I have prepared a short but comprehensive guide on how to care for your facial skin step by step – regardless of your age or skin type. Daily care of your facial skin is the foundation of a healthy and radiant look. As a beautician, I know how often skin care mistakes, improperly selected cosmetics or lack of regularity lead to skin problems. That is why I have prepared a short but comprehensive guide on how to care for your facial skin step by step – regardless of your age or skin type.
Get to know your skin – the foundation of effective care
The first and most important step in facial care is to correctly identify your skin type. This determines which cosmetics will work effectively and which may harm it. Many people incorrectly assess their complexion "by eye" or are guided by the temporary condition of their skin - e.g. dryness after winter or oiliness on hot days. Meanwhile, skin type is an individual matter and usually does not change dramatically in a short time, although it can be modified by hormones, age, diet, stress or weather conditions.
Normal skin
This is the most balanced skin type – neither too oily nor too dry. Pores are barely visible, skin is smooth, elastic and even in colour. It does not cause any major problems, responds well to most cosmetics and rarely gets irritated. Although it seems perfect, it does not mean that it does not need care – even normal skin should be regularly moisturised and protected from external factors.
Dry skin
It is characterized by a feeling of tension, roughness, a tendency to flake and often hypersensitivity. It may look dull, thin, and fine wrinkles appear faster. Dry skin has a compromised hydrolipid barrier and produces less sebum, which causes it to lose water faster. It requires intensive moisturization and lipid nourishment.
Oily skin
Oily skin produces excess sebum, which manifests itself through shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), enlarged pores, and a tendency to blackheads, lumps, and acne. Although it is often problematic, it also has its advantages – it ages later and is more resistant to external factors. The key to skin care is cleansing without excessive drying and regulating the sebaceous glands. We must not forget about moisturizing. Oily skin also needs moisturizing.
Combination skin
This is the most common skin type. It combines the characteristics of oily and dry skin – it is usually oily in the T-zone, while on the cheeks it can be dry or normal. It requires balanced care, often "zoned", i.e. adapted to the needs of individual areas of the face.
Sensitive skin
Delicate, prone to redness, burning, itching, allergic reactions and a feeling of tightness. It can coexist with other skin types - e.g. dry and sensitive or oily and sensitive. Requires very delicate care based on hypoallergenic cosmetics, without irritating substances (such as alcohol, strong preservatives or fragrances).
Why is it worth doing a professional skin analysis?
Although we can initially assess the skin type ourselves, only a specialist skin analysis in a cosmetology or dermatology clinic allows for a precise determination of its condition, condition and individual needs. The cosmetologist uses a magnifying glass, Wood's lamp, a diagnostic camera and measuring devices that analyze, among other things, the level of moisture, lubrication, elasticity and wrinkle depth.
Thanks to such analysis, it is possible to create a personalized care plan that actually works – without random testing of cosmetics or risk of irritation. This is the first step not only to beautiful skin, but also to conscious care based on knowledge, not marketing promises.
Daily care – step by step
Regularity and conscious selection of products are the key to healthy, radiant skin. Care should be adapted to the skin's rhythm - in the morning we focus on protection, and in the evening on regeneration. Below I present an example of a daily and evening routine using natural Orientana cosmetics.
Morning care – protection and hydration
Cleaning
In the morning, the skin requires gentle cleansing of excess sebum, sweat and remnants of night cosmetics. Recommended product Orientana: Face wash foam - a delicate but effective formula, ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Contains gentle cleansing substances and Japanese gourd, which moisturizes the skin.
Toning
The tonic restores the skin's physiological pH and prepares it for the next steps. Recommended Orientana product: Japanese Rose and Pandan Facial Tonic - soothes and moisturizes, ideal for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Serum
It is a concentrated cosmetic with active ingredients. This product should be adapted to the skin and its requirements. Recommended Orientana product: Serum Ampoules, Serum Reishi Ceramides,
Moisturizing Cream Moisturizing is an absolute must – even for oily skin.
