The Importance of a Good Skin Care Routine When it comes to developing a skin care routine that optimizes the health of your skin, there are many variables to consider. With products for every type of skin need, it can be difficult to identify which is right for you. The first step in formulating your individual skin care routine is to identify what kind of skin you have. Is it dry or oily, light or dark, wrinkled or smooth, or somewhere in between? Ingredients in each skin care product should be tailored to meet the needs of your particular skin type. There are three basic skin types: Normal/Dry Oily/Combination Which type of skin you have depends on the amount of oil your skin produces. No matter what your skin type, though, the basic steps of a good skin care routine are the same: Cleanse Moisturize Repair Prevent Cleanse No matter what your skin type, you will most likely only need to wash your face in the morning and before bed. Since the skin loses its natural lubrication when it is over-washed, it’s best to keep extra washing to a minimum. Bar soap can be harsh and drying to the skin, so use a cleanser specifically formulated for the face. Look for products that are specifically designed for your skin type. If you have dry skin, make sure that you aren’t using too harsh of a cleanser. Dry skin needs gentle cleansing. If you have oily skin, avoid “superfatted” soaps and creamy cleansers, as these will only increase the amount of oil on the skin. Instead, use products designed for oily skin. Don’t give in to the temptation to wash your face every time it feels greasy. By doing so, you’ll kick the sebaceous gland’s production of oil into overdrive as the skin tries to replace the lubrication it loses when it is washed. For combination/normal skin, look for products labeled for your skin type. Most likely, you’ll have to experiment to find the right cleanser for your particular skin. The right cleanser will be one that doesn’t overdry skin but still does a good job of cleaning off dirt and oil. Moisturize Moisturizer is a must for dry skin. The drier the skin, the more moisturizing ingredients your moisturizer should contain.