Routines by skin type
Simple routines for oily, dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin, and for living in a hot, humid tropical climate.
- A routine for dry skin: shorter showers, damp skin and the right moisturizer
A sourced routine for dry skin: the AAD's habits (short, warm showers, moisturizing within minutes on damp skin, ointments and creams over lotions, fragrance-free products, a humidifier), how humectants, emollients and occlusives work together, and how dry air indoors and in winter climates affects the skin barrier.
- A routine for oily and acne-prone skin: cleansing, OTC treatments and patience
A dermatologist-guided routine for oily and acne-prone skin: how to cleanse without stripping, how to choose between benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and adapalene, why moisturizer still matters, sunscreen for oily skin, what to expect in 6 to 8 weeks, and when to see a dermatologist.
- A routine for sensitive skin: fewer products, no fragrance, and how to find your trigger
A practical routine for sensitive skin: what 'sensitive' means, common triggers (fragrance, essential oils, some preservatives, acids, retinoids, hot water, climate), how to strip back and rebuild a routine one product at a time, choosing sunscreen, and conditions that look like sensitive skin, such as rosacea and contact dermatitis.
- A skincare routine by skin type: how to tell yours, and the three steps that matter
How to work out your skin type (oily, dry, combination, normal, sensitive) with a simple at-home method, and how to build a minimal routine of cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen for each, with optional actives, based on American Academy of Dermatology guidance.
- Skincare in a hot, humid climate: a routine for the tropics, and for air-conditioning
A practical skincare routine for hot, humid tropical climates such as Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand: lighter textures, cleansing after sweat, water-resistant sunscreen and reapplication, heat rash and yeast-related breakouts, the drying effect of air-conditioning, and how to adapt products bought from the US or Europe.
