Starting Skincare Routine With Active Ingredients for Your Skin Type

Whether you want to solve your skin issue like acne, blemishes, hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, flaky skin etc or just want to keep your skin healthy and glowing, It is important to include some good products with active ingredients in your daily skin routine. You don't have to add tons of branded products and end up hurting your skin.

Instead, do thorough research about what product is suitable for your skin and issue and then find good brands, not just expensive one, but who have good reviews and produce quality products then quality ads. 

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To get started with proper skin care routine first analyze your skin type, whether it is dry, oily, combination or sensitive. Also keep in mind that the climate in your area matters a lot. Like if you are living in humid or dry weather or getting more sun exposure then other parts of the world. Once you figure out what really your skin type is, look for the ingredients which are necessary for you. Don't go for the trending ingredients which every one else is using like if you have sensitive skin stay away from potent acid products.

To keep the things simple for you, we are sharing basic ingredients and about the skin type they will work best. Before we share them, we need to tell you one more interesting thing. You can find all products containing these ingredients in your local pharmacy or departmental store in any country. Yes, it is not complicated, just be smart about the the formula or better yet discuss with dermatologist and you can buy them easily near you.

1. AHA (Alpha-hydroxy acid)
Works as exfoliator, AHA break dead skin easily and let the new skin surface which looks more healthy, bright and glowing. Lactic, Citric acid, Malic acid and Glycolic acid are common examples of AHAs. As it removes dead skin so it is good option for dry and dull skin but oily skin can also use it occasionally for renewal of their skin. It is best to use at night time as it will make your skin little sensitive and sun/environmental exposure can harm the skin. My favorite is Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Skin type: For dry skin (oily skin can use as well)
Right time of application: Best to use at night and use SPF at day time. Use twice a week.
Purpose: Exfoliation, to improve uneven skin tone, anti-aging, remove hyper pigmentation and dark spots, for glowing and brighter skin


2. BHA (Beta-hydroxy acid)
Also exfoliator like AHA, BHA works on pores deeply and clean the oil and debris from them, treating breakouts and acne while reducing inflammation. Salicylic acid is best example of BHA, widely used for acne or spot treatment. It also works as exfoliant but works on deeper layers of skin. Use it at night and apply SPF in day time. The BHA exfoliator is hands down Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid

Skin type: For oily and acne prone skin (dry skin can use as well)
Right time of application: Best to use at night and use SPF at day time, Use twice a week
Purpose: Exfoliation, clean pores from impurities, remove black/white head, soothes inflamed skin, treats acne spots.

Detail Post: Why Choose Liquid Exfoliators and The Best for Your Skin type

3. Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide which reduces blemishes and help with large pores by clearing it. You will see visible results within days of using it. It is also very effective for fine lines, dullness, hyper pigmentation, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. For different skin type, look for different bases like cream, lotion for dry skin and serums for oily skin. I love Ordinary Niacinamide the best.

Skin type: All skin with right base ingredient
Right time of application: Any time of day, use SPF along, don't apply along vitamin C
Purpose: Clean pores from impurities and minimize their appearance, remove blemishes and hyper pigmentation, improves skin texture, for fine lines and wrinkles.


4. Hyaluronic Acid
The best ingredient to hydrate your skin from within is hyaluranic acid specially for dry skin it is must. However you have to use hyaluranic acid correctly to get benefits from it. It can be used for all skins but dry, itchy, flaky and sensitives skins can get most benefit from it. It hydrates skin from inside and keep it hydrated for longer. Improves skin texture, dullness and help it keep healthy and plum. Read best drugstore hyaluronic acids for all skin

Skin type: Best for dry, sensitive, aging skin but all skin can use it
Right time of application: Any time of day
Purpose: Improves skin texture, Keep skin plum and healthy, remove dullness, provides intensive hydration.


5. Retinol
Known as an anti aging ingredient, it restore skin cells and help smoothing the lines. It is best for skins who want to start anti aging products and can be suitable for every skin with right base. Like for dry skin, it should be included it hydrating old base (creams, lotions) while for oily skin it should be picked with water base (serums).

Skin type: All skin with right base ingredient
Right time of application: Best to use at night but can be applied in day along with SPF, don't apply along any other active ingredients
Purpose: To fade age spots, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, for skin restoring


6. Vitamin C
It can be used by all skins where it improves skin tone, removes dark spots, hype pigmentation, sun burns and brighten the skin from inside. For aging skin, it also improves the skin health while fading fine lines and wrinkles. You can read our detail post about why you should start using Vitamin C and top recommendations.

Skin type: All skin with right base ingredient
Right time of application: Can use any time, can be applied in day along with SPF
Purpose: For brighten complexion, fades spots, uneven skin tone, hyper pigmentation, anti aging, prevent environmental effects