Skincare routine for normal skin
"Normal skin" is the bulk of most skin types. That's why it's referred to as "Normal Skin". We're talking about the skin type that doesn't feel too greasy at the end of the day. Nor does it feel so dry that it needs emergency surgery of moisturiser.
Somewhere in between is what we're talking about.
But, just because you may have been blessed with "Normal skin", it doesn't mean you can put away any of your skin products.
Your normal skin requires the same amount of TLC as any other skin type.
Again, Graceful Lilly recommends drinking a litre of water a day, face/body scrub and day/night moisturisers.
"So, you’ve got “normal” skin? Lucky you! Normal skin is one of the lower-maintenance skin types. It typically doesn’t require much work to prevent excess oiliness, sensitivity, or dryness.
However, there are still some steps you can take to ensure your skin looks and feels its best.
Whether it’s a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics you’re curious about, beauty is personal.
That’s why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs.
We only recommend something we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched by our team.
Normal skin may mostly come down to genetics. Just like your eye and hair color, you’re born with certain genes that influence your skin type.
However, hormone levels, stress, too much sun exposure, and certain products can upset the skin’s balance, ultimately leading to a change in skin type.
“A normal skin type is defined as not excessively oily or dry. It has no presenting conditions,” explains Spirithoula Koukoufikis, senior medical aesthetician at Skinfluencer London. “It’s overtly healthy and the sebum and moisture balance of the skin are well-balanced.”
With no major skin concerns to tackle, it can be challenging to know where to begin when creating a skin care routine for normal skin.
There’s no better place to start than with the basics. These include:
- Cleanse twice a day with a gentle, nonfoaming cleanser.
- Moisturize with a light, hydrating moisturizer.
- Protect your skin from sun damage with an SPF of 30 or more.
Koukoufikis recommends a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid. As a bonus step, you can treat the skin with a serum to brighten, hydrate, or smooth.
Less is more
Koukoufikis says less is more when it comes to creating a skin care routine for normal skin.
“It’s vital to keep it balanced. Don’t use products that strip the skin, as this will encourage it to produce more sebum,” she explains.
Similarly, overmoisturizing can prevent the skin from producing its own natural moisturizing factors.
Resurfacing
Once you’ve masted the basics, you can add another step: resurfacing.
“Every skin type has a shedding cycle. It’s important to introduce a resurfacing product to encourage cell turnover to keep skin healthy,” says Koukoufikis.
You can gently resurface the skin using products that contain retinol as well as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs).
This can happen when the delicate balance of the skin is upset, triggering the production of excess oil that clogs pores.
Try the following:
- Spot treat your breakouts with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
- Avoid overexfoliating. Remember, gentle cleansing is key.
- Swap heavier moisturizers for lighter, oil-free options.
- Avoid products containing alcohol.
There are many natural products believed to treat common skin care concerns. Some you’ll even find in your kitchen.
For example, coconut oil can add moisture, and oatmeal calms irritation.
Another natural ingredient you’ll often find in skin care products is rosehip oil, which may help with signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and mild acne.
Over the counter, you’ll find loads of products that are labeled “all-natural.” However, Koukoufikis believes that pharmaceutical-grade products are much more potent.
“If you buy an all-natural product or an OTC product, they have not been manufactured to the cosmeceutical standard and so will be less effective,” she says.
Good news! You don’t have to spend big to keep normal skin looking its best. There are skin care products to suit every budget.
To get the most bang for your buck, look out for active ingredients and check the dose listed on the packaging. For instance, active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are usually listed with a percentage.
If you’re investing in drugstore products, Koukoufikis says to make sure your cleanser is gentle. This will keep the skin’s pH stable.
Try to avoid anything overly harsh or drying.
Spoiler alert: the advice for men is exactly the same as for any other gender.
The only difference is that people who shave their faces should follow up with a shaving balm that doesn’t irritate or strip the skin.
“Immediately post-shave, the skin may be more sensitive, so using an anti-inflammatory such as hyaluronic acid and SPF is very important,” Koukoufikis adds.
The biggest mistake you can make with normal skin is to disrupt the balance between oil and water levels.
To maintain this delicate balance, Koukoufikis says you should stay away from harsh ingredients and heavy moisturizers. When it comes to exfoliating, only resurface the skin a maximum of 2 to 3 times a week.
And if you do throw that balance out of whack?
“Monitor the skin carefully,” she advises. “If you experience a breakout, rather than treating the entire facial area, treat only the spot.”
However you choose to look after your skin, it’s important you do so safely.
Koukoufikis advises avoiding harsh chemical peels. Instead, opt for regular facials every 4 to 8 weeks to give your skin a deep cleanse.
And always, every day, no matter what, wear an SPF 30+.
When getting professional treatments, double-check the credentials of the person carrying them out. Look for board-certified dermatologists and medical estheticians.
Now that you know how to care for normal skin, it’s time to choose your products. Below are some of our recommendations.
To curate this list, we consulted ingredients lists, scoured reviews, and asked our staff with normal skin for their recommendations.
If you’ve made adjustments to your skin care routine and are suddenly experiencing skin concerns that weren’t there before, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist.
They can assess your skin and work out why it’s going through changes.
Still have questions about normal skin? Get the facts below.
Does having normal skin mean I can take skin hygiene less seriously?
It’s easy to assume that with normal skin you’re off the hook when it comes to proper skin hygiene. However, according to Dr. Hassan El Husseini, a dermatologist at Dr. Kayle Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai, this is not the case.
“All skin types need to, at the very least, be well-cleansed twice a day, use moisturizer, and use antioxidants and SPF to maintain their skin health,” he says.
Can I use face scrubs on normal skin or are they too abrasive?
Face scrubs containing grainy materials can be a little too rough on the skin. It may be better to use a chemical exfoliator.
“All skin types have a skin cycle, and dead skin cells need to be sloughed away to enhance radiance. With normal skin, to keep the balance between the oil and water levels, exfoliators should only be used twice a week,” says Husseini.
When it comes to moisturizers, are richer or thinner formulations best for normal skin?
If your skin is feeling a little on the dry side, it can be tempting to reach for a rich, luxurious cream. However, lighter formulas are best.
Husseini adds that you should use a moisturizer every day, but sparingly.
Which is best for normal skin: an oil-based or water-based cleanser?
It comes down to personal preference.
“If you have normal skin, your main goal should be to find a cleanser that keeps your skin’s perfect balance intact,” says Husseini.
It’s a case of finding what works best for you.
How can I add radiance to normal skin?
Vitamin C is your go-to product for radiance. It helps to restore brightness and stimulates collagen production.
Normal skin is well-balanced and typically doesn’t present any major concerns, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp when it comes to looking after it.
A gentle routine that includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF covers the essentials. Serum and resurfacing products can provide additional support for brightening, hydrating, and nourishing." https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skincare/the-ultimate-skin-care-routine-for-normal-skin#takeaway
As you can see by the above, well-read quote, normal skin is what everyone wants because it is the easiest to care for. It doesn't mean that you can throw away all of your skincare products, though.