As interest in skincare continues to grow, many Kenyans are adopting skincare routines to address common concerns such as acne, excess oil, dryness, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
While social media often promotes complicated skincare regimens, dermatologists emphasize that an effective routine begins with understanding one’s skin type and choosing products that match it.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), an individual can only have an effective skincare routine after understanding their skin type.
“Use skin care products that match your skin’s needs. What’s your skin type—oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive? Using products formulated for your skin’s needs will help your skin look and feel its best,” the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) clarifies on choosing skin care products.
Skincare Routine According to Skin Type
Dermatology experts explain that skin types can be classified as oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive, with each type having unique needs.
Further, experts note that oily skin produces excess sebum and is often characterized by shine, enlarged pores, and frequent breakouts.
On the other hand, dry skin type feels tight, rough, or flaky, while combination skin typically features an oily T-zone including the forehead, nose, and chin with normal or dry cheeks.
Normal skin is generally well-balanced, whereas sensitive skin is more prone to irritation from certain products or ingredients, according to dermatology experts.
According to skin experts, individuals with sensitive skin often experience irritation and itching.
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Morning and Night Routine
A morning skincare routine should focus on cleansing, hydration, and protection, according to experts such as the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic.
For the routine process, one should begin with cleansing to remove sweat, oil, and impurities from the skin.
For oily skin, a foaming or gel-based cleanser may help manage excess oil production.
On the other hand, dry and sensitive skin types of benefit from cream or hydrating cleansers that cleanse without stripping away moisture.
However, during the morning routine, over-cleansing should be avoided, as it weakens the skin barrier.
After cleansing, applying a moisturizer helps maintain hydration and supports the skin’s protective barrier.
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin requires moisturizing with lightweight lotions suited to the skin type, while dry skin requires richer creams.
The final morning routine step is the application of sunscreen to protect the skin from the ultraviolet radiation.
Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 helps protect against sun damage, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging, as explained by Doctor Susan Taylor, President of the American Academy of Dermatology.
At night, individuals should apply treatment products containing ingredients such as niacinamide and retinol, which help prevent acne, uneven skin tone, and signs of aging.
In addition, Kenyan women can take part in the overnight hydration to replenish moisture and support the skin’s natural repair process.
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Recommended Products by Skin Type
The skincare market offers numerous choices, but dermatologists generally recommend products that are gentle, non-comedogenic, and suited to individual skin needs.
| Skin Type | Cleanser | Moisturizer | Sunscreen |
| Oily | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Cleanser | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or Avène Hydrance Light Emulsion | La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control SPF 50+ or Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 50 |
| Dry | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M | CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra SPF 50+ |
| Combination | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser | CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion | Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50+ or Garnier Super UV SPF 50 |
| Normal | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion | Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50+ or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF 50+ |
| Sensitive | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra SPF 50+ or CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 |
Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
According to the skin experts, many skin problems arise from incorrect skincare practices, including skipping sunscreen.
Further, the experts have advised against over-exfoliation, and excessive scrubbing can damage the skin barrier and worsen issues such as acne and sensitivity.
Dermatologists also caution against using home remedies such as lemon juice, toothpaste, baking soda, and undiluted apple cider vinegar on the face.
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