare routine. Using 15% Vitamin C & EGF Serum in your AM routine will help you get the most out of its antioxidant properties.
After cleansing and hydrating with your chosen hydrator, apply a pea-sized amount of 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum to face and neck and follow with your preferred moisturiser.
Apply SPF as the last step in your AM skincare routine.
INKEY Tip;
When layering treatments, we suggest working from thinnest to thickest consistency. Waiting a minute or so between applying each treatment will also help to avoid pilling.
Avoid using Vitamin C at the same time as Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acid products (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, AHA, Mandelic Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar) or BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid or C-50 Blemish Treatment). Use Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol OR AHAs/BHAs/PHAs in the evening.
When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.
We advise that prior to exposure to sun you use a broad spectrum SPF, immediately and up to 7 days after.
To keep your product working at its best, we recommend storing in a dry, cool place (ideally between 15-25 °C) and keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid direct contact with eyes. External use only. Keep out of reach of children.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative known for its benefits in skincare, particularly for anti-aging and acne treatment.
Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, while also helping to clear up breakouts. Retinol is available over-the-counter, but stronger retinoids may require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Key Benefits of Retinol:
◇Anti-aging:
Retinol helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots by increasing cell turnover and collagen production.
◇Acne treatment:
By promoting cell turnover, retinol can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
◇Skin texture improvement:
Retinol can help to smooth and even out skin tone and texture.
◇Collagen production:
Retinol stimulates collagen production, which can lead to firmer and more youthful-looking skin.
