How to Build a Skincare Routine Based on Your Skin Type

Skincare routines that work in Europe, Korea, or the US often fail in Pakistan.
Our extreme heat, humidity, pollution, dust, and hard water change how skin behaves — and ignoring this is the biggest reason people experience breakouts, irritation, and dullness.

If your skincare “stopped working” or made things worse, the issue is usually skin type mismatch + climate misuse.

This guide will help you build a simple, effective skincare routine based on your skin type, designed specifically for Pakistani weather and lifestyle.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type Correctly

Before buying products, identify your actual skin type, not assumptions.

Quick at-home test:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser

2. Apply nothing for 30–45 minutes

3. Observe your skin

Skin types explained:

• Oily skin: Shine, greasy feel, visible pores

• Dry skin: Tight, flaky, rough

• Combination skin: Oily T-zone, dry cheeks

• Sensitive skin: Burns, stings, reacts easily

• Acne-prone skin: Breakouts regardless of oil

• Dehydrated skin: Tight but oily (very common in Pakistan)

Many Pakistanis mistake dehydrated or barrier-damaged skin for oily skin and overuse harsh products.

Step 2: Core Skincare Routine (Everyone Needs This)

Regardless of skin type, these 4 steps are non-negotiable:

1. Cleanser

2. Hydration (toner or serum)

3. Moisturizer

4. Sunscreen (morning only)

❌ You do NOT need 10 products
❌ Overuse of actives damages the skin barrier

Skincare Routine by Skin Type:

 Oily Skin Routine (Most Common in Pakistan)

Common issues: Excess oil, acne, clogged pores, sweat breakouts

Morning:

• Gentle gel cleanser

• Lightweight hydrating toner

• Oil-free moisturizer

• Gel or serum sunscreen (SPF 50+)

A hydrating but oil-balancing toner like GRIP Oil-Control Toner helps reduce excess shine without stripping the skin.

Night:

• Cleanser

• Niacinamide-based hydration serum such as PULP Hydration Serum

• Light moisturizer

 Oily skin still needs hydration — skipping it increases oil production.

 Dry Skin Routine

Common issues: Flakiness, dullness, sensitivity

Morning:

• Cream or milk cleanser

• Hydrating toner like WAVE Hydrating Toner

• Barrier-supporting serum

• Moisturizer

• Cream-based sunscreen

Night:

• Gentle cleanser

• Hydration serum

• Rich moisturizer (slightly thicker layer)

Products with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide help repair dryness caused by hard water and air conditioning.

 Combination Skin Routine

Common issues: Oily nose & forehead, dry cheeks

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser

• Hydrating toner

• Lightweight moisturizer

• Sunscreen

Night:

• Cleanser

• Target treatment only on oily areas

• Balanced moisturizer

Avoid using exfoliating serums all over the face.
For occasional brightening, RAY Exfoliating Serum can be used 2- 3 times per week, only at night.

 Sensitive Skin Routine

Common issues: Burning, redness, sudden breakouts

Morning:

• Ultra-gentle cleanser

• Calming toner

• Simple moisturizer

• Mineral or sensitive-skin sunscreen

Night:

• Cleanser

• Barrier-repair hydration serum

• Moisturizer

 Acne-Prone Skin Routine

Common issues: Active acne, marks, inflammation

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser

• Hydrating toner

• Oil-free moisturizer

• Sunscreen (critical to prevent dark marks)

Night:

• Cleanser

• Acne-targeted serum like FADE Acne Serum

• Moisturizer

For post-acne marks and uneven tone, a Vitamin C serum like C10 can be introduced slowly once acne is under control.

Step 3: Adjust Your Routine for Pakistani Climate

Pakistan’s environment requires smart adjustments:

•  Heat → lightweight textures

•  Pollution → proper night cleansing

•  Humidity → hydration without heaviness

•  Hard water → barrier repair products

If your skin burns or stings, stop actives immediately — that’s a sign of barrier damage, not “purging”.

Common Skincare Mistakes:

❌ Skipping sunscreen indoors
❌ Using whitening or steroid creams
❌ Over-exfoliating to “remove tan”
❌ Copying influencer routines blindly
❌ Believing oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer

Final Advice: Build Smart, Not Aggressive

Healthy skin isn’t about trends — it’s about:

• Understanding your skin type

• Respecting Pakistan’s climate

• Using fewer, better products

• Giving skin time to recover

✨ Calm skin is healthy skin.