What skin type you have should determine your skin care routine
Why your skin type matters
All complexions are different, which is why it is so important to tailor your skin care routine to your skin type.
Before choosing products, it helps to understand how your skin usually looks and feels. Does it become shiny during the day, feel tight after washing, or have dry cheeks and an oily nose? These everyday clues can help you choose a routine that feels comfortable.
You do not need a bathroom full of products. Gentle cleansing, suitable moisturising and sun protection provide a useful starting point. The textures you choose and how you use them can then reflect your skin’s needs.
How to identify your skin type
Look for patterns over several ordinary days, rather than judging your skin immediately after exercise, harsh cleansing or a reaction to a new product.
Oily skin
Often looks shiny, particularly later in the day. Pores may be noticeable, and blackheads or blemishes may occur.
Dry skin
Can feel tight, rough or flaky. Dryness may be more noticeable after washing or during colder weather.
Illustration of normal skin with an even appearance and natural texture.
Normal skin
Usually feels comfortable, without persistent oiliness or dry patches. Occasional spots or changes can still happen.
Combination skin
Has oilier areas, often across the forehead, nose and chin, alongside cheeks that feel normal or dry.
Sensitive skin
May sting, itch or feel uncomfortable after certain products or environmental changes. Visible redness can occur, but sensitivity is not always obvious.
Sensitivity can overlap with oily, dry or combination skin. Treat these descriptions as a guide to choosing products, rather than a diagnosis.
Start with a simple skincare routine
In the morning, cleanse gently according to your skin’s needs, moisturise where needed and finish with sun protection. In the evening, remove make-up, sunscreen and the day’s build-up, then apply moisturiser.
A hydrating sunscreen may provide enough moisture on its own for some people, while drier skin may prefer moisturiser underneath.
Choose broad-spectrum sun protection with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Apply generously following the label and reapply at least every two hours while outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Shade and protective clothing matter too.
Skincare routine for oily skin
Oily skin still needs moisture. Choose a gentle cleanser and a light moisturiser that feels comfortable. If blocked pores are a concern, look for products labelled non-comedogenic, meaning they are formulated to be less likely to block pores.
Cleanse gently up to twice daily and after sweating, without scrubbing. Follow with moisturiser and daytime sun protection. Exfoliation is optional; reduce or stop if it irritates your skin.
Explore skincare for blemish-prone skin
Skincare routine for dry skin
For dry skin, focus on cleansing comfortably and replenishing moisture. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, then apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. A cream may feel more comfortable than a very light lotion.
Moisturise again when your skin feels dry, and avoid rubbing flaky areas with a rough cloth or scrub. Our Hydrating Cream Cleanser and Aloe Super Hydrating Fragrance Free Moisturiser are options to explore for a simple cleansing and moisturising routine.
Explore skincare for dry and dehydrated skin
Explore skincare for dry and dehydrated skin
Skincare routine for normal skin
If your skin generally feels comfortable, keep your routine straightforward. Choose a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser you enjoy using and suitable daytime sun protection. There is no need to introduce extra steps simply because a product is fashionable.
Notice how your skin responds to your current routine. If it starts feeling tight, greasy or irritated, review what has changed before adding another product. A routine that suits you should be manageable enough to use consistently.
Skincare routine for combination skin
Combination skin does not necessarily need two separate routines. Start with one gentle cleanser, then adjust moisturiser to suit different areas of your face. Your cheeks may appreciate a little more moisture, while your forehead and nose may feel comfortable with a lighter layer.
Avoid treating your whole face as oily if only some areas become shiny. Equally, you do not need to apply a rich cream everywhere because your cheeks feel dry. Pay attention to each area and keep the overall routine simple.
Skincare routine for sensitive skin
For sensitive skin, start with a few gentle, fragrance-free products. Natural ingredients are not automatically gentler. Introduce one new product at a time and test it on a small area first, following its instructions.
Testing can help you notice a reaction, but cannot guarantee that a product will suit you. Stop using anything that irritates your skin. Seek professional advice for persistent itching, burning, a rash or recurring reactions.
Adjust your routine as your skin changes
Your skin’s needs can change with the seasons, age and hormonal changes. A routine that once felt comfortable may need a small adjustment, such as a richer moisturiser when your skin feels drier.
Review how your skin feels and change one thing at a time. You do not need to replace your entire routine if most of it still works for you.
Build your routine around the essentials
Cleanse
Hydrating Cream Cleanser
A gentle cleansing step for removing daily build-up as part of your routine.
Hydrating Cream Cleanser
Moisturise
Aloe Super Hydrating Fragrance Free Moisturiser
For everyday moisture and softer, more comfortable-feeling skin.
Aloe Super Hydrating Fragrance Free Moisturiser
Eternal Skincare Aloe Anti-ageing Face Cream with SPF50+
Protect
Aloe Anti-ageing Face Cream with SPF50+
Broad-spectrum sun protection to use as the final step in your morning skincare routine, following the label directions.
Does your evening routine need a different cream?
A separate night cream is not essential, but a richer formula can be useful when your skin needs more moisture and comfort.
Our Repair & Replenish Overnight Cream combines aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for hydration with niacinamide and peptides to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and fine lines. Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, it helps leave skin feeling softer and smoother by morning.
Apply after cleansing in the evening, in place of your usual moisturiser.
Observe how your skin usually looks and feels over several days. Shine can suggest oiliness, while persistent roughness or flaking can suggest dryness. Different needs across your face may indicate combination skin. Sensitivity can occur alongside any of these patterns.
Observe how your skin usually looks and feels over several days. Shine can suggest oiliness, while persistent roughness or flaking can suggest dryness. Different needs across your face may indicate combination skin. Sensitivity can occur alongside any of these patterns.
Yes. Oily skin can still benefit from moisturiser. Choose a texture that feels comfortable. Products labelled non-comedogenic are formulated to be less likely to block pores. If you have persistent or painful acne, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Yes. Oily skin can still benefit from moisturiser. Choose a texture that feels comfortable. Products labelled non-comedogenic are formulated to be less likely to block pores. If you have persistent or painful acne, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Yes. Combination skin describes oilier and drier areas, while sensitivity describes how skin reacts. Choose gentle products and adjust the amount of moisturiser across your face.
Yes. Combination skin describes oilier and drier areas, while sensitivity describes how skin reacts. Choose gentle products and adjust the amount of moisturiser across your face.
No. Exfoliation is optional and daily use can be too much for some people. Follow the product directions and reduce or stop use if your skin becomes irritated.
No. Exfoliation is optional and daily use can be too much for some people. Follow the product directions and reduce or stop use if your skin becomes irritated.
Yes, if it suits your skin. A separate night cream is optional. In the morning, add suitable sun protection unless your moisturiser already provides adequate broad-spectrum protection and you apply it as directed.
Yes, if it suits your skin. A separate night cream is optional. In the morning, add suitable sun protection unless your moisturiser already provides adequate broad-spectrum protection and you apply it as directed.
No. Natural ingredients can still cause irritation or allergic reactions. Choose products based on how your skin tolerates the complete formula, rather than whether the ingredients are natural. Introduce new products one at a time and test them on a small area first.
No. Natural ingredients can still cause irritation or allergic reactions. Choose products based on how your skin tolerates the complete formula, rather than whether the ingredients are natural. Introduce new products one at a time and test them on a small area first.
Find a routine that works for your skin
Understanding your skin type gives you a useful starting point. Keep your routine simple, choose products that feel comfortable and adjust as your skin’s needs change.
Explore Eternal Skincare for cleansing, moisturising and sun protection to build your everyday routine.