A well-chosen cream protects the hydrolipid barrier and protects against water loss. Recommended Orientana product: Natural Face Cream Sandalwood and Turmeric - has anti-inflammatory effects, improves skin tone and moisturizes.
UV protection
Sunscreen is a must-have for morning skincare, regardless of the weather or season. Orientana doesn’t have a classic SPF cream yet, but in that case I recommend:
Evening care – cleansing and regeneration
Makeup removal
Thorough removal of make-up and impurities from the whole day is essential. Recommended product from Orientana: Beautifully scented, natural oil for removing make-up from the face, eyes and lips Golden Orange , which deeply cleanses the skin, removing even waterproof make-up.
Cleaning
The second stage of cleansing is a gel or foam – important to remove any traces of make-up removal. Recommended Orientana product: Foam or gel for washing the face.
Toning / Essence
After cleansing, it is worth reaching for a tonic or essence that restores balance and strengthens the epidermal barrier. Recommended product from Orientana: Essence with snail slime - acts as a tonic and serum in one.
Serum
At night, it is worth focusing on regeneration - the serum may contain anti-aging, firming or brightening ingredients. Recommended product Orientana: Serum with retinol.
Regenerating or nourishing cream
Night is a time of intensive renewal, so it is worth reaching for a more substantial cream. Recommended product from Orientana: Natural Ashwagandha Face Cream – an adaptogenic formula that strengthens the skin, reduces oxidative stress and supports regeneration during sleep.
Complementary care
Enzyme or acid peeling (1–2 times a week) removes dead cells and smoothes the skin.
Masks – selected to suit the needs of the skin: moisturizing, cleansing, soothing or lifting.
The most common skin care mistakes – what to avoid to avoid damaging your skin
Even the most promising skin care routine may not bring the expected results if we make basic mistakes. In my cosmetology practice, I regularly encounter skin problems that do not result from serious diseases, but from improper skin care habits.
Skipping make-up removal or not cleansing your skin thoroughly
Cleansing is the foundation of skin care. Failure to remove make-up or washing your face superficially leads to clogged pores, imperfections and even accelerated skin aging. Make-up residue, sebum, dust and environmental pollutants create a layer that blocks the skin from breathing and the action of cosmetics.
No UV filters - even in winter and on cloudy days
UV radiation is responsible for as much as 80% of signs of skin aging. It works all year round, even on cold and cloudy days. Its effects are often invisible right away – but after years, discoloration, wrinkles and loss of firmness appear.
Too aggressive mechanical peelings
Peelings with harsh particles, used too often or on sensitive skin, can cause micro-damage, irritation and weaken the hydrolipid barrier. The skin becomes more reactive and, with regular irritation, can even increase sebum production.
Testing too many new products at once
The sudden introduction of several new cosmetics can cause an allergic reaction, a rash or a worsening of the skin condition. In such cases, it is difficult to identify which ingredient or formula caused the harm.
Introduce new products one at a time, every few days. Give your skin time to react. If you experience any irritation, it will be easier to determine what caused it. Also, remember that “more” does not mean “better” – minimalism in skincare often brings better results than an excess of active substances.
Touching your face with your hands and a dirty phone
This is one of the most overlooked mistakes. Our hands are in contact with door handles, handrails, and screens all day long – we transfer bacteria and dirt to them, which then end up on our faces. It is similar with the phone screen, which is often warm and moist, which is an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow.
How to avoid it:
Avoid resting your hands on your face, and regularly wipe your phone with special antibacterial wipes. It is also worth using headphones, especially for long conversations.
Skipping exfoliation and removing dead skin
Exfoliation isn’t just a luxury accessory – it’s an important step in your skincare routine. Without regular exfoliation, dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface, blocking the absorption of active ingredients and causing a dull, tired look.
How to avoid this? Exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
Exfoliating the skin too often
Exfoliation is important, but too intense or frequent exfoliation can lead to irritation, disruption of the hydrolipid barrier and the effect of "overstimulated" skin - sensitive, red, and reactive to everything.
