She Strengthens

Unlock Your Unique Skin Type and Achieve Healthy, Glowing Skin

Walking down the skin care aisle can be overwhelming, with countless products promising flawless skin. But the truth is, replicating routines rarely delivers results. So, what’s the secret to building a personalized skin care routine that truly works?

Determine Your Skin Type

Before crafting your routine, you need to know your skin type. Here’s how to find out:

• Take the bare-faced test: Wash your face, pat it dry, and wait 30 minutes. Assess your skin:
  • Normal: No redness, dry patches, or oil.
  • Dry: Flaky, dry, or tight skin.
  • Oily: Greasy or oily skin.
  • Combination: Shiny T-zone, dry rest of the face.
  • Sensitive: Itchy, red, or irritated skin.

Set Your Skin Care Goals

Define your goals to narrow down products that align with your needs:

• Reducing hyperpigmentation/brightening: Look for products with vitamin C and kojic acid.
• Anti-aging: Products with retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can help.
• Clearing acne: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) may be effective.

Be Patient and Consistent

Remember, it takes time to see results. Dermatologist Dr. Elaine Kung advises, “Be patient with your skin before giving up. It may take a few cell cycles for [your products] to improve any skin conditions.”

Build Your Routine

Here’s a simple, effective routine for every level and need:

1. Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, twice a day. CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Neutrogena offer great options.
2. Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer that balances your skin’s needs.
3. Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Optional Steps

1. Tone: If you want extra exfoliation or hydration, try a toner like Paula’s Choice or The Ordinary.
2. Serum: Target specific issues with serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, or peptides.
3. Eye Cream: If you have under-eye concerns, look for eye creams with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or caffeine.

Pricing Guide

• $: Under $10
• $$: $10-$30
• $$$: Over $30

By following these steps and being patient, you’ll be on your way to achieving healthy, glowing skin that’s uniquely yours.