How to avoid it:
Use peeling according to the needs of the skin - usually once a week for dry and sensitive skin, maximum 2 times for oily or combination skin. Do not combine mechanical and acid peelings in the same week if you do not have experience.
Pillowcase and towel changed too infrequently
Textiles come into contact with our skin every day, and unfortunately they can easily accumulate bacteria, sebum residue and dead skin. Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase or wiping your face with the same towel for many days can lead to rashes, acne and inflammation.
Changing your pillowcase every 2-3 days and a separate face towel every day or every other day is the best prevention against "invisible dirt". Paper towels or soft microfiber cloths, washed in mild detergents, are ideal.
Makeup during training
Although many people can't imagine exercising without light makeup, unfortunately - makeup and sweat are a terrible combination. During exercise, the skin heats up, pores enlarge, and impurities and pigments from makeup can get into them more easily, leading to blackheads and pimples.
Squeezing pimples and inflammation
This is one of the most destructive habits. Squeezing pimples leads to skin damage, spreading bacteria, discoloration and acne scarring. Even with "clean hands" the risk of infection and acne recurrence is very high.
When should you go to a beautician?
Although home care is the foundation of healthy skin, there are situations in which it is worth (and even necessary) to use the knowledge and experience of a beautician. In the salon, you can not only learn exactly what your skin needs, but also get personalized care recommendations and perform treatments that cannot be performed at home. I have included the most common signals that it is a good time to visit a beautician below.
Are you having difficulty choosing home care?
Not sure what skin type you have? Have you tried many cosmetics but none of them work as promised? Is your skin reacting with redness, dryness or are new imperfections appearing? This is a sign that you need a professional skin analysis and an individually tailored care plan.
What a beautician offers:
- Diagnosis of skin type and condition,
- Establishing a morning and evening care routine,
- Choosing the right active ingredients for you,
- Help in eliminating care errors.
Are you struggling with skin problems?
Some problems cannot be solved by yourself or with drugstore cosmetics. Acne skin, discoloration, blood vessels or inflammation require not only proper care, but also professional office therapies.
It is worth going to a beautician when:
- Teenage and adult acne,
- Post-sun, post-inflammatory and hormonal discolorations,
- Dilated capillaries, erythema, tendency to redness,
- Dehydrated, grey and dull skin,
- Excessive seborrhea or dryness,
- Blackheads and keratosis of the epidermis.
Do you want to have professional care treatments?
Not all skin needs can be met with a drugstore cosmetic. Office treatments are more focused, individually selected and performed under the supervision of a specialist. Regular visits to the office can significantly improve the condition of the skin and prevent premature aging.
Most frequently recommended cosmetic treatments:
- Manual or touchless facial cleansing,
- Chemical peels (e.g. almond, glycolic, salicylic acid),
- Microneedle mesotherapy – regeneration, hydration, anti-aging,
- Treatments for dilated capillaries and redness (e.g. IPL, laser therapy),
- Banquet treatments – for immediate effect before an important event.
A beautician is not only a person performing treatments, but also an advisor in everyday care. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, they can look at the skin holistically - taking into account both its needs and the patient's lifestyle or previous care.
Working with a beautician helps avoid mistakes in skin care that often result from incorrect diagnosis of skin type or the use of too intensive preparations. Professional diagnosis is the first step to effective care.
Thanks to the individual approach, it is possible to better understand the needs of the skin - its reaction to active ingredients, seasonal changes or the impact of stress and diet. A beautician helps to choose effective and safe cosmetics that really respond to specific problems.
Regular visits to the office and combined therapy – a combination of home care with professional treatments – allow you to achieve noticeable results faster, while maintaining the comfort and safety of your skin.
Beautiful skin is not a matter of expensive cosmetics, but of regularity, conscious choices and a holistic approach to care. A healthy lifestyle, proper hydration, sleep and a balanced diet support the action of cosmetics from the inside.
Żaneta Pasierkiewicz - Orientana beautician
If you have any questions or would like individual advice, please contact me at Konsulta@orientana.pl Your skin deserves professional care!
